FEATURES
What happens to Old Bold Climbers?
By Dave (Cubby) Cuthbertson
One of Scotland's most celebrated climbers discovers a new challenge
A friend once told me that he didn't need a camera because his memories and experiences were stored away in the back of his brain. He was an academic and fortunately for me not everyone thinks the same.
If I were to choose one word that describes my involvement in Scottish climbing, it would have to be patriotic. I've been passionate about climbing and proud of my achievements, but after 35 years of climbing and guiding, I thought it was time I looked at an alternative way to make a living. And so my 'happy snapper' amateur approach adopted a new slant and I embraced a vision of exposing Scottish climbing in a new light.
I'm self taught and many of my experiences were hard won. A famous photographer once said that what he looked for in a good photograph was composition, a sharp image and maximum depth of field. His remarks would haunt me for some time because what I didn't realise was that he was a landscape specialist who preferred the slowest possible film for super fine, grain-free images, e.g. Fuji Velvia. It's no wonder many of my first pictures using 50 ASA film at f16 on dark north-facing cliffs were frustratingly blurred! Paradoxically, photographing a climber in the landscape has become a personal favourite.
My experience (climber, Mountain Guide, TV and film) is a tremendous asset. Climbing has developed my 'feel-factor' and an eye for composition, while my guiding provides a background in safety. Taking climbers pictures is not just about releasing the shutter!
Typically I carry static ropes and rope protectors (the last thing you want preying on your mind, when committed to a big exposed abseil, is that sharp edge see-sawing the rope every time you move!), jumar kit, belay and abseil devices, shunt, nuts & cams for anchors, slings and karabiners. In winter it's worse as I have to assess the level of avalanche risk and crampons and axe (or axes) are necessary as well as extra clothing. All this gear has to be carried and that's not taking into account heavy camera equipment.
1999 marked the birth of 'Cubby Images'. We are a small company which is run by Jo (my wife) and myself, though I should stress that the 'running' bit is very much attributed to Jo! Predictably perhaps, of the two of us, I'm the pessimist but Jo was typically positive when I put the idea of starting a photography business to her. Her skills in art and a degree in graphic design was certainly an asset.
Somewhat naively, we entered into a world that we knew little about. To begin with, it didn't matter too much because I landed a string of TV and film jobs that would take me all over the world. Meanwhile, Jo (having qualified in an MA in Performance Sportswear Design) was designing clothes.
However, all good things eventually come to an end. My involvement within television and film had run its course. Jo was disillusioned with her work, and so as our first venture we thought that we could make our fortune selling climbing calendars. (in hind-sight, cats and dogs may have made more commercial sense!). I jumped in my trusty Citroen and travelled the length and breadth of the UK, knocking on the doors of just about every outdoor retailer and bookshop that exists. My Citroen has never been the same since! We never quite reached our target sales but the calendar has always proved to be popular in the UK and we're now in our fifth year. We've recently added The Climbers Logbook, a dateless diary with images from all over the world which has also proven popular.
Climbing and mountaineering photography is our specialism, but given the unpredictability of the Scottish weather, taking photographs of climbing is challenging. I spend evenings attempting to round up able climbers and then correlate their availability with the weather and, during the winter months, the mountain conditions. Despite a 'perfect forecast' I often find my chosen venue engulfed in a white-out. My lesson learned is, nothing ventured, nothing gained and you have to go out with an open mind - some of my best shots have been taken as a result of making the effort.
I'll often go to popular climbing areas in anticipation of someone being on a route. However, I recall one winter's day on the Ben, with clear blue skies and perfect snow. I made my way to the summit plateau and waited expectantly for some climbers to arrive on Tower Ridge. Knowing the route well, I knew exactly where to position myself. I waited and waited. The 'Golden Hour' arrived where the sun started to dip over Loch Linnhe, casting a beautiful warm light, but still no climbers. By 5pm I eventually heard voices, but they were so far away I knew that there was no chance of them reaching the top of The Great Tower before dark and I certainly wasn't going to hang around to find out!
In recent years landscape photography has played an equally important part of Cubby Images. Portraiture and lifestyle, and in general all things related to the outdoors is also included in our portfolio. Much of my photography features regularly in climbing and outdoor publications and has been used widely for advertising, catalogues and promotional material within the outdoor industry.
Cubby's work, including The Climbing Calendar 2006, The Climbers Logbook and Fine Art Prints are available online at www.cubbyimages.co.uk