Cliffhanger

Oh yes... the perfect shoes to do that!

Tipical climber shoes!

| B L O G |
www.hansvandevorst.com

I promised you some answers after yesterday's photo.

After the sun set behind the canyon's horizon he packed his things (having only one hand available) and prepared himself for the jump. This took about 2 minutes, at that point he had the full attention of the crowd.

After that, he jumped on his thong sandals...
The canyon's depth is 900 meters here.

Now you can see that the adjacent rock is higher so he tried to land lower, which is quite steep and tried to use his one hand to grab the rock.

1600 ISO/70-200mm 2.8 USM IS, the light was quite poor, sorry for that. :) Final photo tomorrow.

The Grand Canyon, Arizona. All rights reserved © Hans van de Vorst.
(Update 26/1 Straight from the cam, smart sharpening applied)

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Comments

< Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next >

(595 comments)

Dean Forbes says:

That is the most stupid thing I've ever seen anyone do. Fucking idiot and show off.

Good thing you kept your lens on him. It is a cool capture, scary as it may be.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Jeff Clow says:

An amazing shot and a great composition for an action moment.

Truly a FINE piece of photo work.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

NENEH says:

oh no.............. breathtaking...

I cannot believe he did that.....
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

dariuszka says:

it can't be true!!! but you got a stunning shot Hans! :-) impressive photography.

are you sure it's not photoshop`? :-)
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

mtyto says:

I love the colours in the picture and the background is breathtaking.

Kris Kros Contacts
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Mace2000 says:

That guy must be crazy. Still don´t understand why he didn´t shot his pics from the safer rock.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Fotomom says:

Your photo is amazing.
I have to agree with Dean Forbes though.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Steve Stone says:

Good grief - I really wasn't expecting him to actually do this!! Silly idiot - and brilliant picture!

Kris Kros Contacts
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

ricko says:

Crazy!

1-2-3 nature
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

zorella says:

:O
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

purpwaltz says:

This picture is insanely scary - it made my hair stand on end when I first looked at it. You've captured the moment impeccably - this is the perfect moment of capture. But I really can't imagine how he could have done anything like that! Whew!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

_Hans van de Vorst says:

Thank you all for your early comments, if you ask me, it's in the tags: Nucking futs.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

u.linder says:

aahhhh this is the way back!! the guy must be absolutely fearless!! a jump like this and his whole foto stuff in the left hand...crazy!!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Dan65 says:

You've got all your fans on complete tenterhooks, Hans! How will the story end? Will Mr Thong survive his daredevil leap? You certainly know how to hold your audience in the palm of your hand! And the photos are darned cool too!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

noamgalai says:

:O
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Walt K says:

Unbelievable that someone would even think of doing this!!!!!! Great shot!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

BamaWester says:

WOW....awesome shot. Talk about no room for error. Nicely done.

(123 Nature)
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

IHP says:

I had the same feeling as purpwaltz. I am scared by what this guy is doing since I always feared the strength of gravity. I am looking at the rock to the right and wonder how he will land there.
This is a great capture, Hans!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Bart Aldrich [deleted] says:

Unbelievable! I have vertigo and it's hard for me just to look at a picture of this insanity.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

marciakd says:

Well Hans is not my language and I don't know what mean "totally nuts", sorry!
I loved the photo!!! It is an unexpected and surprising action and the emotion when seeing independe to know if it has or not photoshop, is brilliant. Excellent work my friend!
Thank you for your words I really loved!!!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Beautifully ◊ Scene ◊ Images says:

Wow! Captured that leap great! But I do agree... he's nuts!
(1-2-3 Nature)
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

jimheid says:

Does one of those baywatch girls break his fall?

This is masterful! Theatrically shared with us, too. :-)
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

LucaPicciau says:

CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm impressed...

Superb capture
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

MicheKerr says:

OK, the suspense is killing me. Nice cliffhanger you have going on here. Is there a trick? Like a glass walkway under him?
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

greenkayak73 says:

Incredible shot. Not me. Never. Ever.

I crapped my pants just looking at this.

1-2-3 Nature
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Araleya says:

Great moment. Exciting shot.
(1-2-3 Nature)
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Anna Pagnacco says:

Incredible action and capture!!! Anna
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

oaxoax says:

Loving it! Yeah, he's nuts but I love crazy people! Great shot.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

LynchburgVirginia says:

wow that is quite interesting and scary and quite unbelievable. would even an insane person do this? I know I would not. Great picture but I have my suspicions.

Kris Kros Contacts
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

☀ Sol says:

wow

www.flickr.com/groups/kriskroscontacts/
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Caro~in~FL says:

I can't breathe just looking at this! Oh my God!!!! I bet he's hanging on for dear life on the next picture, I wonder if he drops his material?
Can't wait to see it :)
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

gotigersjf says:

This guy's nuts. Especially to be doing that in sandals. Even if he made the jump who's to say the rocks don't crumble in his hands once he hits the other side.

Will tomorrow's conclusion show a red stain at the base of the Canyon?
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

ouyea says:

WOOOW! Great work! Incredible shot! Instant fav!
(1-2-3 Nature)
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

FotoDawg says:

Wow. Seriously nice bit of editorial photography here. Definately right place, right time. That guy is an idiot. If he'd have fallen they'd be building a fence around that little promontory right now.

Well done. Can't wait for the third installment.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

jurek d. says:

this is some story!

or is this a photoshop story???

nice action shot!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

oybay says:

Jaw dropped. Must try to lift it up again, but I can't.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Robby Edwards says:

Unbeleivable! That is totally crazy! Impressive to do, but still insane...
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

MightyBoyBrian says:

insane in the membrane
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Photos by Elyssa says:

What a nut! Great shot though, I thought it was altered.

Found deep inside the secret crypt of
Stuck in Customs Brilliant Cabal!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

{ Planet Adventure } says:

bloody dick head !!
amazing capture
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

hofhoek says:

You were both very lucky...
Amazing!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Serjirao [deleted] says:

Maybe he has faith in the promises done by Christ that He will hold us when we'll fall....

Or, he's mad....

Or he's realy talented in climbing....

But your pic is amazing... It gives thrill to me.... brrrrrr
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

namq says:

Wow! Great capture. Really amazing.

from the 1-2-3 Landscapes group
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Merkur* says:

I take my hat off to the guy and bow, :))).
A very fun trilogy Hans, you should be in the show-busniss, :D
But then I thought, maybe he does this everyday, no big deal, :)))
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

rskoon says:

Haaaa!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

dElay says:

Crazy !!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

davebushe says:

Whoa. I sure hope he got some good shots out of that!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Saskya says:

Flipping heck what an idiot! I thought this was photoshopped. Are you sure it isn't Hans? You are having us on aren't you? This looks like a leap he could never have survived :-O
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

piapest says:

that's ridiculous!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

isolano. says:

This is a unique moment that you brilliantly captured here, may be the shot of your life. So why is it that I can't stand looking at it??? It completely takes my breath away! I'm going to close my eyes while I favorite it!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

mtchm says:

wow
breathtaking shot

from the 1-2-3 Landscapes group
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Bubblelo says:

This is so crazy and brave!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Guia D'Chapada says:

Na boa.. c quer enganar quem..hehehe..Ficou dimaizão...
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

jasperroz says:

NOW you've got EVERYONES attention. UNREAL..............
Wow! Hans, are you serious?
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Zoomfreaky says:

You only live once, but this is a bit over the top...
Can't wait till tomorrow...
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

_Hans van de Vorst says:

Yes Tam and others it's true. In this pic I used levels, curves, sharpening and I darkened the outside edges a bit. I was very focused to get the timing right and also was lucky of course :) Glad you all like it.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

jasperroz says:

It's fantastic. Congrats to you. :~)
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

droimarais says:

We're back in the old Saturday Matinee cliffhanger days .... Can't wait!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Leviathor says:

I don't think my mother or girlfriend would appreciate knowing what kind of stuff I did at the Grand Canyon, so I won't admit to doing anything like that. Funny thing is that I remember exactly where that is, and I contemplated, very shortly, doing the same thing. I didn't think I'd make it back with 25 pounds of camera equipment on my back, though, so I just stuck to climbing and sliding to peninsulas, isthmuses, and close islands.

--
Seen in 1-2-3 Nature (?)
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Cieleke says:

I don't believe my eyes!!! Did he REALLY jump? Really, really???
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

michele pedrolli says:

Oh my God! A damn crazy photograph! :-)
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Mernas says:

!!!!!

I have a friend like that.. ex. junior climbing champion.. completely bonkers.. but that's why I like him!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

jasberg says:

wow.. amazing.

is the 3rd shot of him being arrested?
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

suesue2 says:

I would like to rename this to "Leap Of Faith".
CRAZY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

trister says:

I'd at least tie a rope to the gear so I could have both hands for the jump!

There may be ledge that can't be seen behind the left hand outcrop that he is jumping to.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

phlezk says:

what a crazy bastard... glad he made it.

good work
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

internat says:

wow...I'll be back tomorrow!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Kieran001 says:

absolute nutter.... I hope he got a decent photo from it. Thats commitment for you.

1-2-3
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

lakewentworth says:

Definitely not playing with a full deck... amazing though!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

CPLandArch says:

Amazing shot!
But doesn't worth it to risk the life for a snap.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

pfflyers1 says:

Piece of cake
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

roundandborderless says:

oh wow... i have to look at this photo through my fingers for fear that he might fall at any second! what a GREAT capture and story... :o)

can't wait for the answers to the questions...
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

anthonyko says:

just like watching a movie....
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

david haggard says:

I've spent a lot of time in and around the Grand Canyon and I've done some pretty scarey things there, but this is unreal. That guy has huge balls or no brains or both.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

adlin says:

this guy has an issue!!!!!!!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

dlemieux says:

oh my f'n god.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

mykl mabalay says:

man, this guy is crazy! i also cannot see the advantage of shooting on that little rock instead of the safer ledge...

great capture bro!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

L-T-L says:

Now I'm certain it is a composite.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Leviathor says:

myklmabalay: The interesting landscape in the Grand Canyon is WAY DOWN. Shooting WAY DOWN from the rock behind would introduce that pesky rock in front. The easiest way to eliminate that rock is to be on it.

--
Seen in my recent comments. (?)
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Daniel Cormier says:

As so many others have said: that's just nuts.

--
Seen on your photo stream. (?)
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

temyong says:

David Blaine now a photographer? :) great timing man... can't wait for tomorrow's final installment.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

unsure shot says:

Perfect title. Can't wait to see the final shot!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Rafael DeLima [deleted] says:

where does he post his pictures??? im dying to see his point of view
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Lnr Mck says:

Oh....my....GOD.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

misterkbar says:

Optical illusion: the drop is still 900-odd feet, BUT there is probably a ledge hiding behind the stone on the right. Note the shadows from the previous picture.

It's still a ballsy jump, but I don't think it's as insane as it would appear.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

DG N says:

Wow!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Isowai Todake says:

nice compositing:) good job!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Sherry says:

OMG!!!
This guy is totally crazy!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

[bridget] says:

what????? NO WAY!!!!
thanks for the suspense and the storyline. fantastic captures.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

*haibar says:

Awesome and terrifying.
from the 1-2-3 Landscapes group
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Poo-tee-weet? says:

You sure have a hand for suspense...
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

KaroliK says:

This shot made my stomach turn. (I'm afraid of heights/falling).

I sure hope you hurry and post the last shot because I'm seriously stressed over this.

However, it's such a completely awesome shot that I'm:

a) Blogging it on odd time signatures

and

b) Going to keep refreshing your photostream until I see how it was resolved.

:)
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

janzedrik says:

fearless guy! amazing shot :)
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

greenspan2424 says:

Incredible!!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

usclabdog says:

nuts! nuts! mine went all the way up my throat? did he finally fall to his death or what?
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

twentyeight says:

Wow............breathtaking and incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

ThePres [deleted] says:

Ohh my, I hope #3 is not his demise!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Edcsk says:

my question is what happened to the camera? =D
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Icarus Diving [deleted] says:

Maybe he was just going back for his brain? He obviously didn't bring it with him!

Perfect timing on the shot!

Kris Kros Contacts
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

mimbrava says:

I'd like to see the shots he took. Yours is awesome, and faved.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

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Taken in Bumble Bee, Arizona (map)
Taken on July 14, 2006

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Cliffhanger

Comments

Dean Forbes says:

Jeff Clow says:

N*E*N*E*H says:

dariuszka says:

mtyto says:

Mace2000 says:

Fotomom says:

Steve Stone says:

ricko says:

zorella says:

purpwaltz says:

_Hans van de Vorst says:

u.linder says:

Dan65 says:

noamgalai says:

Walt K says:

BamaWester says:

IHP says:

Bart Aldrich [deleted] says:

marciakd says:

Beautifully ◊ Scene ◊ Images says:

jimheid says:

LucaPicciau says:

MicheKerr says:

greenkayak73 says:

Araleya says:

Anna Pagnacco says:

oaxoax says:

LynchburgVirginia says:

☀ Sol says:

Caro~in~FL says:

gotigersjf says:

ouyea says:

FotoDawg says:

jurek d. says:

oybay says:

Robby Edwards says:

MightyBoyBrian says:

Photos by Elyssa says:

{ Planet Adventure } says:

hofhoek says:

Serjirao [deleted] says:

namq says:

Merkur* says:

rskoon says:

dElay says:

davebushe says:

Saskya says:

piapest says:

isolano. says:

mtchm says:

Bubblelo says:

Guia D'Chapada says:

jasperroz says:

Zoomfreaky says:

_Hans van de Vorst says:

jasperroz says:

droimarais says:

Leviathor says:

Cieleke says:

michele pedrolli says:

Mernas says:

jasberg says:

suesue2 says:

trister says:

phlezk says:

internat says:

Kieran001 says:

lakewentworth says:

CPLandArch says:

pfflyers1 says:

roundandborderless says:

anthonyko says:

david haggard says:

adlin says:

dlemieux says:

mykl mabalay says:

L-T-L says:

NENEH says:

Sherry says: