When climbing and photography cozy up together on a portaledge, you can expect a bundle of inspiration to be born. Humans have been captivated by stories of the vertical realm ever since the first mountaineers safely returned home after a glimpse beyond the clouds. These tales put life into perspective, help us sort the trivial from the true, and keep us keeping on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ve spent much of my life chasing moments<\/a> in one way or another,\u201d says Ken Etzel<\/a>, climber, photographer, and filmmaker. Right out of college, he pursued a master\u2019s degree in biology, studying birds as indicators of ecological change. But his work soon shifted to exploring the connection between the environment and people. Climbers were the perfect muses. \u201cThe images are authentic and real,\u201d he says. \u201cThere are miles under those feet, and grit under their nails.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Etzel\u2019s work<\/a> has taken him all over the world, from his base in Bishop to Marrakesh to British Columbia. But his ultimate goal of \u201cinspiring people to get off the couch and reach their own lofty goals\u201d sits a little closer to home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Join us today for an Instagram Live session with Etzel<\/a> and Liam Lonsdale<\/a> to peek behind the scenes\u2014ahem, send\u2014and learn what it takes to be a successful climbing photographer and filmmaker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n