When you think of a great photograph, it’s often one that allows you to reflect on a memory, a location or a certain feeling. The Lifestyle category takes us behind the scenes, away from the action and lets us, as viewers in on these moments.
The winner of the category is Alexander Wick and here his story behind the shot!
“Together with my boys Phil and Chris I went on a US West-Coast climbing trip. Obviously Yosemite is a must and so we tested our very humble European crack climbing skills right away on El Capitan‘s Salathé Wall. A climb I‘ve been dreaming of for quite a while.
“The first Ascent of this line was a master piece way ahead of its time. Climber and photographer Tom Frost was part of the three-man team back then. His photography of the same climb is just breathtaking. The picture of Royal Robbins napping on a rock atop El Cap Spire with loads of exposure is one of my favorites, so of course I planned on getting a tribute shot to the old masters once we reached the spot. As we got stuck behind another climbing party just up on El Cap spire I used the moment, aided my way up the next pitch and took the shot as the boys and our new friend Luke actually took a nap.
“No old hemp ropes and linen haul bags like in 1961 but modern nylon and Dyneema this time. No uncharted terrain but a well-known and established route. Having a rest amidst a sea of granite: probably almost as amazing as back in the days.”
In this insightful category, Alexander beat out fellow finalists Tyrone Bradley, Nicolás Pina Calvin, Denis Klero, Andrew Miller and Kohei Ueno to take the crown.
See if is image will be the overall winner! Follow the Winner Award Ceremony live!