There and Back: Photographs from the Edge

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My personal style signifiers are simple, comfortable, practical clothes: a navy or white James Perse T-shirt, Hiroshi Kato jeans and a North Face Purple Label Japan insulated, button-down, collarless shirt that I take with me wherever I go. Breathtaking. An awesome and inspiring doc. Will have viewers holding their breath and biting their nails during the spectacular climax." GARY M. KRAMER, FILM JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL Chin is 49 years old born on October 12, 1973, in Mankato, Minnesota, in the United States. Who Is Jimmy Chin Jimmy has a personal charisma and drive that is very unusual,” Robinson continues. “He is very ambitious, yet he comes across as chill and unassuming. People really love him, want him to be successful, and want to work with him.” The way that Vasarhelyi and Chin capture the scale of Honnold’s climb is stunning. A gripping and rewarding documentary to watch." DAVID SIMS, THE ATLANTIC

And the best souvenir I’ve brought home is a photo that I took of friends skiing near the top of Everest. This was a shot that I don’t think anyone had ever snapped before and it represents the intersection of my life as a documentarian and also a climber. It’s a reminder of a very special expedition moment and one that I couldn’t have set up.Jimmy Chin is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Extreme Sports, Adventure, Mountain Climbing, Asian Heritage, Athlete, Art, Television & Film, Commencement, Authors, Social Activism, Sports, Motivational, Outdoor Sports & Recreation and Travel.

I was brought up in an immigrant family. That means you worked hard. If you’re going to bother doing something, you needed to do it really well. It was all about excellence. There weren’t any excuses. I grew up swimming competitively, studying, competing in martial arts, and playing violin. National Geographic caught up with Chin to talk storytelling, adventure, and risk. Has becoming a father affected how you approach decision-making in the mountains?

Jimmy Chin Film | Movies

Along the way, Chin shares behind-the-scenes details about how he captured such astounding images in impossible conditions, and tells the stories of the legendary adventurers and remarkable athletes he has photographed, including Alex Honnold, the star of his Academy Award–winning documentary film Free Solo; ski mountaineer Kit DesLauriers; snowboarder Travis Rice; and mountaineers Conrad Anker and Yvon Chouinard. Thrilling. One of the greatest physical achievements ever by a human being." G. ALLEN JOHNSON, THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE If I weren’t doing what I do, I would be a woodworker or a creative craftsperson of some kind. I love working with my hands and the satisfaction of having a finished product at the end of the day.

The best gift I’ve given recently is a NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) course in Wyoming to my nephew, to celebrate his 16th birthday. I used to teach these outdoor leadership courses and I was amazed by how transformative they can be. From teamwork to self-confidence to leadership, the skills learned on a NOLS trip last a lifetime. Admittedly, one breathtaking photo of sunset over icy mountaintops does get to look much like another, but the book is really best appreciated slowly, almost one climb at a time. Notes on the expeditions are included, but some readers might have to Google a few terms. Evan Hayes is the Head of Production & Development at the Emmy award-wining production company ACE Content, where he is also a Partner. Hayes developed and produced FREE SOLO alongside co-directors Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin. During the production of FREE SOLO, he served as President of Production at Parkes+MacDonald/Image Nation where he supervised all aspects of production, finance and creative development in both film & television. Hayes also oversaw Parkes+MacDonald's discretionary development fund as well as strategic partnerships with Image Nation Abu Dhabi, Universal Television and Studio Canal, among others. During his tenure at Parkes+MacDonald the company produced and/or financed such films as James Ponsoldt's "The Circle" starring Tom Hanks, Emma Watson, and John Boyega; Davis Guggenheim's "He Named Me Malala" for Fox Searchlight; and "Rings" for Paramount Pictures.GRIPPING. MAGNIFICENT. Chin and Vasarhelyi have done such a good job laying out some of El Capitan’s specific challenges for the viewer that they become resonant beats in a mini-story arc. It’s scary and exhilarating stuff." GLEN KENNY, ROGEREBERT.COM I do hope that Jimmy will have the opportunity to write more, to tell stories about the people, tribes, he met during his trips, to give us insight into their lives and customs.