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.

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