“Why Maine?”
I get this question a lot from my clients here in Michigan! I spent 16 years growing up in central and coastal Maine. This is where I learned to ride and where my passion of photography began. I previously had a photography business in Maine, and since moving to Michigan, have received requests to return to offer summer sessions. Every year, I dedicate two weeks to drive across country to visit and photograph friends and new clients.
This year, I will be in Maine June 30-July 7th, offering photography sessions for Horse & Riders, Equine Portraiture, For the Dogs, Graduating Seniors, and Small Families. I am already 90% booked for my 2021 Maine travels, with only a few sessions available! If you are interested in reserving your session, don’t wait! Contact me today!
There are many friends and families I look forward to seeing and photographing every year, but Madi is always one of my favorites. When I left Maine 7 years ago, I said goodbye to a very special pony, Misty. A few months later, Misty met Madi and the two have been best friends since. Misty began her life with the Amish pulling carts, but was left scared - mentally and physically - after a horrific accident. She was rescued by a riding instructor who later sold her to another family where I met and rode her, who than eventually sold her to Madi.
Let me tell you - ANY pony would be jealous of the spoils Misty has received! Every time I see her, she has the latest and greatest tack, blankets, and supplements. Her treat container is constantly being refilled, her coat is healthy and shines, and her ears are always at a happy bounce as she trains and travels with Madi all over the state for lessons and shows. It warms my heart to see Misty so well loved and cared for, and to see her soften herself relaxing in the presence of her girl.
Every year, I look forward to the honor of photographing Madi and Misty, but this past summer, we included the whole family! As Madi has grown, a taller horse was required, and this year, we celebrated her newest addition, Libby, a beautiful warmblood with a faithful but fiery heart. And we can not forget Tru, Madi’s velvet eared, happy-go-lucky black lab.
Hoping to include a bit of everything during their session, we began by photographing against a black background. To capture Libby’s energy, we then lunged her in the outdoor area (this is a great way to capture the movement and beauty of your horse in action! The lunge line is edited out in post production.), and once her mind settled a bit, we captured the seedling bond between them that is bound to grow into something magnificent.
We laughed as we photographed Madi and Misty, neither her mom or myself wanting to admit how much Madi has grown, now looking DOWN onto little Misty! Than we laughed again shaking our heads at Tru, as he went from being a seasoned model to a complete goof, rolling around in the grass and begging for snacks with a silly grin plastered from ear to ear.
As we wrapped up the session with group photos, it was bitter sweet. This family is a breath of fresh air, an absolute joy to be around, and Madi’s honesty with her own heart allows me to capture stunning images of her and her horses every single session. I only wish I could photograph them more often.
I left the barn, sneaking in one final smooch to Misty, and emptying my pockets of extra treats into her grain bin. Walking out, I soaked up the happiness enjoyed during Madi’s session and counting down the days until our upcoming session already booked during my next visit to Maine!
Interested in having J.Klein Photos photograph your cherished memories?
Don’t wait to book your date! Dates are provided on a first come, first serve basis, and I only have a few openings available in my traveling schedule. $100 is required to reserve your session, remainder due by the date of your session.
