Infused with adventure from a young age, Jonathan Cracroft was taught to ski at Alta Ski Area in Utah at the age of 2 ½ by his outdoor-enthusiast parents. Developing that love for the outdoors, Jonathan has since raced mountain bikes throughout the Intermountain West, ran in the Ragnar Relay, completed 17 triathlons, and traveled the world surfing, hiking and searching for adventure. This passion for the outdoors, coupled with his desire to excel as a professional photographer, have allowed Cracroft to capture many epic moments around the globe.

After a first encounter with Spider Holster at a photography event, Cracroft walked away with an enthusiastic vision of how this product could help him succeed as an outdoor photographer. He has since been doing extensive testing of an unconventional combination of Spider Holster gear. Combining the professional-level, all-metal SpiderPro Plate and the consumer-oriented Black Widow Holster, he has developed a dynamic set up that he finds ideally suited l for his active, outdoors lifestyle.

The robust SpiderPro Plate gives me the confidence I need in the plate attachment and the Black Widow allows for a light-weight holster that can be attached to my belt, climbing harness, ski pack and other personal outdoor equipment,” said Cracroft. “I enjoy the normal use of my current camera backpack, and although I am pretty quick at it, in the past I have struggled with how long it takes me to pull my pack off, unload the camera With the Spider Holster, and get the shot I wanted.

Now, making use of the SpiderPro Plate and Black Widow Holster, Cracroft is able to holster his camera on his hip for quick access, increasing the response time for fast paced action as it unfolds. “The alternative, that many photographers use currently, is the traditional neck strap but I find that the neck strap has two key disadvantages. One, it’s uncomfortable for me with a five or six pound camera and lens combination, pulling and rubbing on the back of my neck as I move around the outdoors. And two, the strap tends to get in the way from time to time as I am handling the camera, obscuring the view through the lens or getting caught on branches, gear and other equipment.”

Freedom of use and camera security ensure Jonathan Cracroft never misses a shot while skiing, repelling or hiking-in to his off-the-map location shoots days.

In many cases while skiing, Cracroft can quickly unholster his 5D Mark III w vertical grip and 70-200mm f/2.8L lens and move around the mountain without having to come to a stop, all without dropping his backpack in the snow to remove camera gear before returning the backpack to his shoulders. The freedom created by having the camera on his hip makes capturing those ever-elusive moments more possible.

Whether I am climbing, mountain biking, or hiking, having the camera securely attached to my Spider Holster makes access during active shooting much more streamlined and remains comfortable.” Cracroft made use of his Spider Holster this past year while climbing in Grand Teton National Park, on a photo shoot for outdoor equipment companies. “I was able to have my camera on my hip comfortably while climbing, belaying, and managing the challenges of getting up the mountain safely.

Cracroft has been published in several outdoor sports magazines, including Backcountry, Telemark Skier, SBC Skier, Couloir, Alliance Wakeboard, Wasatch Journal, and more. He also serves as a staff photographer for the Salt Lake City Twilight Concert Series and Outdoor Sports Guide.

For more information about Jonathan Cracroft and his photography, please visit: www.jonathancracroft.com