Dakotagraph

09/04/2026

Here’s a blast from the past, but still a relevant topic. This year’s Black Hills Photo Shootout is next weekend!

https://blackhillsphotoshootout.com/

08/31/2026

I'm seeing my former employer, Travel South Dakota, accused of using AI on several images lately and feel the need to point out the silliness of some of the accusations.

One is that there are no rocks or portion of the mountain at Mount Rushmore National Memorial that are higher than the carved faces. Funny how no one said such a thing before they knew the term "AI" and these two photos that I took were published.

The many angles that you can view Rushmore from can create very different looks. Compare the two images shown here and see how in one you can see the amount of rock between the Roosevelt and Lincoln heads. In the second shot, those two heads almost appear to be touching noses. Also note the difference in height between the top of Washington's head and the top of Lincoln's. Even from the main viewing platform at Rushmore, standing at the far left of the platform will give you a different look than standing at the far right.

Secondly I saw an accusation that AI must have been used to place green plants in photos of Badlands National Park. I'm here to say there is plenty of vegetation at Badlands, and who would have guessed there are also trees that produce beautiful autumn foliage? In springtime there's lots of green and beautiful wild flowers.

AI is a hot topic right now and people are understandably suspicious, but there are plenty of times when it is not needed, not used and not to be blamed.

08/29/2026

Just the odd things that catch your eye…

08/27/2026

This video was created by Lonnie Garland and his daughter. They at...

08/26/2026

08/25/2026

I recently spent a bit of relaxing time in northern Wyoming and a teeny bit of Montana. Of course the toys went along for the ride.

08/17/2026

I've had a print by artist Claudio Bergamin on my wall for a few years and it finally inspired me to create a version of an encounter that Lewis and Clark's men couldn't have anticipated.

The original art is here - https://www.bergaminart.com/collections/bigfoot/products/sasquatch-vs-crow-hunters

08/16/2026

It's been awhile since I made it to a powwow, so today's Hunkpati Dakota Nation Wacipi in Fort Thompson was a treat to photograph. It was fun to visit with several friends as well.

08/14/2026

Exciting news at Lakota Tech 🦬

Today, we are officially opening our Call for Proposals (RFP) for special event photographers for our 2026/2027 School Year.

We are looking for various photographers in the areas of prom, sports packages, etc.
Submit for one area or maybe you are interested in various areas, or one season.
Call with questions 605-646-9217

Interested photographers please submit the following:
➡️Brief Biography
➡️Resume or CV
➡️Photographer work samples
➡️photographer sports package examples
➡️cost estimates
in person to our Activities Director or by email to [email protected]
‼️Submissions accepted until 4pm Aug. 17‼️

08/13/2026