Adventure Photography - The Journey
Nestled in the heart of England, the Peak District is a playground for adventures, where I have been honoured to work with some amazing clients like Outdoor Lads and Pure Peak magazine. However, it’s not all about the Peak District. I often travel the UK with my work, and recently I even had the opportunity to fly out to Morocco and document the climb of Mount Toubkal. Here’s a short story from that trip. Enjoy.
The Spirit of the Mount Toubkal - Trek with The Brotherhood
There’s something raw and humbling about standing at the foot of a mountain, knowing the path ahead will test your grit, your patience, and your ability to stay present. As an adventure photographer, I live for these moments—where rugged landscapes collide with human stories of transformation. My recent trek up Mount Toubkal in Morocco with 'The Brotherhood' for their plant medicine retreat was one such journey, a perfect blend of my passions for event photography and landscape photography.
The Call of Toubkal
Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, isn’t just a climb; it’s a pilgrimage through the Atlas Mountains. I was hired to document The Brotherhood’s retreat, a group of men seeking connection and healing through plant medicine and the shared challenge of the trek. My job? To capture not just the vistas but the raw emotion, the camaraderie, and the quiet moments of introspection that unfold on a journey like this.
With years of trekking in mountains and wild camping under my belt, I’m no stranger to the rhythm of expedition life—packing light, moving with the terrain, and staying alert to the light’s dance across the landscape. This experience let me blend seamlessly into the group, camera in hand, ready to freeze fleeting moments without disrupting the flow.
The Art of Adventure Photography
Adventure photography is where my skills in event photography and landscape photography meet. The Brotherhood’s trek demanded both. One moment, I’m framing a sweeping shot of Toubkal’s snow-dusted summit against a dawn sky, the kind of image that makes you feel the mountain’s immensity. The next, I’m crouching in the dirt, capturing an emotional exchange, after a grueling ascent. Or a solitary figure gazing out over the valley during a plant medicine ceremony.
The challenge is staying nimble. You’re hiking with a full pack, navigating rocky trails, and sometimes shooting in low light or harsh weather. My kit has been honed over countless hours in the wild. But more than gear, it’s about instinct: knowing when to pause for a to capture the moment or when to sprint ahead to get a dramatic group shot.
Moments That Define the Journey
The Brotherhood’s retreat was as much about inner exploration as it was about conquering Toubkal. The plant medicine ceremonies, held in the village of Imlil and the Riad at Marrakech, were sacred and intimate. Photographing them required sensitivity, to convey the mood without intruding. I was also welcomed by the group to take part, which allowed me to grow closer to the group and ultimately create better imagery. Having that connection with the groups is a feeling like no other, being part of a collective where everybody is looking out for each other and driving for success. One image, of a participant crouched down, became a favourite; it speaks to the vulnerability and strength that surfaced during this journey.
The trek itself was no less powerful. From the bustling village of Imlil to the rough Toubkal Refuge, every step offered a new frame. I captured the group’s determination as they tackled steep switchbacks, their boots kicking up dust in the afternoon sun, to a 3am start with crampons at the ready for summit. At the summit, 4,167 meters up, I shot them celebrating—arms raised, faces alight with triumph.
Why I Do This
Adventure photography isn’t just about the images; it’s about living the story alongside your subjects. The Brotherhood’s journey reminded me why I’m drawn to remote places and tough trails. There’s truth in the struggle, beauty in the wild, and something profound in documenting both. My background in trekking and wild camping lets me move through these environments, while my eye for landscapes and human connection shapes the images I create.
This trek was a testament to the power of combining physical challenge with spiritual growth, and I’m honored to have captured it.
If you’re planning an expedition, retreat, or adventure and want it documented with authenticity, let’s talk. The mountains are calling, and I’m ready to tell your story.