ardashcrowfoot

Traditional dancer

I love the Alexis powwow as it is one of the few I attended this summer where the entire powwow was held outside. We were almost rained out. Luckily thw skies...
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I love the Alexis powwow as it is one of the few I attended this summer where the entire powwow was held outside. We were almost rained out. Luckily thw skies cleared and this dancer caught my eye as he entered during the Grand Entry.
Read less

Canon EOS 7D Mark II

settings

Aperture 32/10 ISO 2500 Shutter 1/8000 Focal Length 142/1

upload_date

Sep, 2016

Views

151

Likes

+28

Awards

Winner in Native American Traditions Photo Challenge

Superb Composition

Peer Award

Outstanding Creativity

Absolute Masterpiece

All Star

Top Choice

Top Ranks

Top 30 rank week 2

Top 30 rank week 1

Top 20 rank

Top 10 rank week 2

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 20 rank

Top 20 rank week 2

Top 10 rank week 1

Behind The Lens

Location

This image was taken in Alberta, Canada at the Alexis First Nations powwow.

Time

I remember as we pulled into the venue there was a light rain falling and I was concerned it would affect the start time of the powwow. The delay ended up being advantageous as it allowed me you scout the arena and start acclimating others to my presence. The skies cleared just after 12:30pm.

Lighting

The Alexis powwow is one of my all time favorite powwows to shoot due to the fact it is held outdoors. Most powwows are held indoors or covered by an Arbour or some other type of structure. Alexis allows for natural light which makes a huge difference in my opinion. I will use a flash when nescessary, but in this image I was fortunate as it allowed me to use existing light.

Equipment

In this shot I used a Canon 7D Mark II and a 70-200mm 2.8. I prefer to use the 7D becuase it has an amazing focusing system and the fps on this camera are amazing. This setup is my go to for powwows as it allows me to capture the action and the lens gives me the reach to get an up close shot while allowing me to hangout from the sidelines at a respectful distance.

Inspiration

I want to capture and share the Native American culture in a respectful mannner. We are not relegated to te history books we are still here. We are not mascots and pretty gilrs in headresses. We are live and vibrant and evolving people and culture with rich traditions. I hope that I can capture and preserve a small part of that history and legacy.

Editing

I am still learning post-processing. I ran this image through Lightroom and increased the vibrance and saturation slightly. I shoot images in RAW format which allows greater creatvie control.

In my camera bag

Until recently all I could afford was an old 7D but I upgraded to the 7D Mark II, she is my war horse, my go to camera. I hope to one day get a full frame but one step at a time, photography can be very expensive. for lenses I carry the 70-200mm 2.8 and a 50mm. I also have a 24-70mm 2.8 but I find it does not give me the reach I need for powwows. I love my Black Rapid camera holder and would not leave without it attched to my rig. Other than that I usually have Rocket air duster and extra batteries. If you can afford a battery grip I highly recommend one.

Feedback

Be respectful aware, not everyone at a powwow will want their picture taken. Natives have a history of being taken advantage of, some might think you are trying to profit from their images. If you ever go to a powwow take time to chat to people and get to know them. You will find most people are very welcoming. The entrie idea of a powwow is to gather and share. Just be respectful. Side note, one the the best times to shoot a powwow is at the very beggining during the "Grand Entry" every dancer will come into the powwow cricle while the color guard makes it entry. It is a great time to get a clear shot of all the dancers and you can make eye contact as they go around.

See more amazing photos, follow ardashcrowfoot

ardashcrowfoot

ardashcrowfoot

Traditional dancer

I love the Alexis powwow as it is one of the few I attended this summer where the entire powwow was held outside. We were almost rained out. Luckily thw skies... Read more

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow ardashcrowfoot

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I love the Alexis powwow as it is one of the few I attended this summer where the entire powwow was held outside. We were almost rained out. Luckily thw skies...
Read more

Share photos. Enter contests to win great prizes.
Earn coins, get amazing rewards. Join for free.