Corey Rich Appreciation Thread

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BPorter

Big Wall climber

Quartz Hill, Ca

Topic Author's Original Post - Dec 17, 2006 - 02:57pm PT

Some may know him, some may not!

Corey Rich was a student of mine in the Antelope Valley. Before becoming a rather noted adventure photographer, Corey attended Park View Intermediate school where I was a teacher and later Principal. As a teacher, I used to share my climbing adventures with students, and this is where I first met Corey and his older brother Scott. We talked alot about climbing and Corey, early on, demonstrated a natural inkling toward photo-jounalism, working in the school's audio-video elective. What I noticed about Corey early on, was his ability to completely understand the "human element" whether it involved climbing or any other human endeavor. I remember climbing with Corey at the Devil's Punchbowl area (a horrendous mix of granite pebbles mixed with unstable sandstone) where he demonstrated adroit climbing skills.

Corey graduated from high school and went on to pursue photo-journalism in college. The next time I communicated with him was when I was attempting to raise money for a new gym building at Park View Intermediate. I informed him that I was attempting to raise money for the new gym by seeking donors to sponsor my climb of El Capitan, which was one of my life long goals. Corey immediately responded by offering to photograph the climb (free of charge) for a project he was working on which later became the multi-media production of "The Tortoise and The Hare" which compared the traditional approach to climbing El Cap (Us....i.e. The Tortoise) to Chris Mac's and Miles Smart 7 1/2 hour ascent. While fulfilling my dream of climbing El Cap via the Zodiac route, I will never forget Corey hanging 50 feet away from the cliff cranking off photo after photo of our progress on the route. Later, he made all of the photos available to me which is something I will never forget.

Corey Rich is an extremely talented photo journalist! And I believe the key to his success is his ability to completely understand the "human element". If in doubt, check out his site at Coreography.com. Corey, I'm heading up your way over the Holidays and hope to get in touch. Thanks again for who you are and what you do!!

Bob
AKA Cracko