Realizing that you are all perched on the edge of your photo stools waiting for part two of this I thought it best to get on it prior to your development of some form of bottom fungus.

Day three of our trip was most enjoyable. As mentioned in part one there was yet another photo challenge issued. Said challenge encompassed a few categories. A black and White Scape, self-portrait, seeds, clubhouse and a photo of your shooting partner. 

I found the countless number of frozen over bogs with their barren trees, some of which seem to be growing up from the snow, particularly well served by black and white.
1/100th @ F6.3 + 1.7 - ISO 100

A shot of my shooting partner for the day, Gil, on the way back from our stroll
to the garbage dump. We seemed to have shown up about a half hour late
as what wildlife had left fresh tracks there was gone by the time we showed up. I'm certain
the venue would have paid off had we been there at sunrise. As you can tell from Gil's attire, it was not
a very warm morning.

Now this would be my self portrait and those of you who have attended a class or are regular visitors to this blog will attest to the fact that the image suits me well. About 15 minutes was spent trying to shoot these shadows and get the exposure just right while keeping the snow white and detailed as well as trying to hold the contrast in the shadows. With the camera on a tripod I would trigger the release and then run from the frame. Eventually it dawned on me that I could get the shot and my self portrait submission done all in one frame. When I originally found the scene I thought it would work well in black and white but in the end decided the colour version was best.

The image of this conversationalist was chosen not only for his posing ability and the fact that he did not shut up, but also for his diet... "seeds".


This little character, a white breasted nuthatch was hanging atop his "clubhouse".
1/1000 @ F2.8 +0.3 - ISO 200 (70-200mm F2.8 @ extension)

This image was Devona's submission for the black & white scenic. She calls the above print "Cat Tails In Black & White" .... not really but she thinks it might fit :)
ISO - 100, F 7, Shutter Speed - 1/50th sec, Focal Length - 100mm

Now I know there was a seed photo that Devona shot, oh yeah, she took that pic the day before said challenge was issued so it was published in the last blog. Not entirely sure what Jim and her did all that morning other than drive around as I have not received any further submissions from her for the other categories or for that matter anything from GIL OR JIM. HELLO, PEOPLE! Whats going on here

I went for a wee hike in the bush and at times all I could see were the trees and the sky.
1/5th @ F22 +0.3 - ISO 100

And as proof to Devona that she is not the only one that knows there is a time and a place for a polarizing filter.

Now I know that deer are pretty much as common place as flies in these parts but sometimes I can't hold back. Peak-a-boo

and then this well fed little fart sneaks out from under her wing. He's gonna struggle with running from those with rifles. That said, if he sticks to the national park system he won't have to worry about that now will he.

The afternoon of day three was spent with Gil on the couch suffering some from some form of stomach issue although I am not sure why. It's not like Devona really cooked anything all week. The three of us, Devona Jim and I found ourselves out with the dogs. An excellent experience and hosted by Bradley Muir of Sundogs Sled Excursions. He and Tyler towed our weighty asses (speak for yourself Mr. Weitzel - D) for like 8 miles and we had a blast. We would highly recommend that you consider a winter visit to these guys as they offer a broad range of outings from partial day trips to overnighters and it is more than apparent that not only do they care about the environment they work in but also the wellbeing of their dogs. In addition to the fun you will come away with an education, one that can only be provided by those who are constantly surrounded by this beautiful wilderness.

Below are a few of Devona's pics from the sled ride.

Here's Rob and our co-host Tyler getting ready for the dogsled run.

(The above image is a shot that our buddy Jim took.  I really wish that I had a bullwhip for this shot :) - Devo)
I can't believe the things I do for these people but I thought showing her as the driver would allow you all to quit thinking that I'm the boss.

Rob in his chariot videotaping as he flew by. (By the way people, that is not a beer belly. I have my 70-200 tucked into my coat so a to try and keep it dry from the spray created by the dogs. They create some other stuff too but we'll leave that for you to experience - Rob)

ISO- 400, F 5.6, Shutter Speed - 1/4000th sec, Focal length - 55mm

I even got to mush!  I can now cross this off of my bucket list as it is something that I have always wanted to do.  Wow... the puppy looks a wee bit upset in this photo... I think that he was just being a bit protective of me :)  Photo courtesy of Mr. Jim Kroshus. (Had I know they were going to let her drive the damn things I would never have played the part of the dog earlier. Did I mention she crashed shortly after a road rage incident that saw 5 dogs and two grown men sent to the vet, the dogs were fine but the men needed their heads examined - Rob - Okay, I'm only joking

Below are a few of my (Rob's) photos from the ride. Yes, I know it is difficult to keep track of who is writing this and when but that is part of the charm RIGHT? RIGHT? Thank you.

Tyler putting a harness on the quietest of all the hounds. Sweet eyes. I mean the dog people although rumour has that Devona was quiet fond of the other eyes in this photo.

Below are two very similar photos both with a unique reason for making the cut as noted.

A good photo of Brad and the the backs of the two photogs who just shot him

and check out the third dog's eyes and the expression on his face. Now that is determined not to mention eye catching. (yes, that was a bad attempt at a pun)

Tyler with his team. A guy who claims to have never had a good photo of himself taken while mushing but apparently still lost track of my business card.

For those of you who may never have this experience, this is the back seat view. Yup, again, sorry.

On that note, I'll leave you with this. Another photo of the always fashionable in camoflauge Devona M. Hill hard at work and a pic that she took of the roads on the way back home which believe it or not were a great improvement from the conditions on the way there.




Stay tuned ya'll but until next time get your asses out there and shoot!

Cheers!