Anytime new work from New York-based adventure and lifestyle photographer Forest Woodward comes across my desk, I can’t help but share. Recently, the Brooklyn-based photographer was off on one of his frequent undertakings, this time by way of raft on a 28-day expedition along the Colorado River. Forest was creating content for Red Bull, with a focus not on rafting, but on rock climbing in the Grand Canyon. He elaborated on what he loves most about adventure photography:
The physical challenges. The natural beauty of this world. The mystery of what’s around the next bend in the river, road or trail. The landscapes I am drawn to explore are always different. There is mystery out there and I am constantly in awe of the world. I find inspiration in the changing light and forms of the natural world. In adventure sports we are often drawn to environments that are physically difficult to get to and photograph in, and I enjoy the challenge of balancing both physicality and creativity.
For this winter expedition, Forest and the crew had to utilize daylight to the best of their ability, balancing daily camp chores as well as scouting for rock climbing spots and covering many, many miles. The trip leader, David, spent the better part of a year planning the trip while Forest partnered with Goal Zero to be outfitted with solar equipment, as well as with NRS for river gear.
Forest is in the process of putting together a multimedia project incorporating this trip with one that his dad took in 1970 (when he became one of the first to kayak the length of the canyon in a boat he made in his basement). Looks like adventure runs in the family!