A New Leash Of Life

It’s All A Matter Of Dogged Determination

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

I shot this a year ago, during my week in the Yukon. Obviously, that was several months before I decided to post a "doors" shot every Thursday, but I think this fits the theme rather well.

As a kid I read constantly, and some of the subjects that fascinated me were tales of exploration, frontier spirit and the way in which early settlers coped with harsh conditions. The Yukon is all about that and much more, which is why I reckon it is a photographer’s paradise.

Would I go back there? Yes, in a flash. And not just to knock on doors like this one, but to try and understand what the region’s gold rush heritage says about the human spirit.

For earlier posts in this series, check out The Doors Archive.

Doorway To The Gold Rush

It's So Much More Than Just A General Store

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

I spent two days in Dawson City in the northern Yukon in late August last year and to my good fortune the weather was brilliant. Of the many things that captivated me about the historic frontier town was the brightly coloured facades of each timber building and home.

This was one of a sequence of about 150 images shot in the first hour I spent in Dawson, soaking up the unique atmosphere late on an autumn evening.

The main street has so many interesting sights that I reckon I could have spent a couple more days just walking into each store and talking to the owner about their niche in the history of the gold-rush town.

The general store looks like something out of the Wild West, but like most other structures on the main street, it has been immaculately maintained. The outwards-opening double doorway, seen in the centre of this frame, is obviously not used any longer.

But it's a literal and metaphorical doorway to a unique chapter in the region's heritage.

For earlier posts in this series, check out The Doors Archive.

Miles To Go

It Was Sink Or Swim In This Historic Canyon

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

In 1999, when I followed the footsteps of the Yukon stampeders, I rafted this stretch of water with no danger at all. Then I panned for gold, but the outcome did not define the passage (or length) of my life.

But just over a century ago, things were very different here. This is Miles Canyon, where bold men literally risked life and limb after news of gold in the Klondike spread like wildfire. Here at Whitehorse, capital city of the Yukon, the waters in the canyon are now calm and serene, because of a hydro-electric dam that tamed the once-foaming current.

Back in 1999, I never thought I would have the opportunity to visit this area again, but I am very privileged to be here at the invitation of Yukon Tourism. I shot these images of the footbridge over Miles Canyon from high above the water, using a 300mm lens.

Check out RuneE's "Building Bridges" theme at Visual Norway.

No Paint, No Gain

See Why Dawson City Has A Colourful History

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Tonight I'm in Dawson City, heart of the Klondike - and I thought it would be the perfect subject for today's Photo Story Friday post. First of all, I'd like to provide an answer to the many friends who asked what I'm doing here in the Yukon - there is a very simple answer. I'm extremely privileged to be here as a guest of Yukon Tourism.

I've spent time in this territory before, but this is my first time up in Dawson. It's a place I've read so much about and an area whose history I know so well. As we drove towards the outskirts of the city today, after a 460-kilometre journey north from Fox Creek, I must admit I felt as if I was actually entering a place I knew well, even though I had never set foot on her soil before.

I dropped my bags off at my room and immediately I did what any self-respecting photographer would do. I picked up both my cameras and headed out to capture the essence of this frontier town. Did I want to drive? Naaaah. As most of you know, I prefer to walk, because this way I can stop wherever I want and shoot whatever catches my eye.

Mate, let me tell you there is a lot that catches the eye here. I chose not to walk down the historic streets. Instead, I chose a pathway beside the mighty Yukon River that was the scene of many tales of pure adventure during the gold rush. I chose to walk alongside the fast-flowing waters to my left and shoot a frame every few steps, because I was totally intrigued by the paintwork on the buildings along the main street.

It was just after seven o'clock in the evening, but the light was perfect, as I'm sure you'll agree ...


It's handy, on a trip like this, to have two cameras. I have my 18-125mm lens on one Pentax and my 70-300mm lens on another. This enabled to me shoot a variety of focal lengths and compositions without having to stop and constantly change lenses on one solitary camera.

The first shot in this sequence was taken looking down the main street, while the second was taken about 100 metres away. Having the 300mm lens meant I was able to compose a really tight shot, highlighting the contrasting colours of two adjoining shops.

In the last shot (below) I zoomed in from a long way away. Initially, the red T-shirt and the olive green T-shirt worn by the two blokes on the white chairs had caught my attention. Then I noticed the other bloke walking towards them, so I just waited till he walked into the frame. It's a completely candid shot and it's interesting to note, in retrospect, that all three people are looking in different directions.

Visit MamaGeek and Cecily, creators of Photo Story Friday.

Z Is For Zip

Denim's Always Been A Riveting Product

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Where would we be without Levi Strauss? As you probably know, he was the would-be gold prospector who failed in the Gold Rush, but who found his fortune (and started a fashion trend to survive the ages) by turning the canvas of abandoned tents into tough trousers for prospectors. I readily confess that I am a slave to denim as soon as I get out of my work clothes.

This post is for Z, the final letter of Mrs Nesbitt's ABC Wednesday before she takes us back to the letter A all over again. In the meantime, could you help me list all the Z-words you can think of (without looking at a dictionary) .... Zap, Zombie, Zimbabwe, Zebra, Zephyr, Zinc, Zuider Zee, Zither..... it's over to you now.