Greg Epperson
Greg was somehow born in Morocco (huh?) and raised in San Diego. His accomplishments bouldering, and some of his boulder problems in the San Diego area are well known among San Diego boulderers today. Some climbing photographers are more or less photographers, and not honed, driven athletes. Greg is both. In fact, often times I hear, "I knew Greg was one of the best photographers, but I never knew he could climb like that!"
He's light, strong, focused (no pun intended), and experienced; those are all traits which make one excellent climber. He's soloed big walls, led A4, free climbed 5.12 pitches, leads run out face climbs, and can boulder like a fiend. I do believe it comes to him naturally, being part of his "Epperson" way of doing things. Not that he doesn't have to exercise, watch his diet, or that hard climbs or extreme challenges don't "work him"....He's not superman, but with his drive, determination, and motivation, his accomplishments are great and many.
Being a curious person who has many interests, he has been many places and done many things. Being a photographer and a climber, he must find the right mixture of business and pleasure; not always an easy task. Often times his drive and desire to get "the shot" seems to overtake and consume him, which is the trademark of a true professional and master. Most of us are just plain ol' "climbers" and not tied to the professional or artistic side of climbing. I have spent many, many days traveling, hanging, adventuring with Greg, and I fully respect his drive and motivation to get those awesome pictures he gets. I am usually just trying to put together the climbing side of our adventures, let along carry all that extra camera stuff, or all the positions ,details, and efforts Greg takes to get those world class adventure photos. Extra ropes, stilts for his legs, jumars, heavy packs, foul weather, hanging on ropes, changing films, light, time schedules, clothing colors (he often is appalled by my usual drab and ripped up climbing rags I wear)....climbing is way more multi-dimentional for Greg than us. But he usually always goes about his "business" in a very efficient, patient, professional, accommodating manner.
On top of being one of the best climbing photographers on the planet, and one hot shit climber. Greg is a true friend. Seems like no matter how manic or crazy his schedule or life gets, he's always ready to help his friends with anything or everything. I could easily say he's one of my best friends and no doubt my friend for life.
Being so driven, motivated, and a "perfectionist," has it's down side too. His high standards for himself and his work is not easily or always achieved (or achievable?), which can lead to frustrations and let downs. This is a part of Greg's life. But, as always, Greg is usually upbeat, motivated, psyched for his next quest and adventure, and ready to bust it up and go for the "business., "in work, home or play.
His other interests include bowling, building or repairing anything, high-end woodworking, mountain biking, and his awesome cactus garden at his beautiful home in Joshua Tree. Life is sweet, one adventure after another, and a spiritual journey for Greg. I do believe he's on the path and definitely headed in the right direction. I’m sure we will be sharing many more of life’s adventures together as well.
For more on Greg, visit our Epperson section or Greg's site.