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Antoine Bellavance Photo

@antoinetheswan

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Australian landscape and rock climbing photographer.
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Last Sunday felt like a milestone for me.

For the first time, I took my camera up onto the wall instead of staying on the ground.

I’m still early in learning climbing photography, so everything felt new.

Figuring out where to position myself, getting comfortable hanging on the rope, and looking for moments to capture.

It gave me a whole new appreciation for what climbing photographers do. Being on the wall completely changes the perspective.

These photos are from Falcon’s Lookout at Werribee Gorge, Victoria. Huge thanks to my wife, @giuliasquiggle for being my first subject!

I honestly can’t remember the last time I was this excited to learn a new skill. Photography has always been a big part of my life, climbing is becoming another, and finally being able to combine the two feels so cool.

Taken on a Canon 90D with a 24—105mm lens.

#climbingphotography #climbing_pictures_of_instagram #rockclimb #rockclimbing #climbinglife

@canonanz @petzl_official @mammut @blackdiamond @salewa @dmm_climbing @verminworld

[Rock climbing, Outdoor climbing, Sport climbing, Trad climbing, Rock climber, Climbing photography, Adventure photography, Werribee Gorge, Canon photography] by @antoinetheswan

Lately I’ve become obsessed with the idea of combining my passion for rock climbing and photography together.

Not just taking photos of climbers from the ground, but learning how to get up on the wall with them and capture perspectives lots of people never get to see.

So this is part 1 of my journey to becoming a rock climbing photographer.

If you’re a climber or photographer, I’d love to hear your tips. And if you’re learning something new yourself, follow along and let’s figure this out together.

What’s the one skill every climbing photographer should learn first?

#rockclimb #rockclimbing #climbinglife #climblife #climbing_pictures_of_instagram

@canonanz @petzl_official @mammut @australia by @antoinetheswan

This place looks like a painting, it’s so beautiful. The light catching the unique shape of the mountains throughout the day cause crazy cool patterns of light and dark.

#flindersranges #landscapephotography #desert #canonaustralia @canonanz by @antoinetheswan

Great views, questionable posture.

#canon #discoverearth #fantasticearth #landscapephotography by @antoinetheswan

Turns out, the hardest part about climbing photography isn’t actually the photography.

In this episode, I’m learning how to ascend a rope while confusing everyone at my gym in the process.

It’s pretty humbling, feeling like a complete beginner again. But that’s also what makes it exciting.

Slowly building the skills to capture those unique perspectives you only get while hanging beside climbers on the wall.

Thanks to everyone who’s been following along. Really appreciate all the advice and support.

I’ve got A LOT more to learn, so I’ll see you in the next video!

#rockclimb #rockclimbing #climbinglife #climblife #climbing_pictures_of_instagram

@canonanz @rab.equipment @petzl_official @mammut @thenorthface_climb @patagonia_climb @blackdiamond by @antoinetheswan

The rope wasn’t the only thing getting wound up.

#rockclimb #rockclimbing #climbinglife #climblife #adventurelifestyle by @antoinetheswan

I could’ve just posted a selfie.

#rockclimb #rockclimbing #climbinglife #climblife #adventurelifestyle by @antoinetheswan

I’m only 3 parts into my journey of rock climbing photography, and I haven’t even brought my camera up onto a wall yet.

But I’m having so much fun.

This episode was my first time taking my rope setup outdoors, and it was a huge step up from practicing in the gym… literally 🤪

A massive thank you to everyone who’s been sharing advice, encouragement and constructive feedback, it’s been really helpful.

Next up: learning the essential knots all climbing photographers should know. What knot should I start with first?

If you’re a rock climber or rock climbing photographer, I’d love to hear what you think I should learn next.

#rockclimb #rockclimbing #climbinglife #climblife #climbing_pictures_of_instagram

@canonanz @rab.equipment @petzl_official @mammut @thenorthface_climb @patagonia_climb @blackdiamond by @antoinetheswan

A few of my black and white landscape photos. I like how much is left to look at when colour isn’t doing the work.

#SeeAustralia #canon #discoverearth #fantasticearth #landscapephotography by @antoinetheswan

A few things I wish I’d learned earlier when I first got into photography 📸

I’ve been taking photos for over 10 years now, and looking back, I think I spent way too much time worrying about getting the perfect shot, having the right gear and rushing from one location to the next.

One of the biggest things I’ve learned is to slow down. Take your time, look around and actually enjoy being where you are. Some of my favourite photos have come from moments I wasn’t expecting, simply because I stopped and paid attention.

I’d also say invest in one good, versatile lens rather than constantly chasing new gear. Learn how to use it properly and get comfortable experimenting with different compositions.

And probably the most important technical lesson I’ve learned is to pay more attention to light. Good lighting can make even the most ordinary scene interesting. Sometimes it’s worth putting the camera away for a moment and just watching how the light changes.

Lastly, have fun with it. Not every photo needs to be amazing, and not every trip needs to produce something worth posting.

Photography has taken me to some incredible places and given me so many good memories over the years. I think that’s what I appreciate about it most now.

#photography #photographytips #landscapephotography #naturephotography #photographyadvice by @antoinetheswan

Something I keep being reminded about is that climbing photography involves a lot more than knowing how to use a camera. Duhhh

But the further I get into working on a static rope, the more I’m realising how important it is to understand the entire system I’m trusting.

Knots and hitches are a pretty big part of that.

I already knew a couple basic climbing knots, but there’s a big difference between knowing a knot and being able to confidently tie the right one when you need it.

So I’ve been spending some time filling that knowledge gap.

These are some of the climbing knots and hitches I’ve been practicing for ascending ropes, building anchors and eventually becoming more self-sufficient when I’m photographing climbers from the wall.

I’m definitely still learning, and that’s the whole point of this series.

Every new skill gets me a little closer to being able to focus less on my rope system and more on actually creating the photos I want.

Next up, I want to start putting these knots to use and learn more about building static rope anchors, as well as how to clean them.

If you’re into rock climbing, rope systems or climbing photography, what’s one knot or hitch you think I missed?

#rockclimbing #rockclimbing #climbinglife #climblife #climbingphotography by @antoinetheswan

Same climb, one year apart. Still nervous, just with more room for banter. Calling that progress.

#rockclimb #rockclimbing #climbinglife #climblife #adventurelifestyle by @antoinetheswan