The Art of Climbing

Simon Carter, Adam Ondra

A dramatic collection of photographs revealing the world’s most beautiful climbing locations, from Tsaranoro in Madagascar and Teplicke in Czechia to Mount Huashan in China.

The popularity of rock climbing is burgeoning across the globe, with dedicated communities practicing everything from bouldering to sport climbing, top roping to free soloing, in awe-inspiring locations. The Art of Climbing showcases Simon Carter’s dramatic and often graphic photography, providing inspiration for aspirational outdoor climbers— anyone keen to graduate from inside climbing walls—and seasoned climbers alike.

The main chapters evoke powerful themes—from Formations to Environment, Intensity to Flow—that exist at the intersection of sport and art. Thoughtful chapter texts, written by Carter and major names on the international climbing scene, narrate experiences on the rock face, exploring both the athletic and aesthetic value of climbing. A reference section includes practical details such as a glossary, grading table, and descriptions of ten selected routes.

Contributors

Simon Carter

Author

Simon Carter is an Australian rock climber and photographer. He began working as a professional photographer and established Onsight Photography in 1994. Since then, he has traveled widely and built up an extensive body of work encompassing many of the world's best climbing destinations. Carter is the recipient of several photography accolades and the author of four previous coffee-table books, including World Climbing: Images from the Edge, which won the Best Book—Mountain Image award at the Banff Mountain Book Festival.

Adam Ondra

Foreword By