15 Comments » Remember my CLEO magazine-Coke Zero interview and photoshoot?
I thought the photo made me look like I was actually really high up on the wall.
But I was only about one metre off the ground. Haha.
We were at SAFRA Yishun, the place where I had my first rock-climbing experience.
I was really excited about getting to climb rocks again, so I was a bit disappointed that they only needed me to climb a few steps.
What happened was that because this wall was a little challenging for me, my belayer (also a rock-climbing instructor), decided to demo the route for me. He went on the wall himself and showed me where to step on.
When he got into the position where you see me in the photo, the CLEO crew said, “That’s it! We want that position.”
So, for the next two hours, they shot me in that position endlessly, only tweaking the lighting and camera angle as well as small shifts in my body, head and expression, every so often.
Of course, I didn’t stay on the wall for two hours. After a series of shots, I got to come down and rest while the crew looked over what they’d shot to determine what they needed to change. So it was up and down, up and down.
Even though I didn’t get to climb higher, it was still fun.
Although very, very hot.
I think I tanned two shades darker after the two hours. And I had sunblock on.
To get the shine on my body, the makeup artist first rubbed some oil on. Then it was sprays of water at every break. He also had to wipe sweat off my face every so often, heh.
Did I mention it was really hot?
But I guess the sunny weather was great for lighting.
During the breaks, I chatted with Nanny Wen (who was acting as my manager and personal photographer) and my belayer (can’t remember his name). He was the one who told us about the Sport Climbing course which Nanny Wen and I eventually took up.
In that course, we learnt how to belay, use the safety equipment and climb more efficiently, so we can go climb rocks together now without having to hire belayers.
Anyway, the shoot was over way before I expected. Disappointing, as I said, cos I wanted to climb somemore. Haha.
Oh well. Here are more photos for your viewing pleasure!
Getting makeup and hair done while being interviewed:
Putting on my climbing shoes:
Gearing up for safety:
Setting up the camera:
Hooking the belay device on. Ready to climb!
Shoot starts!
Crew checking the shots:
Taking a break:
Spraying water:
End of shoot and a rewarding cold drink!
@Sheylara: Wah, it was so hot that you gulped down an entire 1.5L bottle?!?:P Anyway, cool shots all round:)
Haha no lah! I don’t have such a capacity in my tummy. :P
wanna be as thin and toned as you! heh.
Hehe.. you can wat. You’re not far off at all. :P
What no chalk bag? Next time you can borrow mine. ;-)
lol.. didn’t u climb up higher after the photoshoot?
OMG. i want your toned tummy!
@Steven: I don’t need a chalk bag yet. I don’t climb high enough haha. I get scared after about 3-4 metres, lol!
@tvbaddict: Well, I didn’t want to impose on the belayer cos, technically, after the shoot, he’s off duty already mah. Couldn’t make him stay just so I can climb more, right?
@nadnut: Thanks. :P But it’s not really toned leh, no lines. I’ve been wanting to go get some lines on it but lazy. Haha.
ok ok.. nxt time i belay u… make sure u climb till the top yah..
Are you sure you’re a certified belayer???
I personally think the pictures you’re friend took is much nicer than the one in the magazine. the one int he magazine makes your tummy looks weird. Like a flap in the middle. =/
@zhu: Yeah, they chose the photo where they had me bending my body forward so that the safety harness cut into my skin to cause that “flap”. I guess they didn’t notice it. :(
I wonder if rock climbing is suitable for those who fear heights. Would love to try it
@LJ: It depends on whether you want to conquer your fear of heights. I would say rock climbing is a good way to do it.
I have a great fear of heights myself. The first time I climbed, I could only climb about 3 metres before the fear made me come down. Subsequently, while the fear was still there, I made myself climb just a bit higher each time – very slow progression.
Not sure how high I can climb now, but definitely higher than 3 metres. It’s still damn scary though. :P
But I should add that it is perfectly perfectly safe if you have a trained belayer. So it’s just the fear of heights you have to overcome. You dont’ have to worry about falling and injuring yourself or anything like that. :P