he following was writing over a 10-month span following these events. Based off extensive, raw journal entries. This was a very emotional peace to write although one I feel the need to both document and look back on in reflection knowing that despite the state I was in IT benefited my life through learning lessons about myself that would not have happened without the emotional rollercoaster that was 2018.

It’s 2019 and digital imaging technology is matured more than my 33-year-old brain will ever be. Its never been easier to take photos and access top quality equipment that out resolves most people capabilities.

Despite all of this there is a growing number of creatives who have been taking a step back and going the way of capturing photons with Silver-Halide Crystals painted on a thin piece of plastic- Film that is!

Yesterday I received a little care package from my brothers over at Glo CBD and I really could not resist sharing this moment with everyone.

I decided to shoot some behind the scenes video of a quick little photo walk I went on in the Squamish forest. armed with not much more then just my Bronica film camera and a single roll of Kodak Tr-x.

As someone who has a strong visual social media presence it is not uncommon to hear feedback from followers asking me such questions as 'your life is such an inspiration, I struggle so much with life, how do you do it'.

As innocent as these comments and questions are I actually find them quite hurtful. Why? I am far from perfect and I am far from problem free.

It is easy to take my photos out of context. People generally engage in social media as a means to get inspiration, hence if you come across my photos you are most likely going to be inspired by them.

A Squamish, B.C. rock & ice climber who's camera is merely a witness to his adventures. With work that speaks for itself, Alex is a prolific climber, adventurer, teacher and photographer. So without further ado....here is the next installment of Cotton's "Interview with a photographer" featuring Alex Ratson!

For years I have stood beside the phrase "my camera is merely a witness to my adventures”.

I really got to give credit where credit is due, This tagline I have been using was inspired by the quote of a very influential photographer, James Nachtwey who once introduced a presentation with the words

"I have been a witness, and these pictures are my testimony. The events I have recorded should not be forgotten and must not be repeated".

Ever have that time in your life where it feels like you are playing a game of cards and as you look at the hand you were just dealt all you see is a hand of face-less cards?

You feel like a pretty big loser at this point because really, what game can you play let alone win with a set of faceless cards?!

That is exactly how I started to feel July of 2018 and man did I feel like shit! that feeling of living the life of a sure to lose card hand is not a fun one, especially when the hurt you feel is as precise as this vague metaphor.

My immune system was asleep at the wheel letting this hurt fully infiltrate my inner sole and quickly taking grasp of my life. This in essence was that awkward spot between denial and rock bottom. I knew I had a problem... But I didn't know what to call it.

There is something special about confronting the juxtaposition of swinging ice tools on a late summers day.

Despite the amazing weather and warm temperatures that scream anything but FROZEN ICE it is hard to sway the stubbornness that plages Ryan Larkin and his addictions of swing ice tools regardless of whats the seasonal social norm.

Today, January 28th, 2017 was a clear, sunny day making for amazing views. Sadly there was a strong Chinook like wind blowing through the parkway both warming things up and heavily loading the slopes above many of these world class routes. "Maybe next time" was a common dialog as we'd discuss these routes before us.

With the weather on our minds it was a surprise to see a car parked at the base of Polar Circus, the crown jewel of the Parkway.