What is usually a buggy May has been somewhat tamed this past weekend for reasons unknown. It is nothing like I remember last year being. So, it was quite a pleasure to be out shooting after almost a month of being away from bouldering.

Some of the usually cast of characters were out and about, but also some new faces as well. I always enjoy meeting the travelers though I am often left wishing I got more time with them.

I had heard that the hard core climbers aren't going to be out in the buggy times and they avoid the warmer months. But, I am finding that is only somewhat true. They still climb. They can't help it.

And why not. It was beautiful out.

As for me; I am getting back to my roots. In many ways I suppose. But, even as I am embracing digital for climbing photography (this is probably only the third or forth time I've shot digital for climbing) I am getting back to shooting the scene more. I have some shots I can envision that I want to make happen (or more accurately - be prepared to capture when I see the elements coming together).

Shooting digital at 8pm I figured I would try off camera flash. I may be a snob at heart. I shoot off camera lighting for everything except climbing. I've managed to keep my climbing photos largely unadulterated with technology. But, I am not dogmatic. I had the equipment, so I tried it out. The alien spotlight effect just wasn't working for me. Maybe a faux point and shoot thing would be worth faking for effect, but doing the strobist thing with flashes just isn't my style. Not for this. Not for what I want to achieve. (photos not posted because they didn't look good)

So, I want to keep pushing. Every frame counts, even in an ephemeral digital domain. What's the story - and maybe more importantly for me - what is going to last?

While I figure out the answer to that one, I am going to continue to shoot "Seishun." As always: my thanks to the climbers.

Note: If you're going to facebook a photo - give me a link in the caption ( photo by James of http://www.photographyri.com ) Otherwise don't run off with the photo and I won't run off with your food.