Vladek, Sport, Photography - 4 by Vladek Zumr in Zurich

I'm Vladek Zumr, a photographer, videographer, and a climber with an insatiable passion for capturing the essence of the great outdoors. Born in Liberec, Czech Republic, my love for nature blossomed during countless trips to Český ráj (Czech Paradise) as a child, where I admired the climbers scaling sandstone formations. While I didn’t start climbing until I tried to impress my girlfriend in my youth, that first experience ignited a fire that has fueled me ever since. For over 25 years, climbing has been my way of connecting with the world, pushing my boundaries both physically and mentally. During my travels as a climber, I discovered my second great passion—photography. The beauty of the landscapes I encountered was too profound to put into words, so I began capturing them through my lens. Photography allowed me to not only document my journey but also to share the awe-inspiring moments with others. My work is a fusion of adventure and visual storytelling, capturing the raw beauty of nature and the exhilarating emotion of climbing. Based in Zurich, Switzerland, my photography has taken me across the globe, covering over 100 events in more than 20 countries. I’ve had the privilege of working with leading outdoor brands such as Adidas, Petzl, Black Diamond, and La Sportiva, as well as photographing elite athletes at world-class competitions like the Climbing and Bouldering World Championships, Adidas Rockstars, and more. My work has been featured in esteemed publications such as The Economist, Climbing Magazine, Rock and Ice, and many others. Whether I’m hanging off a cliff for the perfect shot or capturing the delicate play of light on a mountain peak, my goal is always to tell a story—one that inspires a deeper connection to nature and adventure. Join me as I continue to explore new heights, both in climbing and photography. Together, let’s embark on a visual journey that captures the untold stories of the world, one climb, one frame, and one story at a time.