Princess Leah on Star Wars, Eldorado Canyon, Colorado

Barack Obama gives his historic acceptance speech at Invesco Field at the Democratic Convention in Denver, Colorado

Anderson Cooper Needs a Beer at the DNC

Eyes Closed Katie

After Hillary gave her speech at the Democratic National Convention in Denver I got this shot of Mr. Cooper looking like he’d wished he went to law school. Like a true TV pro, as soon as the camera fired up so did Anderson’s game face.

Mr. Natural

Matt Shooting Mr. Natural. Photo: Rich Crowder

Rich and Kristie all smiles at the end of the shoot

Ms. Kristie Arend on the classic Eldorado 5.8 crack Mr. Natural. This was another shoot for the new Eldorado Canyon guidebook, due out this winter. I was lucky to have Rich Crowder along for the ride. Rich helped me rig and shot from above while I got the side angle.

Calypso, Eldorado Canyon, Colorado

We showed up in Eldorado Canyon to do another shoot for the new guidebook. As we drove into the canyon the light was perfect. But as soon as we hiked to the base of the route, the clouds socked in and it began to rain. Discouraged and a bit annoyed we thought there was little chance of any successful climbing or photography. Just as we decided to quit and go home the clouds began to break and the sun reappeared under nice soft clouds. The shoot was on. Sara climbed gracefully, giggling her way up the beautiful 5.6 Eldo classic.

Climbing in Eldorado Canyon

My friend Marc is on the verge of completing a new traditional route on Hawk-Eagle Ridge in Eldorado Canyon. After many days effort, a ground fall off of a blown out TCU, and multiple falls near the final jug, he’s damn close to sending it. Not bad for a bald 42 year old with an infant son and a full-time job.

Update: Marc sent the route in July after what he thinks might have been forty days of effort. The Grim Reaper goes at 5.13b/R. Nice work Marc.

Jordan River, BC. Surfing

On my latest trip to Vancouver Island the III crew and kids went camping at Jordan River. Jordan River is one of Canada´s best surf spots. Located on the Canadian side of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the right point break only works off a north swell, so winter is the time. The spot has a nasty localized reputation with all kinds of rumors of fistfights in the dirt parking lot and vandalized cars of unwelcome outsiders. Since I was there only to shoot we didn’t have any issues.

The waves were lining up nicely in the late morning. These two guys were getting long ride after long ride.

Cover Shots

Construction in the downtown core. Cover of Victoria Business Examiner