Ancient Bond: Photographic Portraits of Sled Dogs

Bond between Dog and Human
Ancient Bond between Dog and Human
Ancient Bond
©Maureen Shaughnessy

 

The Race to the Sky is Montana’s premier winter event. If you can make it to the official race start at Camp Rimini, or to the re-start of the race at Lincoln, you won’t be disappointed! It’s an incredibly fun event for families. I’m not a musher but I know a few — and I’m pretty sure the mushers and their dogs have fun too.

The 350-mile Race to the Sky is a qualifying event for the Iditarod. This year, the race starts on Saturday morning at 10:00 am. You can get more info about the race at the official Race to the Sky website here.

The walk from parking along the road, to the starting line at Camp Rimini is short. I like to find a place to watch up the trail — away from the crowds. When the dog teams come by where we are standing, they’re usually quieter and more focused. It’s a different (and equally fascinating) experience back at the actual starting line, where all of the dog teams are barking to beat the band in anticipation of taking off!

I am exhibiting the photos below at 1+1=1 Gallery in Helena. Please come by the gallery to see the show while you’re in town for the race. There is also an 8 foot antique dog sled on display in the gallery. All of these 12 x 18 inch archival prints are available for purchase (details at bottom of this post.) The exhibit will be up for one month, through March 2nd.


IF YOU GO:

1+1=1 Gallery

Mark Ibsen and Dave Armstrong During Mushing Talk335 North Last Chance Gulch. Open Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays noon to 5:00 pm.

 

 

 

Official Race Start near Rimini on Saturday Feb 15 at 10:00 am

Ready to Go!Take Highway 12 (Helena side of McDonald Pass).  At the bottom of McDonald Pass, turn south on Rimini Road and follow Rimini Road past Moose Creek Campground on the right.  Watch for the snowmobile parking area on the right side of the road, park on right side of the road.

 

Race Re-Start in Lincoln on Sunday Feb 16 at 2:00 pm

Follow Highway 12 past Elliston and Avon.  Turn right (north) at Highway 141 just beyond Avon, cross the railroad tracks, and follow Hwy. 141 for 34 miles to the end of the Helmville Road.  At the stop sign intersecting Highway 141 and Highway 200, turn right (east) toward Lincoln and travel another 16 miles farther.  Hi-Country Snack Foods is on the left side of the road when going toward Lincoln from the Helmville Road.  Watch for the sign. The Race to the Sky starts and finishes under the big archway.

Do you love dogs? Have any wall space at home that just begs for one of these sweet dog portraits?

Are you a veterinarian or doctor? These beguiling portraits might be just the thing for your waiting room or exam rooms — imagine your patients connecting with the feelings evoked by these photos of care, love, enthusiasm and personality!

Do you have your own office? Can you imagine yourself connecting with one of these human-canine images when you look up from your work?

Picture a grouping of these striking portraits wherever you live or work, to remind you of the special bond we humans share with our dogs:

  • Sizes: most of the signed photos are 18 inches x 12 inches.
  • Paper: photos are digitally printed on archival Silver Rag Gloss (more of a luster finish) paper.
  • Quality: these are the highest quality digital prints I can find, made for me in South Carolina by a fine art printer. The colors and black and white tones are rich and the paper feels like a traditional cotton fiber based paper.
  • Price unframed: $100 each
  • Price for Ready-to-Hang prints mounted on Baltic Birch gallery panels: $200 each. These are light-weight cradled wood panels 1 1/4 inches deep, with natural birch sides. The photos are mounted with archival adhesive flush to the edge of the panel.
  • How to Buy: please let me know by email if you want to purchase one or more prints from this exhibit. [email protected]

 

 

A Prairie Sunset that Fills Me with Peace

Prairie Twilight II

I love the soft gradients of some sunsets. This kind of sunset is a quiet counterpoint to the wild, heavily textured sunsets we sometimes have. I like both kinds.

This kind fills me with peace.

Prairie Twilight I

These two skies were on either side of me. The top photo is looking east in the evening twilight … then I turned around and shot the photo below, facing directly west.

Prairie Twilight II

I am Lucky as a Photographer

Dezmond in a Fedora

Ali with Tom, the Horse

  • I am lucky because I have been involved in this young woman’s life for over 4 years.
  • I am lucky because she allows me to know her — the real her.
  • I am lucky to be able to point my lens in her direction almost anytime … she doesn’t mind. And she knows how to drop the mask and be herself. And she lets me see that. And record that part of her.
  • I am lucky to have been able to photograph her belly three times now. And the babies. And toddlers.
  • And finally I am lucky to watch healing happen in the heart a girl who was so wounded … and to see her find a partner who cherishes her, who is a good papa, who is gentle and funny and real.

On the Bridge

Here’s a peek at some of the images my lens captured today. Check back for more. We’re still in the stage of choosing which ones we like best.

Ali-Nick-Dez-Adrian02-imp Dezmond in a Fedora Ali-Nick-Dez-Adrian04-imp

Ali-Nick-Dez-Adrian03-imp Nick, Ali and Adrian Maternity Belly Photo

Dez and Tom, the Horse Nick wanted to do the "Lion King" pose Ali-Nick-Dez-Adrian15-imp

Ali-Nick-Dez-Adrian01-imp

My Hometown: Looking for Light

On my photo walk this week I found myself in such glorious beauty that at times it felt transcendent. It was my birthday today. Charlie and I spent a couple of hours at Cox Lake and on the ridgeline above the lake. Trying to take in the beauty. Trying to take in the light — the incredible crisp, clear, morning light just five minutes from our house.

I could not make myself post just one photo today. Though these are not my best photos ever, still I love the quality of light in these images. So, here are a few, for your viewing pleasure. I hope these images lift your heart as the place did mine.

Grasses and Bokeh Sun Sparkles Cattails in Morning Light Wild Asparagus Catching the Light Melted Snow Drops Reflections in Blue