SusanDaugherty

對于探險攝影師和攀巖者艾琳·伊來說，沿途拍攝世界級的照片已經(jīng)成為她的一種生活方式。

For adventure photographer and rock climber Irene Yee, taking world-class photographs along the way is a way of life. Her recent task brought her to Oregon's Smith Rock State Park with her climbing team members,Genevive Walker and Erika Moncada.

“I'd never been to Smith Rock,and exploring a new place is always an adventure. For me, that's a chance to fulfill my passion for uplifting,photographing,and climbing with other women,”Irene said.

Irene camped, hiked, and searched the park to gain a sense of the rock and how light hits it from sunrise to sunset. Her precise journey plans guided the team to capture the best angles, locations, and dynamic (動態(tài)的) climbing images.“Smith Rock exceeded my expectations—so many different rock formations, incredible light, and even a full moon on our last night.”

Despite careful planning, the unexpected occured. A sunny forecast suddenly transformed into two days of thunder and lightning,totally changing the team's plans.“We were at the very top of a mountain formation,saw the storm rolling in,and had to get down to safety fast.”

While Irene's tasks focus on climbing, she always seeks a well-rounded experience.“Rock climbing is a wonderful way to travel,immerse yourself in nature,and explore a place and its culture.”She enjoyed floating on the river near Smith Rock and cliff jumping at Steelhead Falls,spotting birds and wildlife.

Wilderness adventures are a far cry from Irene's non-outdoorsy first 26 years.“I finally felt there had to be more to life than just working to pay my rent.”After a cross-country move to Las Vegas, she went to her first rock-climbing gym as a way to meet new people.“I figured I'd be bad at it but decided to give it a try. It turned out to be a life-changer. I know rock climbing seems inaccessible to many people.My goal is to inspire them to give it a chance.”