Will Shoot For Food…Alaskan Style
Early last week, my friend, Q, asked me for a big favor. He needed a headshot for a project he is currently working wearing traditional Alaska Native attire: a parka. I agreed to do so. I figured it might make a cool photo opportunity.
Wednesday rolled along and Q calls me to schedule the shoot with his friend Ben, who I’ve photographed around the university at work.
“Where would you like this done? Outside or the studio?” I ask since the light was falling and tried to encourage him to go to the studio.
“Outside...”he responds. I agreed, even when the temperature outside was well below twenty degrees.
Shooting in cold weather brings its challenges. Dangers of humidity, fogging the lens, batteries crapping out, with the uncomfortable feeling of frozen fingers, feet, or other body parts are some of the dangers. In addition to that, making portraits in really cold weather tend to make people who aren’t dressed for it very stiff and look very, very cold. It isn’t good for headshots.
The shoot went well, however, I forgot my bibs, bunny boots, and heavy gloves. I was cold, but sometimes, I just plow through it… for the pictures.This might not be a good trait to have.
After the outdoor shoot, I placed my entire camera bag into a gigantic Ziploc bag to protect it from the humidity from inside Ben’s cabin to try some traditional Eskimo food.
As I was preparing my gear outside, Ben rolled out a burlap sack and placed a flattened cardboard box on the floor. Ben informed me that the cardboard was essential at keeping the floor, or any surface from staining or soaking up the oils and essences from the food.Tonight’s tastings included dried smoked salmon (which was my favorite), half dried salmon, and frozen, raw bowhead whale meat.
Throughout my time at University of Alaska Fairbanks, I've been fortunate in trying traditional Eskimo food. I don't get a chance to do this often, but when I get a chance, I'm always curious to try something new.
Before this evening I've had:
I've probably had a couple more things, but I can't remember them.
I've never had frozen, raw bowhead whale meat before. This was a first for me. The meat wasn't too bad...very pleasant actually. Strong, but not overpowering. As I was swishing the meat around my palate, the flavor was very distinct aroma of the ocean. It wasn't salty and it wasn't "fishy." I was quite surprised of the very clean taste and it wasn't as gamey as I expected. Because it was my first time trying the raw whale meat, I must admit it was a bit strange.... in a good way! I always say that before making any judgement of any food, one must try it at least ten times! I can't wait to try it again and see how it tastes!
I commented it tasted like sushi (because it tasted like a good sashimi on steroids) and that it might be really good with soy sauce!
"A lot of Eskimos eat with soy sauce..." Ben commented.
"And Pilot Bread..." Q fired back.
Read about Pilot Bread on an article by the Alaskan Dispatch. For Rural Alaskans, Pilot Bread is Soul Food.
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