There’s nothing original in photographing a series of black and white portraits… in fact the idea is probably as old as photography itself.
The uniqueness of these portraits is in capturing the split second moments, raw emotions, people’s character…
Right from the beginning this was a big deal for me… I was thrilled with the opportunity to fill pages of the 100th issue of Climb Magazine but with the cover and 23 pages inside it blew my mind. I’m very grateful for everyones time and patience… a lot of hard work went into making it happen! Thank you!
Here’s just a couple of my favourite portraits which didn’t make the final cut, I will share more in due course.
Make sure you get your copy!

A couple of frames from my personal project ‘This is where I live’, John Roberts making a rare ski decent of the Wall End Slab at Stanage, Peak District.

Here’s a short RAW video clip of John’s second run.

Just a few shots from last Friday showing the amazing/rare ice climbing conditions in North Wales at the moment.

To view more images visit – LW-Archives.

[Hi everyone, Jake here.]

The other week I was given the great opportunity to photograph the awesome Sheffield Adventure Film Festival (ShaFF). It was an excellent way to experience the whole procedure of shooting a for a client with a specific brief, and it gave me my first real taste of what it’s like to work as a photographer.
Organised through the studio, we discussed the images that we wanted to create and the best ways to put across the vibrant, busy atmosphere of the festival. Thanks to a helpful summary from the event organisers, Heason Events, we were able to draw up a comprehensive list of potential images, as well as a timetable so I wouldn’t miss any key parts of the weekend. This turned out to be invaluable, as I constantly had a clear focus on what I needed to be doing and where I needed to be. I definitely think that this is a vital part of shooting any big event; you can’t get the right photos if you aren’t in the right place!
So, my weekend essentially consisted of running into a film screening, setting up a tripod and furiously hammering the shutter as quietly as possible for a few minutes, then running off to shoot some live music, or perhaps a lecture. This over-enthusiasm may have backfired a little, however. Despite Lukasz’s advice – try not to shoot a tonne of images – at the end of the three days I ended up with over 2,000 photos, which meant a very long editing session to get the final count down to around 50! Definitely something to remember there, I guess.
Overall, my time spent at ShAFF was really rewarding, and it has taught me a lot about working as a photographer. There is quite a difference between shooting for yourself and shooting for a client – the added pressure of not wanting to let anyone down may be a little stressful at first, but it also helps to push your photography forward and motivate you to do your best. A very cool experience!

Big thanks to Heason Events, the staff at the Showroom Cinema and Creative Lounge, the Red Bull Cityscape team and of course Lukasz for trusting me with the camera kit!
All photos by Jake Thompson/LWimages

PETZL’s photography goes hand in hand with their efforts in innovation and product design.
I started climbing nearly 15 years ago… back then breath taking images made me want to go climbing in cool places.
At that time PETZL catalogues were both a source of information but also had such great imagery that it made them an amazing source of inspiration. I guess, for that reason they had collectable value for many young climbers of my generation.

Somehow gradually, about 5 years ago my focus shifted from climbing itself and more towards photography,but still PETZL catalogues remained a source of inspiration!
I could never have imagined becoming part of this story…

Seeing my work full page inside the catalogue is a true ‘dream come true’ moment!

Thank you for the opportunity and most of all the inspiration… without trying to sound too cheesy, professionally speaking, I wouldn’t be the person I’m if it wasn’t for your vision Mr Petzl!

Big thank you to two of my friends and Petzl athletes Andy Turner and Gordon McArthur, obviously I couldn’t do it with out you!
Here’s my previous blog post with some snapshots from the shot in Canada.

Asked about my work I often say ‘I can make it sound as glamourous as you like…’ – which provokes smiles.
I travel the World doing exciting camera work, I owe this opportunity to a whole bunch of people. Often the credit line for some of the images and footage would have to have names of all the people below, wether they’re directly involved or not…

Wojtek Kozakiewicz – the most talented video editor I know… but yet too modest to admit this openly!
The Polished Project is our joint effort and there’s no video production done without Wojtek’s involvement, he’s the man behind all the editing and awesome camera moves! Shame he’s a die hard veggie though… no chance for a decent dinner! ;-)

Ruth Taylor – mind reader, freelance Studio Manager at LWimages HQ. She makes sure that all the moving parts are moving in the right directions… from new clients, assignments, contracts, insurance to chasing payments she will be most likely your first contact point. With her 10 years of experience instructing in the outdoors (Mountain Instructor Award and the Winter Mountain Leader) she’s the safety person on some of our more complicated shots.
If I could only communicate clearer it would make her job 10x easier, in the meantime I will keep testing her telepathic skills.

Jake Thompson – our intern/assistant… happy to do anything as long as it gives him an opportunity to learn some new skills.
He’s only been with us for a couple of months but I hope he will stay for longer! Keen youth!

And last but not least, my Becca, things she does go unnoticed and yet she’s the one on the front line… dealing directly with all my ups and downs of being a photographer. On top of her own career she makes sure I have a home to come back to… She’s the real star!

I just wanted to tell you (and everyone around!) that I don’t take it for granted.
Thank you!

PS. Thank you to all my sponsors for all their help too… Redged and ClikElite, Mountain Equipment and Lyon Outdoors you make my life on location so much easier!

[Jake here...]
I was lucky enough to be selected to help out here at LW-Images as an intern, and Lukasz has asked me to write a post to give some tips on how to create a successful application for a job in the creative industry.

First off, a well-written, simple cover letter is really important. It doesn’t need to be very long; around one side of A4 will be fine. The aim of this is to give the employer a feel of who you really are, what you get up to and why you are the best person for the job, rather than just sending in a list of qualifications. This letter should show that you are confident and well-suited to the position, but at the same time, no-one likes a boaster, so keep your choice of words positive but modest! Read up on what the position involves and address each point, and make sure you don’t miss anything out.

Also, a nicely prepared portfolio will be a great asset to your application. After all, an employer in this field of work is definitely going to be interested in your creative side. Ensure that it shows off a wide selection of your best work – there are plenty of sites on the net that will show you how.

create ‘Proof of a Portfolio Vs. Promise of a Resume’
The Dean of Pixar University, Randy Nelson

Another good tip is to tailor your C.V. to individual positions, as it shows attention to detail and how keen you are. Keep the layout clean and easy to read to ensure it has impact, and keep it to around one side of A4.

Finally, when addressing the employer in your application, be careful with how serious you may come across. Although this industry is a cool place to be, you shouldn’t really be starting your first few emails with informal greetings like ‘hey’, ‘hi’, or ’sup’! A simple ‘hello, I’m writing in application for…’ will be fine. Keep the actual email short; let your cover letter, C.V. and portfolio do the talking.

Good luck!

- Jake

Couple of weeks ago in between the UIAA Ice Climbing World Cups I had a chance to join Jen Olson and Stephanie Maureau and shoot the super classic ‘Jedi Master‘ in Cogne Valley, Italy. Girls didn’t manage to bag the route that day, nevertheless Jen put in an amazing effort working the crux pitch and Steph did brilliantly flashing the first (second?) pitch of the route.
The whole place is stunning and I’m sure I’ll be back there sometime soon!
Here’s some pics…

We are very proud to be part of Climbers Against Cancer, brainchild of the whirlwind that is John Ellison.
John was diagnosed with terminal cancer 12 months ago, but rather than giving up on life he decided to start fighting! John’s vision was to raise not just money but awareness within the climbing community.

We know we can’t find a cure for cancer ourselves no matter how much we might want too. But we can use our skills to help as much as possible, our contribution to CAC has started with a photoshoot at our studio. We have invited some top climbers to come and lark about in front of the camera – big thanks to Alex Puccio, Shauna Coxsey, Andy Turner, Pete Whittaker and Tom Randall.
As a result of this shoot, we’ve had some super cool posters designed (thank you Gordon MacArthur for the design work) which are now available for everyone to download and print to help promote CAC – let’s get them up all over the world and keep raising the profile.
Download high-res files here.

Couple days ago Climbers Against Cancer website went live. You can now order your own t-shirt and support this incredible cause. So please, go and get a shirt in your favourite colour and then upload your pictures of you wearing them wherever that might be. Spread the word, spread the awareness, it’s time for the whole climbing community to step up.

It’s a busy time for us at the moment, with the UIAA Ice World Cup series in progress, so I was really happy to be able to head over to Chamonix (in between the comps) and spend a couple of days with Alison Culshaw of Off Piste Performance.
Alison is an extremely well respected ski coach/instructor who has been responsible for getting the wayward planks of many aspirant British Mountain Guide under control.
The general idea was to shoot some ‘run and gun’ style images trying to impact on the course as little as possible yet get a great range of photos to show the courses, from technical teaching sessions to “shredding the powder”!
Here are just a few of the images.

Big thanks to Alison, for some top tips and the Eagle Ski Club members for being such great sports.

This time of year is a good moment to look back and contemplate a little.
I guess I’m a bit too late to share with you my thoughts on what happened in 2012, all I can say is that it was a bumpy road and I’ve learnt a boat load and achieved beyond my expectations! I started 2012 shooting for Petzl and UIAA and finished with Climbers Against Cancer campaign, in-between that landing gigs from Black Diamond, The North Face, GORE, Mountain Equipment. All a very humbling and eye opening experience.

I’m looking forward to 2013 and I’ve found some quotes which in a way form my list of New Year’s resolutions;

1. I will get out and shoot more.
“If you are out there shooting, things will happen for you. If you’re not out there, you’ll only hear about it.” ― Jay Maisel

2. I will try harder.
“ You’ve got to push yourself harder. You’ve got to start looking for pictures nobody else could take. You’ve got to take the tools you have and probe deeper.” ― William Albert Allard

3. I will keep it simple.
“What’s really important is to simplify. The work of most photographers would be improved immensely if they could do one thing: get rid of the extraneous. If you strive for simplicity, you are more likely to reach the viewer.” ― William Albert Allard

4. I will seek inspiration.
“Of course, there will always be those who look only at technique, who ask ‘how’, while others of a more curious nature will ask ‘why’. Personally, I have always preferred inspiration to information.” ― Man Ray

5. I will stay focused.
“There is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept.” ― Ansel Adams

6. I will look like a winner.
“Regardless of how you feel inside, always try to look like a winner. Even if you are behind, a sustained look of control and confidence can give you a mental edge that results in victory.” ― Diane Arbus

7. Be different.
“ If I saw something in my view finder that looked familiar to me, I would do something to shake it up.” ― Garry Winogrand

8. I will be switched on.
“One doesn’t stop seeing. One doesn’t stop framing. It doesn’t turn off and turn on. It’s on all the time.” ― Annie Leibovitz

What is your favourite photography quote that inspires you for 2013?

Here’s to successful and creative 2013!

I’ll keep this one short and sweet… Merry Christmas everyone!

Little Snowmen by Kev Shields
Photo by Lukasz Warzecha
Designed by Gordon MacArthur/Machavok Creative

Here at LWimages we are having a busy time of it and we could really do with a little bit of help!
Are you a Media Production/Film/Photography Student (or similar) who is a keen climber/mountaineer/general outdoorsy person?
Are you looking to get some real life experience of working with a professional photographer and film-maker?
Have you got big ideas, passion and a creative mind? Do you want the opportunity to see what you can do?
Are you ready to put your skills to the test and learn some new ones?

Well, you could be just the person we are looking for! We might not be able to pay you Hollywood style wages – but you will get to accompany us on assignments, assist with studio work, and have some creative input into projects.
We need someone who can look after themselves and is comfortable in the outdoor environment, someone who is keen to learn, and someone who doesn’t mind hard work (kit is heavy and the outdoors is rarely glamourous!)
All travelling expenses will be covered, and on occasion if working on commercial assignments you might even get some cold hard cash!

Does this sound like something you would be interested in?
This is your chance, please send us your C.V. , portfolio/examples of your work, and tell us why you should come and work with us!
This post is for 3 months initially, starting January 2013.

We’d like to talk to successful applicants before Christmas, so the closing date for applications is 9am Monday 10th December.

All applications should be sent to office@lwimages.co.uk

Ironically I’m sat down to write about our shoot for The North Face with Glenmore Lodge at where… Plas y Brenin.
TNF was kind enough to let us share some of the pics so here’s a small selection… I’m glad that we have our first winter shoot behind us. We have definitely pulled this one out of the bag!
It will be another super busy winter… can’t wait for Xmas!

I’m also writing this from our top secret mission for WL GORE. I wished I could say more…

We looked at the sky and it was a split second decision… Huge cloud system was rushing through the sky! Moments later we were on the beach… The light was beautiful and fading fast, the whole spectacle lasted only 15min until the rain came! 250 frames later it was all over!
This is Becca’s favourite beach… I’ve grown to love it too!

Here’s a quick selection I’ve put together to share with you.