Fujifilm X-T4, ISO  250 , 18-55mm,  f/20, 1/105 sec., 2/20/22
Wide Angle Setting the Scene Shot

The Manchester Wall climbing area, a local crag that consists of old train trestles, sits just across the James River from downtown Richmond, Virginia. On February 20, 2022, climbing partners David West and Chris Thompson took to the walls and participated as subjects in a photography exercise focusing on visual variety for a photojournalism class taken through Colorado State University.
Photographed by: Leah Purdy

Fujifilm X-T4,  ISO  160 , 18-55mm,  f/4.0, 1/60 sec., 2/20/22
Story Telling Shot

David West (left) and Chris Thompson (right) made the required safety checks of harnesses, knots, and belay devices. Safety checks should be performed before every climb. Climbing is never safe but safety checks are essential to managing risk. 
​​Photographed by: Leah Purdy

Fujifilm X-T4, ISO  160, 18-55mm,  f/4.0, 1/600 sec., 2/20/22
Close Up Shot

David West chalks up his hands to improve friction against the rock surface before climbing. 
​​Photographed by: Leah Purdy

Fujifilm X-T4, ISO 160 , 18-55mm,  f/4.0, 1/90 sec.,  2/20/22
High-Angle Shot

David West approaches the anchors of a route called Hooked On A Feeling on the Main Wall while Chris Thompson belays him from below.
​​​Photographed by: Leah Purdy

Fujifilm X-T4, ISO  200 , 16 mm,  f/1.4, 1/8000 sec.
Low-Angle Shot

Chris Thompson leads the route Snake Chase on the First Pillar of the Manchester Wall Climbing area while David West belays him from the ground. 
​​​​Photographed by: Leah Purdy