Corey Rich Productions

The North Face - Print Auction

In looking back at my life and career, I would not be where I am today without the support of the outdoor adventure community. In this spirit, I take advantage of any opportunity to give back to an industry that has given me so much. Everyday I see evidence that this sentiment is one of the greatest qualities of our tribe.

It is this spirit of giving back that led mountaineer Conrad Anker to establish the Khumbu Climbing School, part of the Alex Lowe Charitable Foundation. The school provides essential training to Sherpas in Nepal who are currently, or hope to be working along the world’s mountaineers in their effort to reach the high peaks of the Himalaya.

In conjunction with the 2010 Outdoor Retailer Summer Show, The North Face has organized a print auction with proceeds going to the Khumbu Climbing School. I have gladly donated two of my signed prints, which will be available alongside works by fellow adventure photographers Jimmy Chin, Tim Kemple and Kristoffer Erickson. My donated images are posted below.

For more information and to find out how you can help, please visit the Khumbu Climbing School website.

Our intention was to be three pitches higher at sunrise, but despite our midnight start we were running late. We were caught two thirds of the way up the wall while the sun was rising.  While I leaned into the anchors, disappointed, waiting for my turn to ascend the fixed lines, I noticed it was getting brighter.  I turned around to witness one of the most spectacular light shows of my lifetime. I instinctively raised the camera to my eye and depressed the shutter only 3 times before the moment passed. From there, Kevin Gallagher continued jumaring up the fixed lines while I worked to load a new roll of film.  Now, over ten years later, I realize this turned out to be not only one of the best photographs from the trip and a fantastic offering of light. Thanks Jeff Jackson and Keven Gallager for allowing me to be a part of that great adventure!

Several years ago, I accompanied Stephen Koch to Indonesia on his quest to be the first human to snowboard down the seven summits. This photograph typified the weather in the region. As I remember, it seemed to rain almost 18 hours a day, making the travel across the lichen covered rocks absolutely miserable. With every fifth step or so, you’d slide off the boulder, often times onto your back. Through much trial and error, we all eventually found a way to walk safely. This photograph shows Stephen’s partner, Rob Milne, mastering his technique. Shortly after this trip, Rob tragically died high on another mountain. Rob is certainly missed greatly, though his spirit and love for adventure lives on.

Rock & Ice - Tom Frost

It's a rare opportunity to have access to a living legend and pioneer of a particular sport or field. It's even more special, after having followed this person's accomplishments, to be able to call him a friend. In Tom Frost, I have exactly this. In addition to being a pioneer of big wall climbing and, almost accidentally, the first and still one of the finest adventure photographers, he is an innovative engineer and an extraordinary entrepreneur. Tom's influence on my life and career, and that of many others, is undeniable.

From my days as a college student, bumping into Tom on the floor of Outdoor Retailer trade show, up to today, talking business over a burrito, every moment I have spent with Tom has been humbling and inspiring. Though, nothing compares with the opportunity I had to edit Tom's photos for the Aurora Photos archive. 

Just now hitting the newsstands, my article in the September 2010 issue of Rock & Ice tells the full story. This is a tribute that, not only did I want to write, I felt I HAD to write. It is an amazing story that needs to be shared with anyone interested in photography, climbing, or some combination of the two.  As well, be sure to watch this multimedia piece, produced by Aurora Novus to hear part of the story from the man himself.

Many thanks to Jeff Jackson and Duane Raleigh at Rock & Ice for the opportunity to share my story. And Tom, on behalf of all the world’s climbers and adventure photographers, thank you for all you have done.

The Great Book of BASE - Cover

Everything you ever wanted to know about BASE jumping has been compiled into a new book. Billed as "the most complete, informative, and entertaining book ever published on the sport of BASE jumping", it only makes sense that Dean Potter is on the cover. I took this photo of Dean, just moments before his world record setting wingsuit flight from the Eiger in Switzerland. Order your own copy of the book today.

UPDATE - LA Talk Radio - Interview

If you're at a computer on Saturday and are looking for a fun listen, tune in online to LA Talk Radio Channel 1. I'm this week's guest on "Hard Knocks with the Averys", airing at 2 pm PST. Past guests have included Mario Andretti and pro skateboarding legend Christian Hosoi. I'll be talking with Rick Avery and his sons Brian and Mike, three of Hollywood's top stunt men. There's sure to be some great conversation on a life filled with adventure.

 

UPDATE

Just in case you missed the broadcast, I have uploaded the audio from Saturday's show. I had a great conversation with the crew of Hard Knocks about cameras, rock climbing and of course, burritos. Click the link below or visit the Hard Knocks site to listen to the show.

Corey Rich on Hard Knocks