Dog Day (image heavy)

[purplehaze]

Most of Day 2 of my three days in Churchill was spent dogsledding. Our host, Dave Daley, sledded the 1200 km between Churchill and Winnipeg in 2010 to mark the province's 140th birthday. He also founded the Hudson Bay Quest, an annual dogsled race that has very strict rules designed to protect the dogs' well-being. His dogs certainly looked happy, healthy, and raring to go.


All images shot with the D750 and 70-200 mm. As always, C&C welcome.

#1



#2



#3



#4



#5 This dog stole my heart as, except for her face markings, she was so like my dear departed Stella.



#6



#7 Dave Daley with two members of our group, and my mom bringing up the rear.



#8 The 91-year-old, again.

[Donald]

That is a superb image. Really tells you everything about what dog-sledding is. And with the snow flakes falling it is a picture so full of atmosphere. To know that the passenger is your 91 year old mum is just fantastic.

[Shadowman]

Nice series.

[purplehaze]

Thanks, John and Donald. The shot of my mom (1/800 @ f/8 and 2000 ISO) might have been better had I used a slower shutter speed, but, practice.

[Geoff F]

With movement in the scene, Janis, I would tend to err on the side of sufficient shutter speed. You may have got away with 1/500 but I wouldn't want to go any slower.

All excellent images. Maybe a bit of a pity about that bright blue and yellow element in the top right corner of #1 which is a little distracting; but not really your fault.

Maybe I would at least clone out the yellow bit.

[zen]

Nice series, Janis; thanks for sharing.

I'm told the dogs are not really happy unless they're in harness and pulling. That guy atop his shed in #2 looks cold and shivering, and is probably waiting to get to work to warm up a bit.

Zen

[purplehaze]

Thanks, Geoff and Zen.

Geoff, I will take your suggestion and get rid of the yellow bit.

Zen, I was surprised to see the short-haired dogs and yes, that one guy does look cold. There seemed to be no question that they enjoyed pulling, though. It made me nostalgic for Stella, with whom I used to skijor. She loved to lead and would pull like the dickens as long there was a dog in front of us. Didn't dare let her pass, though, 'cos then all she wanted to do was follow the scents that led off-trail.

[pschlute]

i like number 3. The expression on his/her face and the seperation from the background works for me.

[lovelife65]

Gorgeous Dogs. thanks for sharing

[mugge]

Janis, these photos are just great. I do especially like #2 and #8. #2 for no particular reason (the best reason) and #8 because of the knowledge that it is your mother having fun. Just great!
Cheers Ole

[purplehaze]

Thanks, Peter, Sharon and Ole. Very encouraging!

[KindachiShota]

Thanks man xD Great photos