So many new faces, priceless client connections and countless new favorite photos was a result of this past winters publication work.
Being back behind the camera and freelancing for publications meant that I had to Tetris in as many winter photoshoots as possible to rebuild a fresh a new portfolio for publications to choose from.
It wasn’t an easy feat with Mother Nature being relentlessly bi-polar with changing between the beautiful snow and welcoming, much needed sunshine, to days upon days of rain that turned to traitorous ice, and of course the weeks of polar vortex temperatures! A BIG thank you to all of my clients for being patient and flexible as we found days that provided safe footing and ideal conditions.
With publications needing photographs 2-4 months out from the release of their magazine issues, advertisements, and seasonal product releases, all photographs have to be taken a year in advance. I have to remind myself, “Patience is a virtue,” when waiting 9 months to hear if my photographs were chosen for print or web advertisements!
The excitement and anticipation of submitting a new seasonal gallery to a publication is addicting. Hearing the phone call or email come in of which images were chosen is the encouragement and fuel that drives me to continue jigsawing these additional photoshoots into my busy schedule (and of course Mother Nature’s schedule!). And opening the mailbox and seeing your photograph and your client’s love for their horse smiling back at you, that is the ultimate reward in freelancing.
Some years my photographs get pulled left and right, being published for companies such as Young Rider, Horse Illustrated and SmartPak. Other years, what my gallery includes isn’t what the publications are looking for, and if I don’t have that perfect winter image (the right composition, colors, lighting, background, age of rider, breed of horse, the representation of that breed, riding discipline, emotional connection in the photograph, etc.) that lines up seamlessly with their current campaign, then better luck next time! Freelancing requires a lot of work and it will never guaranteed to pay my bills.
What I AM guaranteed is this. Meeting and providing new clients with an opportunity to have their horse’s authentic personality, and the current chapter of their love and relationship captured that may not have otherwise scheduled a photoshoot. Now, regardless of how old they become, they will always be able to take a walk down memory lane and with one quick glance at the photos, remember these fleeting moment and feel their horse’s personality through the photographs. That to me is priceless. It is why I enjoy dedicating my extra time to finding wonderful, well deserving clients to utilize for my publication work.
It was difficult to narrow down my favorites from this winters publication shoots. Favorites that include portraitures, riding, emotional ties, silhouettes, and at liberty. Some photoshoots offered one or two images that have been ingrained in my mind as I think back to the winter season, others offered handfuls of images that I fell in love with, all for different reasons.
If you are interested in being a part of my publication team, please reach out to me (jessekleinphotos@gmail.com)! I am always in search of new stories and smiles to photograph! Particularly unique breeds or riding disciplines!
Thank you again for everyone (moms, dads and trainers included!!) who made this past season a success! Please enjoy the collection below and stay tuned this fall for the list of published winter photographs!
(click on the photographs to see the full image!)
