Taylor Shaffer: Modesty and meaningful relationships

Taylor Shaffer: I wanted to be a photographer mainly because I realized it was a job that would allow me to work outside. When I was 18 I remember brainstorming different career paths I could do in the outdoor industry and at the same time I was beginning to consume climbing media. I saw a climbing image Jimmy Chin had taken and it had a North Face logo on it. I thought, he must have been paid for this. I started taking photos of my friends out climbing. I got hooked pretty quickly and realized I had a natural eye for it. I built out a little van and lived on the road for a few years doing exactly that. I would work construction on and off just to scrap together a few hundred bucks each month to keep the dream alive. Slowly it all started to take shape and the ball was rolling.

Taylor Shaffer: I worked as a photographer, videographer, and van support for Tommy (Caldwell) and Alex (Honnold) during their biking journey. I was the only cameraman that was with them for every day of the expedition which lasted about two months. The pressure I put on myself to document their trip well and not miss anything was really challenging to deal with. It took me a while to gain confidence in my work and know I was doing a good job. I had to push my boundaries and comfort level a few times to keep up with them.

Taylor Shaffer: Alex invited me on the trip two weeks prior to us leaving and I was busy working on a different shoot during that time. So I didn’t do any specific or new preparation for this project. I am always making sure I stay fit as a climber and runner throughout the year because of situations like this. You never know when you are going to get a phone call for a crazy job and I have learned that people respect you a lot more when you can keep up with everyone on the team. Mentally I didn’t have much time to dwell on the project which was probably a good thing. In a lot of ways this project felt like my final exam. It felt like I had been going to school the last few years trying to learn as much as I can about making a business out of adventure photography and this project really put all my skills as a rock climber and a photographer to the test.

Taylor Shaffer: Near the end of the trip I was sitting on the glacier under the Devil's Thumb and I was being interviewed by Tommy and Alex. Also sitting next to them was Renan Ozturk, Pablo Durana, and Matt Pycroft. Alex and Tommy being my climbing heroes and then Renan, Pablo, and Matt have been my main photography idols. Truly all heroes of mine and people I never thought I would get to meet. It was a really intense and emotional moment for me. I broke down and just cried. Looking at all of their faces and reminiscing on the whole journey I have been on. It was so surreal and felt like I finally woke up to the situation. I can’t help but feel so proud of myself when I think back on that moment.

Taylor Shaffer: I learned two main things. Firstly, I have learned that I should always continue to dream up big impossible goals because you never know, they might come true. And secondly, I learned the power of friendship. Tommy and Alex have such a bond and when they get together they can dream up anything they want. They inspire each other and have each other's back at all times. They are unstoppable together. Their relationship made me think about the friends in my life and the relationships I have that make me feel that way. So I want to continue putting more energy into quality relationships with people that make me feel like I can do anything.

Taylor Shaffer: At the current moment I am really trying to take some time to reflect on the last year and just appreciate it. I usually get caught up in chasing the next best thing, however, lately I have been so content to step on the brakes and be proud of what I have accomplished and be thankful for the people that have supported me. I always have creative ideas and projects brewing in my head but we will just have to wait and see what all comes into fruition.