How to Film Rock Climbing
How to Film Rock Climbing
This guide will cover it all..
Hey there, I’m Roo, an adventure filmmaker based out of Boulder, Colorado. Filming rock climbing is no small feat and it requires a specific set of skills. In this guide, I'll break it down into four main categories: rope work, camera settings, shot variety, and directing climbers. If you’re a visual learner, all this info is also shared above in a video format but in case you want some extra tips you should keep on reading..
Mastering Rope Work
Rope Work Basics
The first essential skill for filming rock climbing is rope work. One of the biggest challenges is getting the rope to the top. This isn’t straightforward—you need someone to lead the climb first or have a cliff that you can rappel off. Here in the creek, the cliffs are quite large, so we have to lead the route. I usually start by trailing the rope up and attaching it to my harness. Once Noah gets to the anchors, he sets up an anchor for me and another top rope anchor for someone else. This allows me to ascend safely once the rope is in place.
Leading a route is not just physically demanding but also mentally taxing. It requires precise planning and execution. The lead climber must place gear (like cams and nuts) into cracks as they ascend, securing the rope to these pieces of protection. This not only ensures their safety but also creates a lifeline for the rest of the team. Each piece of protection must be carefully placed and tested to ensure it can hold a fall. This process is repeated until the climber reaches a suitable point to build an anchor.
Using the Yo-Yo System
I prefer using the yo-yo system for ascension. While there are faster ways to get up the wall, I like this method because it allows me to move up and down the wall, capturing different angles of the climber. To start, we use a GriGri, attaching it to the rope just like you would for belaying. Once connected to the harness, you’re good to go—but there’s a bit more to it.
The yo-yo system involves using a combination of ascenders and descenders to maneuver up and down the rope. After attaching the GriGri, you use an ascender to climb the rope. This device grips the rope when weighted and allows you to slide it up when unweighted. The ascender's teeth grip the rope without causing damage, despite initial concerns.
Essential Gear: Ascender and Quickdraws
Next, we incorporate the ascender, a crucial piece of gear that allows you to climb the rope. You might worry about the teeth damaging your rope, but they are designed to be safe, puncturing through the fabric without causing harm. I also use a series of quickdraws and a medium-length Alpine draw sling, which I attach to the bottom of the ascender for my feet. This setup lets me stand on the loop and push myself up the wall.
When setting up for an ascent, it’s important to check all your gear thoroughly. The GriGri should be attached correctly, and the rope should run smoothly through it. The ascender needs to be checked for any signs of wear and tear. The quickdraws and Alpine draw slings should be inspected for any fraying or damage. Safety checks are crucial in this process as they prevent accidents.
Safety First: Stopper Knots and Checks
Before heading up, it’s vital to ensure your carabiners are locked and your camera is secure. As you ascend, tie stopper knots every 10-20 feet to prevent a long fall. Even though the GriGri is a reliable safety device, it’s not entirely hands-free, so stopper knots provide an extra layer of security. This system works well for single-pitch routes, but if you’re into multi-pitch or big wall climbs, consider faster and more efficient systems. If you're keen on learning more advanced skills, seeking out a local mountaineering or rock climbing course can be incredibly beneficial.
Stopper knots are essential because they act as backup safety measures. If for any reason the GriGri fails or you lose control, these knots will catch you, preventing a potentially dangerous fall. Additionally, always double-check that your harness is secure, and your helmet is properly fitted. These basic safety measures can make a significant difference.
Camera Settings and Techniques
Introduction to Camera Settings
Mastering your camera settings is crucial for capturing high-quality rock climbing footage. When you’re jugging up a rope with a climber in action, there’s a lot going on, so keeping things simple is key. I like to focus on three main aspects: steadiness, exposure, and focus.
Keeping the Footage Steady
Shaky footage is a big no-no in any filmmaking discipline, and it’s especially true for rock climbing. To keep your shots steady, shoot with a wide-angle lens. For example, I often use a 14mm G Master 1.8 lens, which is wide enough to capture the entire route and the climber’s experience. Additionally, be conscious of your hand movements and use internal stabilization if your camera supports it.
Wide-angle lenses are invaluable in rock climbing filmmaking. They allow you to capture expansive views of the climbing route and the surrounding landscape, providing context and scale to the viewer. Internal stabilization helps to smooth out any minor shakes or jitters, which is particularly useful when you’re hanging in an awkward position or dealing with gusts of wind.
Managing Exposure
Exposure can be tricky when filming outdoors. You’ll often encounter varying light conditions, with parts of the route in shade and others in direct sunlight. To get the best footage, try to choose routes with even lighting. If that’s not possible, prioritize exposing for the climber’s route, even if it means the background is overexposed. This ensures that the main subject of your footage is clear and detailed.
In rock climbing, you often deal with high-contrast scenes where the sun might cast strong shadows. Using a camera with a good dynamic range can help balance these extremes. Another trick is to use neutral density (ND) filters, which can reduce the light entering the lens, allowing for better control over exposure settings.
Ensuring Focus
Keeping your subject in focus can be challenging, especially when there’s a wall right in front of your camera. Autofocus might not always work as intended, as it can focus on the wall instead of the climber. To overcome this, use manual focus and the shutter button to lock onto your subject. Then, make small adjustments as the climber ascends to keep everything sharp.
Rock climbing often involves quick movements and dynamic actions, making it hard for autofocus systems to keep up. By switching to manual focus, you have full control over where the focus is set. Pre-focusing on a specific spot where the climber is expected to be can also help in maintaining sharp focus during critical moments.
Achieving Shot Variety
Importance of Shot Variety
Having a variety of shots is what sets apart good rock climbing films from great ones. Different perspectives and angles keep the audience engaged and provide a more comprehensive view of the climb.
Wide, Medium, and Tight Shots
Using a combination of wide, medium, and tight shots can significantly enhance your film. Wide shots are perfect for capturing the landscape and the entire route. Medium shots are great for standard framing, often capturing the climber from the waist up. Tight shots are invaluable in rock climbing, as they allow you to show specific hand and foot placements, highlighting the technical aspects of the climb.
Wide shots help in setting the scene, giving the viewer a sense of place. They are essential for establishing shots and transitions. Medium shots provide more detail and focus on the climber, showing their movements and expressions. Tight shots, or close-ups, capture the minutiae of the climb, like a climber’s fingers gripping a tiny hold or the precise placement of a foot, which adds depth to the storytelling.
Different Angles for Dynamic Footage
One of my favorite angles is from the top down. It creates an immersive experience for the viewer. Side angles are also effective as they include the landscape, helping to contextualize the climb. Finally, front angles are straightforward but essential, providing a clear view of the climber’s actions.
Top-down shots offer a dramatic perspective, emphasizing the height and exposure of the climb. Side angles are great for showing the climber’s position relative to the route and landscape. Front angles provide a direct view of the action, making it easy for viewers to follow the climber’s progress. Mixing these angles throughout your footage can create a dynamic and engaging film.
Using Drones for Unique Perspectives
Drones can add an extraordinary dimension to your footage. They’re great for covering the entire route and establishing the environment. To achieve smooth and stable drone shots, use cine mode and film at 30 frames per second. This allows you to slow down the footage slightly in post-production, creating a smooth and polished final product.
When flying drones, it’s important to prioritize smooth and stable movements. Quick or jerky movements can be jarring for viewers. By using cine mode, you can achieve slower, more deliberate movements that enhance the cinematic quality of your footage. Additionally, shooting at 30 frames per second allows for flexibility in post-production, giving you the option to slow down footage without losing quality.
Directing Climbers for the Best Footage
Introduction to Directing Climbers
Directing climbers is a skill that combines both documentary and commercial filmmaking techniques. While capturing candid moments is essential, sometimes you need to stage shots to tell the best story.
Staging Shots and Communicating Vision
Staging shots involves asking climbers to repeat specific movements to get the perfect shot. Clear communication is crucial here—what’s in your head might not match the climber’s understanding. By explaining your vision clearly, you can ensure the climber knows exactly what you’re aiming to capture.
Effective communication is key to successful staged shots. Explain your vision in detail, using visual aids if necessary. Show the climber examples of the shots you want to achieve. This helps them understand your goals and collaborate more effectively. Always be respectful of the climber’s limits and comfort level. Safety should always be the top priority.
Capturing Dream Shots
To capture those dream shots, set up your camera with ideal lighting and composition in mind. Work with the climber to achieve specific poses and movements. It’s important to ensure the route is within the climber’s ability so they can perform the movements multiple times without overexertion.
Dream shots often require meticulous planning and execution. Scout the location beforehand to determine the best angles and lighting conditions. Use natural light to your advantage, shooting during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for the best results. Work closely with the climber, giving them clear instructions and feedback. This collaborative approach ensures you get the best possible footage.
Practical Tips for Filming on the Wall
Ensure the route is well within the climber’s ability, allowing for repeated takes. Manage rest periods and avoid pushing the climber too hard. Techniques like top-down shots can showcase the scale of the climb effectively, providing a dramatic and engaging perspective.
When filming on the wall, always prioritize safety. Ensure your rigging is secure, and double-check all knots and anchors. Use communication devices like radios or hand signals to stay in touch with your team. Plan your shots in advance to minimize time spent adjusting equipment while on the wall. This not only improves efficiency but also reduces the risk of accidents.
Creating Your Rock Climbing Film
Filming rock climbing is a challenging but incredibly rewarding endeavor. By mastering rope work, camera settings, shot variety, and directing climbers, you can create compelling and visually stunning climbing films. Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you get out there and film, the better you’ll become.
Click here if you want to see more of my rock climbing films or subscribe to my newsletter to stay updated on my latest projects. Keep pushing yourself to learn new skills, and happy filming!
Filming rock climbing combines technical skills with creative vision. It’s about capturing the essence of the climb, the beauty of the landscape, and the climber’s journey. Every climb is different, presenting unique challenges and opportunities. Embrace these challenges, and let them inspire you to create amazing films.
By diving deep into the technical and creative aspects of filming rock climbing, you can elevate your work and tell compelling stories. This guide provides a foundation, but the real learning happens out there on the cliffs. Get out, experiment, and capture the incredible world of rock climbing through your lens.
Why We Should Work Together…
When I’m not on this website rambling on about filmmaking, I’m actually out there making films. From crafting memorable branded documentaries to capturing stories and products that move people, I’ve got you covered. Need a filmmaker who can scale mountains, brave the surf, or just tell a dang good story? Let’s chat!
In case I haven’t convinced you, here are three reasons why it might be fun to work together…
I believe in stories that stick with you - like campfire smoke on your clothes. The kind that makes you laugh, cry, or immediately want to call your mom.
I’m just as comfortable at 14,000ft as I am in front of a timeline. You get me in the mountains, in the ocean and in the editing room, making sure the magic out there really shines in the final cut.
I’ve filmed in some pretty wild places, but the best stories are the ones that bring people together. It’s those shared moments -big or small - that remind me why I love what I do.
Let’s Connect
Roo is a commercial/documentary filmmaker and photographer based in Boulder, Colorado but travels all around the world for his filmmaking career. He has directed documentaries for Patagonia in California, produced films for Outside Magazine throughout Europe and Africa, camera operated for Netflix in the Rocky Mountain West, photographed among indigenous communities in South America, and has received notable recognition in his hometown of Orcas Island in Washington State for his work telling uplifting stories in the outdoor space.