LATEST WORK: Climbing – Beth Rodden raises the bar

On Valentine's Day of this year, Beth Rodden accomplished a long time goal with her ascent of Meltdown (5.14c) in Yosemite Valley. With this climb, Beth established the most difficult trad route in Yosemite, and possibly the planet. Translation – No other person in the history of rock climbing, man or woman, has ever climbed a route this difficult while placing their own protection in the process.

For the cover of their June issue, Climbing chose one of my images of Beth on her ascent. No matter how long I'm in the business, nothing beats the excitement of documenting history. I was fortunate enough to be there both as a visual storyteller and a friend. Nice work Beth!