I will start from the outset by letting you all know that I am absolutely terrified of heights. Climbing a ladder, playing tourist at the top of the EiffelTower, or climbing up into sporting stadiumrooftop walkways to help me get that shot, the heart poundsfaster the breath gets quicker and anxiety starts to stifleevery muscle in my body.
Nikon asked me recently to test-drive some new top-secret camera models and lenses by shooting various sports, with rock climbing being on that listof five. For some momentary lapse ofreason,I said yes, forgetting that photography and my fear of heights were not compatible in any wayshape or form.
Duringpre-planning I was able to acquire the talent of Australias leadingfemaleRock climber Monique Forestier to be my model, and Simon Carter, Australias leading authority on climbing in Australia,to assist me with climbing spots, weather, safety, and correct etiquette. We organisedour meetingplacepre-dawnin Leura,Blue Mountains NSW, a2-hourdrive from home.
I packed myall-wheel drive SUVwith the arsenal of heavy photography and bulky climbing gear Iwascapable of taking.There was so much room in the back even to place a crate full ofmyfear and anxietynext to the gear.
With my head full of Who What When Where and How to get that shot, all those things I rehearse over and over inmyhead before each shoot, my mind was also overflowing with the unknown of newcamera gear and thenew experienceofclimbing. My moment andchance to dowas getting near.The Forester was designed with my task in mind.Without knowing in advance that it would.I needed the space and capacity that the split folding rear seats gave me. The front fog lights,SteeringResponsiveHeadlights, and heated driversseatkept me calmduring thecolddarkdawn hours inLeura.Even a small thing like thepowered tailgateis such a godsendwhen your hands aretrying to juggle so much gear.
For my first timeherewas my chance to drive theSUVoff road as we jumped off the tar to get closer and more accessible to the climbing spot. I was not in anyphysicalcapacity able to carry my load, so thecloserto the spotthe better I said. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive helpedme to control andmanoeuvrein rough,uneven conditions that I would neverhaveencounterin my suburb. I didnt need that added stressabout bumping the carwhen all I can think about was being helpless and OutOnA Ledge.
Light was just starting to peak over the horizon as we bushwalked the last 100-metresor so to theedge. Theair was still. Simon and Monique went through their setup routine, its not about the thrill of undertaking the climb to them,its all about her safety and mine right now. I was so okay withthat,I had recently bought theSubaru SUVknowing it was one of the safestfamily cars going around town.
Theywere so excited to climb. It was the perfect morning. There was an inversion layer that day, a layer of fog below us, so it looked like Monique was climbing amongstthe clouds. She started her descent, just as I was harnessed and assisted centimetre by centimetre to the edge, physically and mentally.Simon was cursing as he forgot his camera at home.
I got some great pictures and some more.It paid to have got the best that day. Australias best climber doing what she did best. Monique made it look so easy, I was continually gobsmacked how someone was so cool and at peace floating in air, way above the earthheld only by a rope.
Simon knew his stuff. He picked the right place and right atmospheric conditions for a picture. Most importantly he kept me calm, his attention to detail and my safety was above and beyond what I would normally expect.
Id say abit like myForester2.5i PremiumSUV.
Delly Carr
Subaru Ambassador
19 May 2021
