This post has been moved to OpenChutes.com. All future postings of Powwows, Indian Relay Races, Rodeos and Rendezvous will be posted there from now on exclusively. So if you’re looking for new images and posts for all those events attended this year, plus all the old posts posted on BigShotsNow.com check out OpenChutes.com. See you there!

Portraits are about people. About emotion, attitude, about the way they’re feeling. What you see first of course is how they look, which after you study a portrait for awhile becomes the least important part of the process. What is important is whether the portrait engages you. Whether it makes you stop and look at it and perhaps feel a bond take place with the subject. It creates a connection that is difficult to put into words but is real just the same. Hopefully that will happen for you as view these portraits of members of the Crow tribe. They are a striking people.

There will be very few words used to describe the images. You know what you’re seeing and you know how it affects you. This is a moment where you get to quietly meet a wonderful group of people. These are people of the Crow Nation.

A mother and child finding a quiet moment together.

There is strength here

Thinking things through

These eyes have seen much

Straight forward gaze and an unflinching look at the world

Calm and at peace, secure in who he is

All thoughts turn inward as her turn to dance approaches

Seeing into the future, or the past

Enjoying the spectacle while resting. A quiet smile for the photographer.

A young man watching intently. Age isn’t a factor in the desire to do well.

Everyone seems to exhibit extraordinary self-control in the midst of all the activity.

Occasionally one takes time out for adjustments, both inside and outside

Determination and focus is paramount

Everything is watched closely.

Color is everywhere and poise shows it off

Tired but paying close attention

A lovely woman, a lovely smile

Intensity is always there

A moment of rest

This is who he is at the moment

I am a member of this tribe, I belong.

Can you be in the past and present at the same time…sometimes