I’ve Photographed Climbers For A Whole Year In Search Of Their Real Personality

Rock climbing – most people would associate it with danger, fear, adrenaline and outright foolishness. To the climbers, it hosts a vast array of experiences, physical challenges, spiritual journeys and good times spent with good friends. Rock climbing changed my life 6 years ago, making a quick shift between naive discovery and complete addiction. I have dedicated the past year documenting some of the most passionate and talented Israeli climbers who have been pushing their boundaries and inspiring others to do the same.

Climbing photography comes with its unique experiences and a dose of excitement and exposure. Hanging from a rope midair, a climbing photographer has to wait and calculate the precise moments, lighting and position to turn vision in to reality. The unique blend of different factors in climbing photography sometimes leads to failed attempts at realizing this vision, but just as often leads to new visions being realized in the moment, as the climber is moving on the other side of the lens.

For the most part, this project has been a journey of learning, discovery and realization, but at the same time, looking back, the shared experiences between climbers, the incredible social vibe at the crag and strong connection with nature all seem to have been just as significant.

More info: diegorosman.com

Or Wechsler

26 years old, climbing since ‘98.
I find it important to climb from the heart, through my muscles, tendons and veins. Everything else is background noise. In my eyes, real climbing is an experience of flow, of loss of time continuance, all while feeling distant from everyday worries, Nothing matters except “something to hold on to”. This flow is something that I can feel mostly when at my absolute physical limit, which is where I always strive to be.

Alon Gurman

25 years old, climbing since ‘05.
As a kid, climbing was the first thing I did that truly motivated me. As a young adult climbing gives me structure and direction.
It is an absolute passion that drives me to train, plan and travel in pursuit of what seems to be an endless list of dream routes and destinations.

Yael Taub

21 years old, climbing since ‘06.
Climbing is a lifestyle for me. I love the logic of learning new types of movement, how every training or outdoor session teaches me a new life lesson. I love how facing challenges gives me life skills that I can use to succeed where I’ve failed in the past.
I enjoy seeing the capabilities of my body and mind. I like competing but at the same time pushing myself to my physical limit, as well as succeeding at new personal bests is very important to me. It’s not always easy to stay motivated and I often find myself wondering whether I’m doing what I love and if I’m good enough. One of the things that motivate me is feeling how strong I can be.

Or Miniely

I’ve Photographed Climbers For A Whole Year In Search Of Their Real Personality

20 years old, climbing since ‘12.
Climbing is my life. I feel my true self when I am climbing and that’s where I express my feelings and energy the most. Climbing has changed my life completely both physically and mentally. For me, climbing is the best life coach. It teaches you how to solve problems, how to be calm and focus, and when to release your inner beast, same as dealing with failure and experience success. My goal is to become the best climber I can possibly be.

I’ve Photographed Climbers For A Whole Year In Search Of Their Real Personality