The Cable Route Of Half Dome At Night

Imagine persuading a mountaineer to climb the Half Dome cable route in Yosemite National Park in the dark just for a photograph – the resulting picture would be worth the effort

- Kurt Lawson

In 2010 Kurt M Lawson envisaged a night-time long-exposure shot of hikers ascending the 97 switchbacks of the Mount Whitney Trail in California. The following year, having enlisted the help of several friends, he realised his ambition. Later, Kurt was contacted by photographer (and astronomer) Sean Goebel who suggested that they return to the site and recreate the photograph with the use of digital equipment. The pair also decided to capture time-lapse footage of the proceedings. In 2014 the duo (plus a small team of helpers) took eight cameras back to the mountain. The trip was a huge success and led to a unique picture, and the forging of a strong friendship.