Phillip Booth is the Featured Photographer for our print Anthology. We have full-page and two-page spreads of his incredible work for you to enjoy in only the the way print media allows. But Phillip's talents need to be spread far and wide, so we also share his work, accompanied by an interview, with you here on our digital pages. In this interview, Phillip speaks of being a climber first and photographer second. He also talks about honoring the climb in the photograph (“What makes this route special? Why do people love climbing it?”) We invite you explore the humility in Phillip’s words, then immerse yourself in the content of his photos - see how his “being a climber first” and “honoring the climb” mentality are expressed so beautifully in his images.
We’d love to get to know you a little better. Can you fill us in on the basics, like where you call home?
I currently live in Sydney, Australia. I love it here because the weather allows year-round climbing (no snow, no extreme temps) and it’s possible to do day-trips to amazing places like the Blue Mountains, Nowra, and Point Perpendicular (they are all within a few hours’ drive.)
And that’s before we even talk about the inner-Sydney crags which feature loads of amazing bouldering and some sneaky gems on rope.
I currently live in Sydney, Australia. I love it here because the weather allows year-round climbing (no snow, no extreme temps) and it’s possible to do day-trips to amazing places like the Blue Mountains, Nowra, and Point Perpendicular (they are all within a few hours’ drive.)
And that’s before we even talk about the inner-Sydney crags which feature loads of amazing bouldering and some sneaky gems on rope.
Tell us about your photography career. When and how did you start? Is photography your main profession?
I stumbled upon photography when I purchased my first DSLR for a trip to Thailand. The whole trip I found myself searching for compositions – I couldn’t put the camera down.
After that trip I was hooked, eventually I got into live music photography as a side-gig to my day job.
These days photography remains a side-gig and passion-project with a combination of press shots, portraits, travel photography, and of course climbing photography.
I love having photography as a passion project, as it gives me the flexibility to only take on projects that excite me and allows me to make the decision to leave the camera behind, be in the moment, and just enjoy the experience.
I stumbled upon photography when I purchased my first DSLR for a trip to Thailand. The whole trip I found myself searching for compositions – I couldn’t put the camera down.
After that trip I was hooked, eventually I got into live music photography as a side-gig to my day job.
These days photography remains a side-gig and passion-project with a combination of press shots, portraits, travel photography, and of course climbing photography.
I love having photography as a passion project, as it gives me the flexibility to only take on projects that excite me and allows me to make the decision to leave the camera behind, be in the moment, and just enjoy the experience.
What are some lessons-learned in your career as a photographer?
I’m not sure if being a photographer has really taught me anything profound. I think being a climber has had a much bigger impact on my life.
I’m not sure if being a photographer has really taught me anything profound. I think being a climber has had a much bigger impact on my life.
You take incredible images of climbers. Tell us about your climbing passions and history.
My passion for climbing started quite randomly. In my early 20s a friend invited me to the climbing gym. I enjoyed it. Then within a month he invited me to join him outdoors (I used a borrowed harness and shoes that were far too big for me) and I was hooked.
I quickly joined the local climbing gym, moved a block away, and found myself ducking in for sneaky sessions between university classes whenever I could.
It’s a bit of a cliché these days but it was (and still is) the combination of the physical challenge and mental challenge that really reeled me in. I was never one to be at the “regular gym” doing presses and curls whilst mindlessly counting to twelve.
My passion for climbing started quite randomly. In my early 20s a friend invited me to the climbing gym. I enjoyed it. Then within a month he invited me to join him outdoors (I used a borrowed harness and shoes that were far too big for me) and I was hooked.
I quickly joined the local climbing gym, moved a block away, and found myself ducking in for sneaky sessions between university classes whenever I could.
It’s a bit of a cliché these days but it was (and still is) the combination of the physical challenge and mental challenge that really reeled me in. I was never one to be at the “regular gym” doing presses and curls whilst mindlessly counting to twelve.
Do you have a specific style or approach to taking photos of climbers?
For me a climbing photo should tell a story. The viewer should be able to look at the shot and get a good sense of what the climb is about. Whenever I have a photography project, I ask myself, “What makes this route special? Why do people love climbing it?” and aim to highlight that element.
For me a climbing photo should tell a story. The viewer should be able to look at the shot and get a good sense of what the climb is about. Whenever I have a photography project, I ask myself, “What makes this route special? Why do people love climbing it?” and aim to highlight that element.
Do you have a climbing story you’d like to share with us?
There are so many great moments I’ll cherish forever from my time climbing, particularly when traveling, so it’s almost impossible to pick just one to share. I love combining travel and climbing with lazy days on Tonsai beach in Thailand, homestays in remote Vietnam and Laos, inner city cragging in Hong Kong, and dirt-bagging at Camp 4 in Yosemite. Climbing is a great excuse to get off the traditional tourist track and really explore different corners of the world and meet loads of interesting people. What’s one thing about you that we should know?
Photography comes second to the climbing experience. I love envisioning great photos and love the process of making that vision become reality, but if I had to pick between having the camera or just being outside with good friends enjoying nature, I’d pick the experience every time. My best memories of climbing aren’t the times I had my camera in-hand, but rather the moments when I left it at home and just went climbing. |
To see more of Phillip Booth's photos photos and in large scale get a copy of the Common Climber Anthology before they are sold out (which is soon!)
Also be sure to follow Phillip!
Instagram: @splatterflower
Facebook: @splatterflower
Also be sure to follow Phillip!
Instagram: @splatterflower
Facebook: @splatterflower