Dogs

Описание: Standing there at the start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, you feel it before the teams even leave. The cold air, the sound of sleds, **ropes and harnesses**, and the excitement building in the dogs. It’s powerful to witness.
When I watch them take off, I know they’re about to run nearly *1,000 miles across Alaska’s terrain* frozen rivers, mountains, and long stretches of wilderness that test even the strongest teams. And yet the dogs are bursting with joy. They’re barking, jumping, leaning into their harnesses like they’ve been waiting all year for this moment.
What I love most is that every dog has their own personality. Some are loud and full of energy, barking like they’re cheering the whole team on. Some are calm and focused, already locked in on the trail ahead. Others are playful, wagging their tails and looking around like they’re taking everything in. You can feel their excitement and their love for running.
That connection between the mushers and their dogs is something really special to witness. It’s built on trust, care, and thousands of miles together. Out on that trail, every dog matters and every step across that terrain matters.
This is also why I love photographing it. I’m always trying to find the *real moments* the quiet ones before the race, the personalities of the dogs, the bond between the musher and the team. While a lot of people are waiting for the actual race start, sometimes they miss those incredible little things happening all around them.
A dog leaning into their musher for a second of affection.
A playful one barking like they can’t wait to go.
A calm leader already focused on the trail ahead.
Those are the moments I try to capture. Because to me, the story of the Iditarod isn’t just the race itself it’s everything happening before that first mile even begins. 🐾❄️