Photographer Paul 'Beez' Beedle Clings to Life in Thrilling Shot from Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Forty years ago, the then 19-year-old Beez was handed an opportunity to capture a group of maintenance workers as they changed lightbulbs on top of the iconic towers of Bristol's Clifton Suspension Bridge. The risk was immense – he had to climb multiple ladders and balance precariously over vast chasms as the bridge's suspension cables stretched out like giant metal fingers below.
"It felt like I'd overcome my vertigo just to get up there," Beez reflects. "I was still trying not to look down, and suddenly these guys were in front of me, hanging on for dear life – no safety gear or harnesses in sight." Despite the absence of any formal protection, the trusty old-school workers proved themselves as seasoned professionals, snapping into place with ease.
The resulting image is a hair-raising testament to Beez's unbridled enthusiasm and bravery. The bridge, suspended high above the Avon Gorge, becomes an eerie backdrop for this impromptu photo shoot. As one looks at the picture now, it's astonishing how little has changed – apart from maybe a hard hat or two.
In a career spanning decades, Beez has built an enviable portfolio that defies conventions and redefines what is possible with camera and human ingenuity. Whether documenting his youth's punk rock scene or chronicling the lives of others through powerful images, he leaves no stone unturned in capturing life's fleeting moments.
Forty years ago, the then 19-year-old Beez was handed an opportunity to capture a group of maintenance workers as they changed lightbulbs on top of the iconic towers of Bristol's Clifton Suspension Bridge. The risk was immense – he had to climb multiple ladders and balance precariously over vast chasms as the bridge's suspension cables stretched out like giant metal fingers below.
"It felt like I'd overcome my vertigo just to get up there," Beez reflects. "I was still trying not to look down, and suddenly these guys were in front of me, hanging on for dear life – no safety gear or harnesses in sight." Despite the absence of any formal protection, the trusty old-school workers proved themselves as seasoned professionals, snapping into place with ease.
The resulting image is a hair-raising testament to Beez's unbridled enthusiasm and bravery. The bridge, suspended high above the Avon Gorge, becomes an eerie backdrop for this impromptu photo shoot. As one looks at the picture now, it's astonishing how little has changed – apart from maybe a hard hat or two.
In a career spanning decades, Beez has built an enviable portfolio that defies conventions and redefines what is possible with camera and human ingenuity. Whether documenting his youth's punk rock scene or chronicling the lives of others through powerful images, he leaves no stone unturned in capturing life's fleeting moments.
, I mean who tries to take a photo of people changing lightbulbs on a suspension bridge without any safety gear? That's just asking for trouble... and Beez is lucky to be alive! 
The fact that he was able to get the shot without anyone getting hurt is just a testament to how reckless he must have been back then. And now he's all old-school and nostalgic about it, like "oh yeah I was so brave back in my youth". Give me a break, dude... 
and its awesome that the maintenance workers were down to earth about it too, no drama or anything just got the job done. i love his work, always pushing boundaries and taking risks with his camera 
I mean, can you even imagine being up there without any safety gear? 
It's insane how fearless he must've been to take that shot. and the best part is that it's still got that same raw energy 40 years later - it's like looking at a time capsule of street photography perfection! 
can you believe this photo from 40 years ago? it's crazy how reckless these maintenance workers were back then! 
and yet, Beez managed to capture a truly iconic shot with zero safety gear 
. it's amazing how this photo still holds up today – it's like time stood still for a brief moment in 1985 
. and Beez, man... his portfolio is insane 
, gives me chills just looking at it!
I'm so over how hard it is to get a decent selfie on social media! 
I mean, can't we just have a feature that allows us to share a photo with our friends from the most epic locations? 
btw who knew 1 hard hat could make such a difference