Using Flash Outdoors

Having fun with the dogs on a bright Alaskan day can lead to very contrasty photos. Sometimes I will throw a flash on to brighten their faces. These were all taken with my Canon 5D mark II with a 430ex flash on the hotshoe. I usually take the flash off of the camera, but with 6 dogs running around I found it safer to leave the flash on the camera.

Notice how evenly their faces are lit and the catch light in their eyes!

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Fun Alaska Style

A lot of people ask me how I can stand living through our Alaska winters. I tell them if you can get a couple winter outdoor hobbies it is easy. I love to cross-country ski and last year we adopted a Siberian Husky into our family. That makes it even more fun. My wife's twin sister is a recreational dog musher and we enjoy outings with her and her dogs. On this excursion, we had 2 dog sleds, a pair of skis, 4 Siberians and a black lab.
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This was my first time skijoring with two dogs. I borrowed Totem to help Donner pull...what fun.I included a one minute video from my point and shoot camera. You will see why I don't carry my 5D outside of my backpack at the end.



Fun Alaska Style from Mike Criss on Vimeo.

Using Backlighting Effectively

Using backlight can be challenging, but when used correctly it can add depth to your photos.

The sun adds some backlight and depth to this musher

You can also use the sun for the classic silhouette

Used a flash behind and above my nephew and girlfriend to separate them from the background

Backlighting is a very effective way to separate your subject from the background. Your camera will try to underexpose though so you have to play with your metering. Try spot metering and exposure compensation the next time you have a difficult shot.

Skijoring in Alaska

My wife and I own a Siberian Husky and enjoy taking him out on hikes, walks and runs. This winter we will be skijoring more. I have done some skijoring years ago when I lived in Fairbanks, but have not skied with a dog since moving to Wasilla. I have tried to include some scenic photos from the trail. These were taken with a point and shoot camera. Since this was the first time Donner and I were skiing together I did not want to take a chance with my 5D. I included a short video to show what fun it is to skijor.

Skijoring in Alaska from Mike Criss on Vimeo.

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Siberian Huskies

Siberians are the ultimate Alaskan dog. I can say that with some authority because I am around 5 of them almost daily. My sister-in-law Kim owns 4 and we own 1.

Here is Kim 2 winters ago, running Kashti and Vixen.

Our bulldog, Chesty thinks he is the lead dog!!

Kashti playing in the snow at Hatcher Pass

Vixen posing.

I used off camera speed lights for this photo.

I used off camera speed lights for this photo.

Kim running her girls this winter.

Kim's newest addition Stormy this winter.

Kim's newest addition Stormy this winter.

Kim with Sadie and Kashti this winter.

Kim with Sadie, Vixen and Kashti.

Kim and her girls in Talkeetna.

The newest addition to our family, Donner.

2009 Iditarod Video

Took some video while at the Iditarod this year. Putting this together makes me wish I would have shot more video and less still shots...oh my did I just say that?
All clips shot with my Canon 5D mark II. Getting to know and appreciate the video feature of this camera.


Mike

http://www.akphotograph.com