Jimmy Chin

43, mountaineer, alpinist, skier, photographer, film director

- Seth Heller

I learned perseverance growing up. My parents were immigrants—it was brave of them to come here to try to make a life when English wasn’t their first language. Their work ethic was tremendous.

Photography was self-taught. It’s been a vehicle to see the world, and also forces me to look at the world through new eyes all the time. Whatever your craft, follow through with it, and it will open your eyes.

My climbing partners taught me trust and humility. In the mountains, it all comes out, all the emotions and character traits, so it’s important to surround yourself with good people, people with integrity … You know, just have a spine! I have no time for bullshit, basically.