Photographer Page

Beth Wald

Yaks crest a ridge in the valley of Chu-tang in Dolpo, Nepal. “The villages and monasteries in this remote region seemed timeless,” says photographer Beth Wald. “Buddhist shrines and massive piles of carved mani or prayer stones—often fluttering with prayer flags strung above—line the entrance to most villages, so that the entire landscape seemed to resonate with sacred meaning.”

Renowned for its iconic Persian architecture and tile work, Isfahan’s 17th-century Imam Mosque is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. “On a summer day,” says photographer Beth Wald, “the cool interior and vast, dark spaces of the mosque are a welcome refuge from the intense sun, and a quiet place to appreciate the rich, ancient culture of Iran.”

Mount Fitz Roy features sky-puncturing peaks on the border of Argentina and Chile.

Andrzej Zawada continued his leadership in the winter high-altitude game with a first winter ascent of Cho Oyu in February of 1985. Two rope teams made the summit. The first was Maciej Berbeka and Maciej Pawlikowski on February 12. This was Berbeka’s second first winter ascent of an 8,000er. The second ascent was on February 15 by Zygmunt Heinrich and Jerzy Kukuczka. This was Kukuczka’s second first winter ascent of an 8,000er, and even more remarkably, both in the same season.

Every year in the remote reaches of Peru, wild vicuñas are rounded up during Gran Chaccu, an annual shearing event rooted in Inca tradition. Andean herders surround these wild, long-necked cousins of llamas and alpacas, prized for their precious wool, considered one of the finest natural fibers in the world. Once the animals are shorn, they are let go and bound, one by one, for the hills, free again.

A wild vicuna looks for an escape during a yearly round up outside of Picotani. Puno, Peru.

Every year in the remote reaches of Peru, wild vicuñas are rounded up during Gran Chaccu, an annual shearing event rooted in Inca tradition. Andean herders surround these wild, long-necked cousins of llamas and alpacas, prized for their precious wool, considered one of the finest natural fibers in the world. Once the animals are shorn, they are let go and bound, one by one, for the hills, free again.