My journey to the roof of Africa began not with a simple desire to summit Kilimanjaro, but with an audacious plan: to create the highest altitude wet plate collodion photograph in history. This 19th-century photographic technique requires mixing explosive chemicals, precise timing, and complete darkness—challenges multiplied exponentially at nearly 6,000 meters above sea level.

After 18 months of meticulous preparation, including specialized training and testing in freezers at -18°C, I embarked on the climb carrying an 18-kilogram backpack containing my portable darkroom, chemicals, and camera equipment. The ascent tested every limit—physical endurance, mental fortitude, and technical skill. Each day brought new challenges: filtering chemicals at high altitude, maintaining sterile conditions in mountain huts, and battling the effects of extreme UV radiation. My team of eight companions supported me valiantly, some pushing forward purely on willpower as the thin air took its toll.

Finally, at 10:30 AM on summit day, we reached Uhuru Peak. With trembling hands and racing heart, I set up my portable darkroom tent, which surprisingly heated to +25°C in the intense sunshine despite the freezing external temperature. I prepared my glass plate, positioned my team beneath the summit sign, and captured THE ONE historic photograph. Though slightly overexposed due to the intense UV radiation at altitude, the image materialized before my eyes—a tangible record of our achievement. While I still await the official Guinness confirmation, the personal victory far outweighs any certificate. As we celebrated later with a surprise cake carried by porters and toasted with Kilimanjaro beer, I realized this journey had transformed me in ways no mountain alone could have done.