I reflect on all the things I've learned from the years past and I ask myself: why have I become the person that I am today? In trying to answer this question, I've realized how small, subtle experiences shape who we are, how we act, what we feel, and how we live. In my present everyday life so many things go unnoticed, passing over my consciousness. However, as time passes I've discovered that these experiences do not go unnoticed, but instead get tucked away into small regions of our brains, waiting to be discovered, and finally being realized. For me, the times that I've felt most alive have been while climbing, when I've been pushed to my mental and physical limits. At these moments I've found myself to be most creative, where my movements change and my thoughts focus only on the present. As a photographer it's been my goal to capture these moments in other climbers. It may not be ground breaking, but to me, I find inspiration.

A friend once told me about the paradox of rock climbing: "How could the most self-serving, non-productive activity such as pulling our bodies up an inanimate object, be the product of the most amazing, full-filling, and beautiful activity that we choose to pass our time here on this planet?" Looking at this question from an outsider's perspective, I think, yeah why the heck would something like rock climbing be so gratifying? I certainly am not articulate enough to explain the answer, but to borrow a quote I read in an Alpinist calendar (and adding an extra line or two), I read:

"We believe in sinker jams high off the deck, a bomber nut, the crescent moon, your partner's whoop, sand-washing the fry pan, road trips, one-swing sticks, remembering to breathe, alpine starts(more for the alpen-glow than the early hour), espresso in the desert, licking the last remains from a Clif Bar wrapper for that one last Calorie, lenticular cloud caps, rest days, the FOCUS of a runout, [and] a cold beer at the end of it all.(or sometimes wine:)" - The Alpinist

Those of us who understand this quote will know what "the FOCUS of a runout" or of an onsight attempt really feels like, the inspiration from "your partner's whoop", and my favorite, FiveTen's "Quit Your Job" advertisements.

All these experiences come from somewhere and it's the people that I've met along the way that have really made the most difference. Someone taught me how to place gear, someone taught me how take photos, and someone taught me how to relax on hard, runout routes. By traveling all over the world on climbing trips (with many more places still to visit!), I've met people that have greatly shaped my ethics as a rock climber, photographer, and person. One word comes to mind, again...inspiration.

Taking a look below, I want to try and convey my thoughts of each image and how it inspires me. The first image was taken in Tasmania by my friend Erik. On that particular day he was sick and was not able to climb. In order to get this amazing shot he had to scramble up of series of ledges, getting totally sketched out from loose rock and dirt, but persevered nonetheless. I hardly have any photos of me! But the fact that he busted his ass to get the angle is what inspires me. On every photo shoot, I'm reminded of that day.

The next photo, although not as dramatic as the last, represents how important friendship and relationships have been to me throughout my climbing and life experiences. It makes me laugh every time I see this photo of Rich, John, and Erik and I (left to right) because I'm reminded of the great time spent at that campground in the Grampians. Especially of the countless nights from bush tail possum assaults on our food bins.

I believe that life is all about adventure. Maybe that is why climbing inanimate objects such as Tasmania's Totem Pole are experiences that we'll never forget. I can still taste the salt in the air and feel the exposure from that route.

Finally, I was a bit reluctant to include this photo, but there is a reason and a story behind every photo right? Well, on that day I was especially inspired. The person who inspired me to do the FNA (first nude ascent) of this route has probably had the most impact on my life. Perhaps FNA's are just another way to have fun and be creative (or maybe they're completely inappropriate)? That heart is for you baby.

I hope you enjoy my website and please, if you have any feedback, know that I'd love to hear your constructive criticism.

Dave Vuono
Burlington, VT
December 2007