xRez partner Eric Hanson was contracted by Glacierworks to document the rich cultural and on-trail experience of the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek in the timeless and spectacular Khumbu region of Nepal during the 2012 climbing season. Joined by ace photographer and DSLR DP Eric Poppleton, the twin Erics shot for 14 days enroute to EBC, shooting spherical and gigapixel panoramas, time-lapse, photogrammetry, and HD video, ranging at an elevation of 9,000′ to 18,500′ over 40 miles and 16,000′ feet of overall gain. The team then documented Everest base camp for an 8 day photo survey of the 800-strong population of international climbing team encampments. The work will be used in GlacierWorks’ current MIT gallery exhibit “Rivers of Ice: Vanishing Glaciers of the Greater Himalaya”, as well as upcoming multimedia experiences.
The team’s trek, schedule, and thematic content was designed by GlacierWorks and was supported by first-rate trekking and mountaineering agency Peak Promotion of Kathmandu, with key sherpas Ang Phula Sherpa, Ngima Sherpa, Kaji Sherpa, and Ngawang Furi Sherpa carrying over 400 pounds of photo gear. Chhoti Sherpa and Wongchu Sherpa provided expert off-trail support in explorations of Kathmandu. A short film is in post-production, containing rare footage shot in private Buddhist ceremonies.
Eric Poppleton has a wonderful gallery of stills from the expedition here.
Key pieces of panoramic gear were generously provided by the always excellent Nodal Ninja, big thanks go to Bill Bailey.
Everest and Ama Dablam Infrared from Everest View Hotel:
Entrance Portal at Tengboche Monastery:
Tengboche Monastery Interior:
Khumbu Glacier w/ Everest Base Camp in Distance:
Everest Base Camp:
Khumbu Glacier Icefall:
Mt Everest Massif from Kala Pattar, by Eric Poppelton: