Three Dogs, One Sled, and a Whole Lot of Winter Magic
It’s hard to believe that just over a month ago, winter in Manitoba was still in full force—frost-covered trees, crisp air, and that quiet stillness that only happens on cold February mornings.
Of course, being Winnipeg, we all know better than to assume it’s over. One more snowfall wouldn’t surprise anyone.
This session with Lorraine Hamel and her three Samoyeds—Jaxx (2), Yummy (5), and Morgan (8)—was everything winter should be: playful, a little unpredictable, and completely unforgettable.
Yummy, Jaxx, and Morgan locked in and moving as a team—this is where instinct meets joy.
Starting the Day in a Winter Dream
The morning began with a soft fog hanging in the air, the sun just starting to break through. One of those moments where everything feels muted and calm before the energy of the day kicks in.
This was our starting point—sled ready, dogs in the vehicle, and that quiet anticipation building.
You could feel it… especially from Lorraine.
Because this wasn’t just another outing—this was her first time running all three dogs together.
Early morning setup at Bird’s Hill Park—fog, frost, and a quiet moment before the energy of the run begins.
Three Dogs, One Goal: GO
If Lorraine carried a mix of excitement and nerves, the dogs had exactly one mindset:
Let’s go.
Samoyeds may be known for their smiles, but out here, you see something more. Focus. Drive. Purpose. These are working dogs, and this is where they come alive.
The second they were harnessed up, everything shifted. Energy snapped into place. Each dog finding their rhythm, moving as a team, pulling with intent—and loving every second of it.
Watching that connection come together, especially on a first run of three, was something special.
A first run of three—built on trust, teamwork, and a shared love of the trail.
The Photographer’s Challenge: White on White
Now let’s talk about the real challenge here.
Three bright white dogs… in bright white snow… under bright winter light.
No pressure. 😄
This is where experience matters—holding detail in the fur, keeping separation from the background, and timing each moment so the motion still feels clean and intentional.
Add in speed, shifting light, and a moving sled, and it becomes a constant balance of anticipation and reaction.
But when it comes together—the stride, the expressions, the spray of snow—it’s worth every second.
Capturing motion, detail, and separation—white on white never looked so dynamic.
And Then… the Bloopers
Of course, not everything goes exactly as planned.
At one point, the team decided they each had their own idea of direction… and instead of one clean line, they fanned out into a wide W across the trail.
Three dogs. Three opinions.
The result? An inevitable, slow-motion topple.
For a split second everything paused. The dogs turned back with that unmistakable look:
“...you okay?”
“Was that part of the plan?”
“Why are you down there?”
And then there were the moments where forward motion was completely optional… because apparently - a photographer standing off in the bushes was far more interesting than the trail ahead.
Focused? Not exactly.
Entertaining? Absolutely.
When the team splits into three directions… the outcome is inevitable.
When the photographer in the bushes becomes more interesting than the trail ahead.
Why This Matters
What stood out most wasn’t just the setting or the action—it was the connection.
Lorraine stepping into something new.
Learning alongside her dogs.
Building trust, one run at a time.
It’s not about getting it perfect. It’s about being in it—together.
Built on trust, patience, and shared moments—this is where the real story lives.
Holding Onto Winter (Just a Little Longer)
As the snow begins to melt and we start looking toward spring, sessions like this are a reminder of what winter gives us—if we’re willing to step into it.
Fresh air. Open trails.
Moments that only exist in this season.
The cold fades. The landscape changes.
But the feeling of it—the movement, the energy, the quiet in between—it stays.
And if you’ve ever thought about getting out there with your dog… trying something new… or simply capturing them doing what they love most—
this is your sign.
These are the kinds of moments that deserve more than a screen—they deserve to be held onto.
A quiet retreat into the distance—these are the moments that stay long after the snow is gone.
