Learning to Mush
We started our workshop with each of our photographers learning to run a dog team at the Dallas Seavey Kennel. We also taught techniques for fast action photography and getting up close and personal with the dogs.
Meeting the Mushers
We met each of the Iditarod Mushers at the official Mushers Gala in Anchorage. During the Ceremonial Start we had a chance to photograph mushers and their dogs before the race, like rookie musher Keaton Loebrich at right
Ceremonial Start
On day 3 we photographed the Iditarod Ceremonial Start in Anchorage. We found positions close to the starting shoot and shot from a low perspective to really see the action of the dogs running. This meant sitting, kneeling and even laying in the snow.
Fairbanks Re-Start
We traveled to Fairbanks for the re-start of the race. Due to low snow in Anchorage, the race was re-routed at the last minute. We had prime shooting access to the race on the Chena River right next to Susan Butcher's former kennel. We were very grateful for Salmonberry Tours help in organizing all the logistics for the trip, including making all the necessary last minute changes!
Nenana Checkpoint
We drove an hour to the first checkpoint at Nenana, Alaska. We photographed more than 20 teams arriving and mushers letting their dogs rest before heading further down the trail. A highlight was seeing and photographing all the dogs in warm backlit conditions.
Ruby Checkpoint
As an added bonus we took a Cessna Caravan out to the remote checkpoint of Ruby, Alaska. This village of 90 people is located on the Yukon River. Ruby gave us a chance to photograph the race from a place that very few people will see. We routed on rookies Emily Ford and Samantha LaLonde as they came through the checkpoint.
Northern Lights
When we were not photographing the race, we spent three nights chasing aurora near Fairbanks. On two of the nights we were lucky and had good conditions for photographing the Northern Lights. On night two a solar substorm came through and lit up the entire sky with green swirls.
Fun with Ice
We photographed the vivid colors and textures of ice art at two locations near Fairbanks. On day 5 we visited the Ice Art Championships at dusk in Fairbanks. On Day 6 we had our traditional photoshoot in the Aurora Bar at Chena Hot Springs. Chilly and fun!
Thank you Photographers!
We had a great group of photographers with us. Their enthusiasm for the race and exuberance from seeing the aurora was contagious. Big thanks also to Salmonberry Tours and our guide Harrison for exceptional logistical support.
Want to join us next year? We have two workshops in 2026!
Our new Arctic Lights Workshop is designed for photographers who want to photograph spectacular aurora in Fairbanks and further north in the Alaskan Arctic at Wiseman. Just three spaces left.
Iditarod 2026 is for photographers who want to photograph the Iditarod: the Last Great Race. This is perfect for dog lovers, street photographers and anyone who loves Alaska.
Credits:
Tom Bol and Cree Bol