Banff Mountain Photography Competition 2003

"In the spring of 2001, Brian Goldstone and I were producing a bouldering video titled No Strings Attached, which became a finalist and toured with the Banff Mountain Film Festival that year. Bouldering was not yet in vogue; the energy and excitement around the boulders was intense. Many new problems were being put up each weekend, and there was a great sense of support and community surrounding it all. Offering a glimpse into the boulderer's world, this image of Alister captures a bit of that energy and sense of community."

Raised on the beaches and in the mountains of western Canada, Christopher Atkinson has made wilder places the focus of his life. During his various careers - including backcountry ranger, mountain guide and Hollywood stunt rigger - and throughout his international travels, Chris' camera has always accompanied him. His work has been published in numerous catalogues and guidebooks and in magazines such as Climbing and Explore and is featured in his recently published climbers' guidebook to the Bugaboos.