Intrepid photographer, climber, and snowboarder: Drew Smith. Photo: Drew Smith collection

Intrepid photographer, climber, and snowboarder: Drew Smith. Photo: Drew Smith collection

 

 
One of the best parts of liking to ask questions and running The High Route is the opportunity to speak to folks we admire and want to learn from. With this in mind, photographer Drew Smith is the guest on this episode.
 
Smith’s work spans the spectrum from outdoor-related commercial work to full-value expedition photography. We are drawn to his images for many reasons. First and foremost, there’s his documentarian style and vibe. In short, Smith is along for the ride, documenting rather than staging, keeping up with rather than slowing the tempo down. He’s a high-level climber and snowboarder who is often along on an expedition as an equal: he’ll lead ice and rock pitches, set a booter, crampon up a face with his snow sliding tools in tow, and camera ready.
 
 
A Karakoram ski approach. Photo: Drew Smith

A Karakoram ski approach. Photo: Drew Smith

 

 

Sean Villanueva O'Driscoll on the ascent. Photo: Drew Smith

Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll on the ascent. Photo: Drew Smith

 

Born and raised in rural Montana, low-key and modest are Smith’s hallmarks as he’d rather draw attention to his art and craft than to himself. We are excited to close out the 2024 podcast year with his interview.

You find find Smith’s photography here at Drew Smith Media.

You can find Smith’s written musing’s here at Drew’s Plan.

 

The theme music for The High Route Podcast comes from Storms in the Hill Country and the album The Self Transforming (Thank you, Jens Langsjoen). You can find a link to the album here—there are so many good songs on this album. And if you think you’ve spotted a UFO in the past or visited the 7th dimension, “Beautiful Alien” is a good tune to start with.