Climbing is one of those sports which, in theory, is entirely egalitarian. Different body types lend themselves to different climbing styles, and women can just as easily send a 5.13 as men. Granted, perhaps the style of 5.13 may be different, but it is a fact that some of the best climbers in the world are women. Lynn Hill, Katie Brown, Steph Davis… just to name a few.

As a climbing photographer, and a female climber, it has been my personal mission as of late to take more photos of women climbing hard. Despite the 10:1 male to female ratio in the climbing community, I’ve been able to shoot some photos of some very inspiring ladies. Below are a few from my recent trip to Indian Creek, Utah.

Rachel Greenburg on "Scarface" (5.11-)

Megan Polk on "Family Home Night" (5.12)

Megan Polk on Pitch 2 of "Heat Searcher" (5.11+)

It was a pleasure both to shoot photos of these ladies, and to get to know them. Since my personal resolve for climbing has faltered in the past 2 years, it’s refreshing to meet other women who have overcome hardships while climbing, and have returned to the sport. For the first time in a long time, climbing has not only inspired me artistically, but physically and mentally as well. I look forward to returning to Utah next week.