Kiran Kallur

Photographer

Kiran Kallur is an alpinist and photographer. He expresses his vision and approach to life through his adventures in the mountains, and documenting the experiences and stories of some incredibly inspiring people. A growing interest in alpinism led him to pursue subdisciplines of climbing ranging from rock, ice, and high altitude mountaineering. He has climbed technical peaks and established a new line on Toro Peak in Miyar, “UMA” on Kang Yatse 3 in Ladakh, and a first ascent of a ground-up bolted route in Malawi alongside his climbing partners. His work documenting emerging climbing destinations has appeared in the New York Times and has highlighted community members across the international climbing scene. Honing his parallel crafts of climbing and photography, Kiran now juggles life between urban Bangalore and self supported climbing expeditions in the Indian Himalayas.

Q&A

1. Where do you live and engage in photography?

I live in Bangalore, India. I document the climbing across the country, and my work even specialises in shooting in the Indian Himalayas.

2. How did you get into photography?

Photography, as a medium, has consistently been a wellspring of inspiration for me since a tender age. The concept of a solitary image possessing the ability to conjure specific memories or emotions holds remarkable potency. The restriction of conveying one's vision through a solitary frame is undeniably exhilarating.

At the age of 14, I embraced my initial camera to capture the world as I perceived it. I am fortunate to have witnessed diverse life phases materialise and persist not merely as recollections but as tangible visual records, allowing for revisiting and cherishing those moments.

3. What excites or inspires you about climbing photography?

The notion of exploring and pushing my physical and creative capacities in challenging and uncomfortable environments stretches my mind to perceive beyond the obvious. It involves not only recounting stories for discussion but also providing individuals with a visual encounter of the fleeting moments spent within mountains and during climbing expeditions, all while fostering connections among communities through these narratives.

4. Outside of photography, how else are you involved in your climbing community?

• I'm dedicated to advancing climbing in India by developing climbing areas and pioneering big wall-free climbing opportunities for aspiring Indian climbers.

• This year, I organised the inaugural climbing photography clinic aimed at teaching the safety protocols and creative techniques of climbing photography within the Indian community.

• I also play a dynamic role within Piti-Dharr and Bangalore Climbing Initiatives, which empower Indian climbers to embark on their initial ventures into ice climbing and rock climbing.

5. What are your hopes for your local climbing community in the foreseeable future?

My aspiration is to foster a secure, easily accessible, and improved climbing infrastructure within the Indian climbing community. This initiative aims to not only facilitate the present and future climbers but also to showcase climbing on a global platform and showcase its stories worldwide.

6. Why are you motivated to support The Global Climbing Initiative and its mission?

My role as a photographer within The Global Climbing Initiative allows me to serve as a bridge connecting two distinct realms. In doing so, I have the opportunity to spotlight the progress, as well as the distinctive and motivating narratives, emerging from the Indian climbing communities.

7. Are you open to outreach for professional photography opportunities (in the climbing industry and beyond)? If so, what are your main strengths and interests as a photographer, and what is the best way to get in contact with you?

Yes, I'd be interested. I possess a high level of comfort in capturing photographs and videos in vertical settings, effectively handling rope work while simultaneously engaging in climbing and shooting. This combination of skills reflects my keen interest. I aspire to expand my portfolio beyond vertical and high-altitude environments, encompassing a more documentary-style approach that harmonizes seamlessly with my existing body of work.

info@kirankallur.in

+91 8147569905