Life

My life has been amazing lately, but subsequently I have put somethings ( my website, photography etc...) on the side. Hmm...Where should I start?? 

We are Butora - a unique, California-based climbing shoe company that partners directly with the shoe manufacturer. Our shoes are carefully handcrafted to maximize functionality while simultaneously providing for extreme comfort, and with a decade of experience developing quality climbing shoes, we let our shoes speak for themselves.

In about a months time, I shot and edited two short ads for Butora. The one above is of Nicole Pate using the Endeavor as well as the prototype crashpad. It feels really good to be able to finally push myself to produce art that I am proud of. 

ENDEAVOR If you're looking for an all-around performance with comfort, this is the shoe for you. The Endeavor gives you power and precision exactly where you want it. The slightly asymmetrical toe shape comfortably follows the natural line of the foot, and the shoe has an innovative triple fork webbing system for custom fitting. With its unique features and super solid construction, the Endeavor will meet and exceed your high expectations as a great all-around climbing shoe. The two-piece tongue is made out of a breathable mesh for comfort and ventilation. The tongue contains Poron® memory foam and an open cell sponge to absorb pressure from the straps. The front of the shoe is constructed from a special synthetic micro fiber to help maintain its original shape, and the back half of the shoe is made from natural leather for breathability and comfort. Fully lined with 100% organic hemp fabric to minimize stretch while simultaneously minimize foot odor. Moisture-wicking, split-leather footbed for comfort and a custom fit for your toes. 3D, injection-molded, full length polyurethane midsole for torsion rigidity and precision edging. Super sticky, 100% butyl Butora F5 rubber sole.

The second of the two ads I shot. This is just a basic breakdown of the makeup of Butora's Endeavor!  There were challenges that I encountered shooting this which really was, at the time, avoidable but nonetheless every day is day to learn, and I definitely did. 

Sunset over the SMM 

I am almost done with the first episode in my very own climbing film series. It will focus on climbing in the Santa Monica Mountains and the first location I filmed was the Tunnel boulders. A lot of people helped out already and I still have the entirety of the mountains to shoot!  The name still alludes me, but I have some working titles and have faith a name will arrive soon. 

I also just finished making a short film for Devlin for his presentation he is giving at the Telluride Film Festival... I don''t have many words to say about. I am sure that more will come of that! 

I almost forgot! I also helped film the SCS national climbing competition! I was the shoulder cam guy who got in everyones face as they came off the climbs. It was truly one of the best experiences of my life! 

Look out for a change in my website design! I'm playing with some new concepts so hopefully I will be able to change it up pretty soon! 

There is a philosophy I have been living by lately, which simply is, if life presents you an opportunity, only you can stop yourself from taking it and growing. It is scary but taking those steps build the foundations to your own future. In all things randomness exists, but finding the pattern and choosing to participate with it is up to you. That randomness snowballs and turns into everything you are and will be. This year will be a good one. I can feel it in my bones.