The First Snowstorm

This past month, I have been spending a lot of time home with Winston. His front leg was damaged as a pup, and as time passed, his leg slowly turned outward. It hasn’t caused him pain in the past 3 years, but this fall it began to bother him. We saw many vets, and finally a specialist who recommended surgery to correct, and straighten his leg and joints back out. With surgery, it should provide him a chance at a pain free and unrestricted life.

To say I’m nervous is an understatement. Nervous for leaving him over night in a strange location, nervous for ensuring his 8-12 week recover goes smoothly, and nervous knowing it will be difficult not being able to explain, or sooth his discomforts away.

Over the past few months, he’s been restricted from being his normal wild child self. However, with the amount of snow we have received this week, it has built up a cushion for his leg, preventing less impact on his joints, and simply for how deep the snow is, it forces him to slow down and doesn’t allow for quick turns. For the first time in several months, I have been able to let him play, unrestricted, and return home happily tired, without limping.

He has been LOVING it! Winter is his favorite season, and if I didn’t force him to come inside, he would choose become one with the winter wonderland. He loves catching snowflakes on his tongue, burying his head in the snow in search of burrowing mice, running and splashing waves of snow at me, and playing peak a boo over the tunnels he’s made.

His tail tick-tocks back and forth the whole time, his eyes alert, full of excitement, and when he can’t contain his happiness, he alligator snaps at me with his toothy grin spread from ear to ear. To see him happy warms my heart. In the next two weeks, I hope to provide him with grand adventures throughout the winter wonderland, fulfilling him with enough enrichment to dream about during his surgery, set for the end of the month.

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Photoshoot with Giana Terranova Photography

This summer I have been investing more in the business and myself. This includes hiring one of the county’s leading photographers to come update my business and marketing images.

Gianna Terranova, from Gianna Terranova Photography has been an inspirational photographer for me to follow, network with, invest in mentorships from, and now be photographed by. Our session was a bit last minute, as Giana was booked to be photographing the GLEF shows in Traverse City, but she made the trip south for an evening to photograph me with a friend’s horse and with my little munchkin, Sir Winston.

I was nervous as heck, as I am rarely on the other side of the camera, but knew that my memories with Winston are some of the most treasured thus far in my life. Those needed to be captured.

I also fully expected Winston to be a wild child monster, tearing around my friend’s property, investigating the horses, and picking up any horse poop he could eat or roll in!! He’s been cooped up for far too long, because my busy schedule and the constant demand for bookings has taken over my life. Thankfully, he happily stayed by my side (off leash!), was a silly boy through some of his tricks, and had a dashing smile on the whole time. This replaced my nerves with a brimming pride for the training we have put in and the relationship Winston and I have built.

I was overjoyed with the final collection because SO many of the final images are iconically ME. Authentic, raw, and filled with the beloved moments I FEEL in my heart.

I couldn’t wait to share these with you - because let’s be real - Winston is the cutest thing around, and who couldn’t smile when looking at that dapper little man?! (More photos of me with the horses will be released throughout the year!)

BIG thanks to Giana for making this possible (Go check out her work and make sure to book her as your private photographer for GLEF 2022!)!
GIANA TERRANOVA PHOTOGRAPHY

> WEB: http://gianaterranovaphotography.com/
> FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/GianaTerranovaPhotography/
> INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/gianaterranova_photography/

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Mackinaw Island

We all have our own ways of recharging, and when the stress and noise of the world get to be too much, Andy and I head into nature to find beauty, peace, and breathe in fresh air. Andy and I both had the weekend free - something that never happens with our work schedules - so we seized the opportunity to disappear north to the family cabin in Cheboygan. It was a good excuse to celebrate our upcoming 3rd year wedding anniversary, and to spend the day biking and exploring Mackinaw Island before the insane mob of tourists arrived

The day before we left, Andy decided to order a burley for Winston. Win has seen bikes, but we knew he wouldn’t be comfortable enough to run along side of our bikes, and with his gimpy front leg, we figured it would be best to haul him around the island, stopping often for him to explore on foot with us. I was nervous not knowing ahead of time if Winston would hate it or love it, but Win never fails to be the best boy ever. We hooked up the burley in the parking lot on main land and he hopped right in, the cheesiest smile spread across his face. So with one eye on the weather’s radar, we boarded on the morning ferry, fingers crossed we would get a few hours of adventuring in before the impeding rain arrived.

The island bustled with yearly residents, pulling back the winterization of their shops, and spiffying them up for the anticipated flurry of tourists arriving in the weeks ahead. Even Fort Mackinaw, proudly overlooking the lake, still remained buttoned up in it’s winter hibernation. Leaving the peaceful hum of the town, we followed the island road and biked around the entire island. We stopping often to admire the translucent tequila blue waters, to play on the boulders that stretched into quiet lake, and to happily collect rocks for Andy to skip, 13, 14, 15 silent jumps across the water, only leaving ripples behind as evidence the water was disturbed. We ate our packed lunches, and laughed at Winston’s ridiculously silly smile when taking touristy photos of him at the British Landing canon. Andy said that Winston was finally ready to take on the persistent squirrels, now that he was armed with a canon!

It was a fun day of adventures, finding and appreciating the beauty Michigan offers, and spending quality time with each other. Winston was a champ, riding happily in his new chariot, smiling at all of those who wanted to say hello to him, and giving tiny kisses to the kids that squealed in excitement over his big ears. He fell asleep on the ferry ride back to main land, and was content to curl up and enjoy the evening at the cabin with us.

I adore going on adventures with Andy. I love that our mutual appreciation of nature, continually gifts us endless adventures together, and that simply spending time unplugged with one another always bring us closer together. This weekend was a much needed mini vacation. I can not wait for our next escape to adventure together again!

Corgi Butts Float

Here is your fun fact of the day, corgi butts float!!

Easter Sunday brought blue skies, calm waters, and unusually warm sunshine. After a busy morning of sunrise photoshoots, Easter brunch with Andy’s family, Andy and I headed home to scoop up Winston and head to our favorite beach. There is a stretch of beach, nestled between mansions perched high on the dunes, that always quiet, and a slice of paradise for us to play on whenever we desire. The water rippled gently, as Winston scampered like a caffeinated rabbit across the sands to the waters edge. He took two steps into the clear water before excitedly pranced back to me, barely holding still long enough for me to snap on his life jacket.

Corgis aren’t built to swim. They have a thick, fluffy butt, loooong back, a proud, deep chest. Pair all that with short stompers and limited doggy paddle, more often then not, corgis fall under the water head first. We’ve fitted Winston with a life jacket, and since, his confidence has been boosted and would swim to Chicago if given the chance! He loves to swim!

With his gimpy front foot and his butt floating high above the waves, Winston can only turn to the left when swimming. He cranks his tail clockwise, and at the last minute before he turns, he tries to alligator snatch the stick bobbing in the water. It’s rather comical to watch, for if he misses the stick as he turns, he continues to swim counter clockwise circles until he gets close enough to the stick to make another alligator snap to retrieve it. Sometimes he’ll even come back into the shallows to kick off the sand and attempt another swim to get the stick, all while Andy and I are cheering him on from the warm sandy beach.

It’s been a while since I’ve seen Winston smile so wildly. He couldn’t contain his happiness, and as always, it was infectious, bringing us great joy on such a beautiful day.

(Please know that, like children in a pool, Winston is ALWAYS supervised when swimming.)

Another Day at the Beach

Somehow, anxiety and stress always find a way into my life. I’ve gotten pretty good at balancing it out and not letting it consume the sunshine, but somedays, I just need a break, to hit reset, and breathe in fresh air.

Today, Winston and I woke up slowly, drinking my coffee and sharing the whip cream with Winston. It was super windy and annoyingly cold, but we headed to the beach to reset and recharge. I let him lead this time, allowing him to choose where we went and what trails we took.
Stress has been wearing on Winston too, increasing his desire to be by my side, even when he is off leash, free to play and explore. I encourage him every chance I can to be wild and silly, but I adore him for wanting to be by me. I love hiking along, looking down, and seeing him smiling back up at me, or knowing when I stop, he’ll stop, patiently waiting until I begin hiking again.

I brought my camera along… more because I have a hard time leaving it at home… but in all honestly, I have gotten pretty bored of photographing Winston. There are only so many trips to the beach you can take before your photographs become repetitive. So today, I challenged myself to focus on storytelling and what caught my eye as we walked, as well as capturing the imperfect moments of Winston’s personality that always make me smile and fall in love with him even more.

The collection below isn’t perfect, but not every day is perfect. What is perfect, is the bond I share with Winston, through ups and downs of life, he will always be my buddy, and despite how he rolls his eyes at how many photos I take of him, I will always love our adventures and his magnificent array of facial expressions.

Snow Dolphins

I’m pretty sure we’re getting Winter all in one week! The clouds gathered over the lake, and arriving Thursday night along dune's edge, began to drop snow. And boy, did it accumulate quickly! We had about 8” here in North Muskegon by Saturday morning. The snow continued to fall through Sunday, and this morning we are well over a foot of snow. A rarity here in Michigan - at least in the past 7 years…

Saturday, in our excitement of the fresh snow, my husband, Andy, and I packed up the kiddos and headed inland toPatterson Park, one of our favorite small town parks in Ravenna. With my camera in hand, and dressed for the Arctic cold temperatures, I let the dogs loose. They jumped out of the truck and dashed for the field… only making it about 10 feet before turning around and looking at Andy in a sad and longing way. He laughed out loud as he lit his cigar, and trudged out into the snow, plowing a path for the dogs, who happily followed.

The snow was so deep that from across the field, all you could see was the tips of Winston’s ears and every so often, Amelia’s head as she clambered up on Winston’s back with a lack of patience and much frustration that she couldn’t get around him to bound ahead and blaze the trail. Andy had it right when he called them “snow dolphins” as the dogs disappeared, then quickly reappearing further down the field with a wave of snow flying to either side, their smiles covered in the fresh powder.

They tired quickly, forced to take stop in their tracks to take a break and rethink the direction they were choosing to plow toward. I watched closely to ensure they weren’t getting too cold, but neither showed signs of being chilled. Amelia has blown her entire undercoat, but her high energy and short attention span was keeping her moving, staying warm enough to continue our adventure.

It was entertaining to see Winston and Amelia bound around and struggle in the snow. When Andy and I were ready to start packing up the truck, the dogs begged for another lap in the field, to which we caved and let them stay a bit longer to play. Winston vocalized his displeasure in having to leave, but was soon sound asleep in the back seat on our drive home.

This week is going to be bitter cold and nearly every day we are predicted to get more lake effect snow. I’m sure by Friday, we’ll be needing balloons to tie to Winston and Amelia’s collars in order to keep track of them in the deep snow!

Stay warm, enjoy the winter wonderland, and cheers to it finally feeling like Winter!

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Snuggle Bug

Winston says it’s a good day to stay in bed, sleeping in and snuggling up with your human friend. I couldn’t agree more!

Last night we received 7” of snow and it’s still coming down! The wind chills have dropped to the single digits, and with 45mph winds storming in off the lake, the temperatures are expected to continually fall. Although my camera will still work in the cold, and I’m sure we’ll venture out later for a good romp in the snow, right now I’ll take any good excuse to curl up with a warm knit blanket, a good book, and my teddy bear snuggle bug!

And I may be a bit biased… but I think I have the cutest snuggle bug around. <3

Enjoy the winter wonderland and stay warm out there friends!

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Snow Storm

Finally, the lake has given us a decent amount of snow! And by decent, I mean 4” of pure fluff. I have been enjoying and relaxing this month, improving and preparing the business for another big year of growth, but my mind keeps wandering out past the shoreline, wondering when we’ll get enough snow to begin photographing winter sessions. I’ve been antsy to get back to photographing, and Winston’s excitement over the new snow had me stuffing my pajamas down my snow pants and grabbing my camera to go play in the snow globe snowfall.

We hopped the fence, rolled down the hill out back, and as I plunked down in the soft pillow of fluffy snow, the kids took off. Zooming left, then right, then left again! The snow flying behind their little nubby tails, clinging to their face from the warm breath exhaled from their cheesy grins. Their happiness was infectious and had my heart thumping joyously as I clicked away.

Amelia quickly located her soccer ball, herding it through the snow. It was forgotten about this fall, and with tattered and tired edges, it has been slowly deflating in the cold - which to Amelia’s delight, allows her the ability to pick it up and carry it when she can’t herd it fast enough away from Winston. She would play all day with her soccer ball if I let her, shoving it around with her nose and wrestling it with her short t-rex legs, all the while barking and growling sassily at it.

Winston likes to chase the soccer ball, but doesn’t care for playing much further with it then that, often leaving the ball where it stopped or annoyingly carrying it to the woods and dropping it, somehow always distracted by something else before he can bring it back to me. For as little as he cares about the soccer ball, he gets incredibly vocal and rather animated in his attempts to get you to kick the ball! I can’t help but smile at his facial expressions, going from prep boy polite, to demanding, to his alligator grin, to sticking his tongue out, to of course his derp face, and my favorite of all, his handsome smiles. I have to resist the urge to wrap him up in a big bear hug and instead kick the ball, watching in delight as both Winston and Amelia race frenetically after the dilapidated ball, spraying snow back up into the chilly air to drift and settle once again.

It’s always a delight to spend quality time photographing my two kiddos, but I am anxious to get back to creating stunning images of your horses and dogs. Despite the cold, I do offer sessions throughout the winter months, so do not hesitate to reach out and book your session before the beautiful snow fades and melts!

Wild Amelia

These past 6 months have been a whirl wind, and little Amelia came to us just as things began to get crazy. Despite being a half sibling, she is the polar opposite of Winston, full of immense sass, a fierce independence, and more unbridled energy than the energizer bunny on 17 red bulls. Saying she has been a challenge to train is an understatement, especially when she rarely shows her affection and fights every opportunity to relax and trust me. I have never been this challenged with a dog and to work with her requires an vast amount of patience and time. This, paired with my frantic photography schedule, I haven’t had the opportunity to take her on a solo adventure and capture quality images of her. Until this week.

As the lake continues to brews up more heavy cloud cover, we ventured across the dunes to the beach. Amelia is only 6 months old, and has yet to learn how to swim. She is adventuresome and willing to stomp through puddles and the remains of waves, but as soon as the waves hiss their bubbly words, she scampers back to dry land.

She runs, lickety-split across the beach, picking up speed on the exposed sand and confusingly spinning circles on the windblown ice. She made sure to come clammer up on my legs to tell me about her disapproval of the ice. And then she was off again!

The beach gifts me the peace of mind in that Amelia can release her inner psycho and run rampant while still in sight. It however, doesn’t provide Amelia with enough mental enrichment as the effervescent dune grass does. So up to the dunes we climbed. She of course had to be strictly supervised and told a firm NO when she decided that she was going to try to superman off the tall dune ledge to the beach below. She protested and continued to push her luck with me allowing her to slide down the ledge. We finally found a safe area, and with my permission, she bunny hopped her way down the dune. Then quickly decided it wasn’t as much fun when I don’t bound down after her, so back up the dune she scampered to sit by my side.

With Amelia, it’s all about the small wins, and by the end of the hike, she voluntarily heeled by my side. It only lasted a few minutes, but for her to offer up a moment to settle her soul and bond, made me smile. Until tomorrow sweet hellion.

Merry Christmas From the Klein

Is it already the Christmas!? This year certainly felt like it dragged on, but at the same time, I was so busy that I think I blinked and missed fall! I have barely had a day off to spend quality time with Amelia in her training - and modeling skills! - but when It randomly snowed here along the lake in November, I forced myself to take a break from office work and spend a few minutes photographing the kiddos for the holidays.

Winston, as always, was the best boy! <3 He knows the sound of my camera and always gets excited to be photographed. I can never tell if it’s because of the attention or the top shelf snacks, but he was all to eager to offer up all of his modeling expressions, including his silly tongue out, alligator impressions, and genuine corgi disapproval. Isn’t he just the handsomest little boy!?

Believe it or not - this was the first time (since Amelia was 6 weeks old) that I have taken the time to plan a session and photograph her. This was also the first time she wore a hat and headband. This being said, she had no idea what I was doing hiding behind a black clicking box, and she was certainly confused by why her Santa hat kept rotating around every time she shook her little ears.

This little girl (4 months old in these images) has enough sass and personality for all of us here in the Klein household. She has no problem telling you exactly what she thinks with her facial expressions and gremlin noises, but when she wants to be, she becomes the cutest little munchkin and all sass is forgotten about. I was pleasantly surprised with how well she sat for me to photograph her and the variety of facial expressions I could capture - many of which still make me giggle today!

After a year of highs and lows, these images remind me that no matter what happens, I am forever grateful to have these two furry kiddos in my life. They are my pride and joy, my love bug and monster, my AWWW and AWSHIT!! Lol!

From all of us here in the Klein home, we wish you the very best of holiday seasons. We hope you are able to find new and joyous ways to celebrate the holidays, and never forget to be thankful for your friends, family, and all those you treasure who bring you happiness!

Quarantine Day 3943: Waterboarding the Dog

The days drag on and time stands still. We have been obeying the strict orders of staying at home, fighting the restlessness, and doing what we can to stay sane. A few weeks ago… last week… well I have lost track of dates so we’ll just say a little bit ago, Andy helped me build some raised garden beds and as Jack Frost oversteps his welcome this Spring, we began our vegetable garden in trays, transporting them outside to chase the sun across the sky, then returning them to the safety of the warm house.

It’s been wonderful to see them grow, giving us hope and admiration for the beauty in little things.

Winston accompanies me as I walk the property everyday. I keep him on a long leash as his appetite for squirrels can’t quiet be trusted while living along a busy road where most speed as if they stole the vehicle they’re driving. The sun was warm against my black jacket and after wandering around, allowing Winston to follow the scent trails all over property, we checked in on our little garden. They needed a misting of water.

I pulled the hose out and Winston eyes lit up. HOSE! He never forgot his desperate chase and drive to fight the spewing water.

We played with the hose for quiet some time. Even Andy came out to join in on the fun and to completely soak Winnie with water. He joked that during the never ending quarantine, we have resorted to waterboarding our dog for entertainment. Winston wasn’t apposed, and quiet enjoyed his dance with the ferocious water dragon.

He pounced, snarled, and begged for the hose to be turned back on. He booped it with his nose, barked, snapped like an alligator, and even tried smiling at it - all in hopes of me turning the hose on for him. His love for this game made me forget about the unbalance of the current world. For a while, it was just us, Winston zooming, leaping, and splashing in the simply enjoyment a hose, and me, sitting on our front walk way, giggling and cheering him on.

He was soggy nearly down to the bone, wet sand and dirt up to his elbows, his tail tick-tocking all the way to the bath tub. A rub-a-dub-dub, a silly corgi in the tub, all smiles and wiggles as the bubbles piled up around him. He wiggled out from under towels and quickly disappeared from the bathroom. He was undoubtedly off to find Andy.

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If you would wish to help support my small business and insure that I can keep my doors open after the pandemic, here are a few ideas.

SCHEDULE A SESSION FOR LATER IN THE YEAR
I only require $100 non-refundable deposit to hold your date in my calendar. This amount goes toward your total investment, due by the day of your photoshoot. If you wish to pay in full now, that option is always available too!
View session details HERE. View the Special Offers HERE.

PURCHASE A GIFT CARD
Gift cards are available up to a $600 value, and can be used toward a later date session, or past or future fine art prints, products, or albums, or mentoring sessions. Please contact me to purchase your gift card.

REFER A FRIEND
Did you know I have a referral program?! If your friend or family member mentions your name while booking your session, YOU get rewarded! Dollar credit toward your next session, prints, or digital images are gifted back to you for each family or friend you refer to books and keeps their session.


BE MENTORED BY J.KLEIN PHOTOS
Mentorships are customized to your individual interests and needs in learning about photography and what drives a successful photography business. All topics are available for discussion including camera equipment, how to photograph animals, people and weddings, best lighting, poses and secrets behind capturing authentic moments, marketing, editing, and more!
Mentorships begin at $100 and until the pandemic passes, will be completed through video chat.
View mentorship details HERE.


Say hello and let’s be friends!
Contact me or email me at jessekleinphotos@gmail.com

Don’t forget to follow me on INSTAGRAM!

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Easter Bunny

Happy Easter from this little bunny to you and your family!

As it gently rained outside, Winston happily played bunny rabbit this morning. He has learned the sound of my camera turning on and off, scampering as fast as his bunny legs can carry him from wherever he is, excited to be a model - yet again! I have consistently photographed him since he was 8 weeks old, and when photographing him, he is heavily rewarded! To him, the camera means enrichment, a positive training session, and lots of snacks!!

He hopped onto the couch, sat his fluffy nub of a tail down, and allowed me to photograph him for both your entertainment and mine!

During quarantine, we have been practicing the ability to balance things on his head and nose. This came in handy today - but his deep concentration faces had me in stitches! He tries so hard,  ears back to keep his head up and level, often crossing his eyes to stare at whatever is on his face. When released from his balancing act, he knows he’s not allowed to touch what was on his head until I tell “okay!” but that didn’t stop him from licking his lips, tasting the sugar which inevitably left his head and my couch a bit sticky…

He had never had a marshmallow before, and since he was such a good bunny, I allowed him to squish and stretch one apart. He licked his lips and as the sugar started to kick in, he became a wild child, eyes wide and crazed, he bounded around the house, flinging his toys this way and that! I rolled my eyes and made a mental note to not give him another one!

He eventually brought his sugar crazed self back to the couch, rolling around, pulling all the cuteness points out in hopes of getting another peep. He even went as far as snuffling the box. I didn’t say a thing, curious to know what he would do. Choosing to be a good boy, he counted the peeps remaining, then laid back down, without attempting to snag another yellow sugar squish ball. He is so respectful of what is his and what isn’t, that I could confidently leave that box of peeps there all day, knowing he wouldn’t touch another one. It didn’t take away from the pride I felt as I watched him make the right choices, leaving the box alone, settling himself down as his heavy blue bunny ears slipped from his head and fell to the floor.

We played chase, de-fluffed more of what little remains of his bear, played tug, and practiced dancing - more rewards for being. model. He is now contently sleeping, perched on the top of the couch, curled into a ball of fluff, soaking up the sun.

We hope you and your families are able to find a fun way to stay happy and healthy during these trying times. We may be currently restricted heavily with what we are able to do in our lives, but no matter what - we can still find happiness and love within our families. Stay positive and enjoy the holiday! <3

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If you would wish to help support my small business and insure that I can keep my doors open after the pandemic, here are a few ideas.

SCHEDULE A SESSION FOR LATER IN THE YEAR
I only require $100 non-refundable deposit to hold your date in my calendar. This amount goes toward your total investment, due by the day of your photoshoot. If you wish to pay in full now, that option is always available too!
View session details HERE. View the Special Offers HERE.

PURCHASE A GIFT CARD
Gift cards are available up to a $600 value, and can be used toward a later date session, or past or future fine art prints, products, or albums, or mentoring sessions. Please contact me to purchase your gift card.

REFER A FRIEND
Did you know I have a referral program?! If your friend or family member mentions your name while booking your session, YOU get rewarded! Dollar credit toward your next session, prints, or digital images are gifted back to you for each family or friend you refer to books and keeps their session.


BE MENTORED BY J.KLEIN PHOTOS
Mentorships are customized to your individual interests and needs in learning about photography and what drives a successful photography business. All topics are available for discussion including camera equipment, how to photograph animals, people and weddings, best lighting, poses and secrets behind capturing authentic moments, marketing, editing, and more!
Mentorships begin at $100 and until the pandemic passes, will be completed through video chat.
View mentorship details HERE.


Say hello and let’s be friends!
Contact me or email me at jessekleinphotos@gmail.com

Don’t forget to follow me on INSTAGRAM!

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JAIL BREAK!

We woke up to a dreary somber morning. As I put our trays of seedlings outside to chase the sun across the sky, I realized that with the heavy fog and questionable rain, the beach is going to be empty. I looked at Win and we both dashed inside and asked Andy, “Wanna go to the beach?!” Excited for any excuse to safely get out of the house, he jumped up, grabbed his sandals and we piled into the truck.

We have been practicing social distancing and have self isolated ourselves to our home for the past 4 weeks, only leaving for the essentials or to run Winston in the vast woods that line the lakeshore dunes. Thankfully, we live just off the lake and within two miles, we were in the waters, splashing around! The weather was not the ideal for the average beach goer, leaving it was empty - which to us, is how we like it! 

I’m pretty sure my expressions of pure happiness mirrored Winston’s. Win and I were both running zoomies, my arms out making wild noises while Win’s ears flapping, his smile plastered across his face as he scampered left, right, left, right! Andy didn’t join in on our fun, but I’m sure he was glad we were the only ones on the beach. LOL! Sometimes you just gotta let your inner kid out and enjoy the colors of your imagination! Plus, if you have nothing to smile or laugh at, laugh at yourself, because it is the best form of medicine!

Corgis aren’t built to swim. Their legs aren’t proportionate enough to keep them afloat for serious swimming, and without buying Winston a lifejacket, we haven’t encouraged him to really swim. He’ll wade in water, but actually swimming was never his thing.
Until now!

The water waves resembled a piece of paper, crinkled and unfolded, perfect for Winston’s confidence. Andy stood on shore, encouraging him to go out, tossing snacks and sticks into the water. I, with tall boots on, waded into the water, calling to Winston and promising him it would be okay. The lake has consumed so much of the dunes, the waters remain shallow, but shallow for us, is still deep for a short little munchkin! In places he could reach, others his fluffy butt kept him afloat, bobbing up and down as he doggy paddled, reaching for solid ground below him.

While the waters rise more and more, we tight walk along the waters edge, in times, having to climb over fallen dunes. Although I have no problem splashing in the water, I hope we will still be given a sliver of beach to play on as the summer months approach. Winton however, loves to monkey up the dunes, snuffling here and there. It’s great enrichment for him and I know by the time we get home, he’ll be zonked for hours to come.

I was thankful for a mental escape from the constant stress that has followed me around like a shadow for many weeks now. Despite the stress and added burdens, I am one of the lucky ones. I have a wonderful husband with a heart of gold, and together we’ve continued to find positivity everyday, including this opportunity to visit our slice of heaven, complete with sand, chilly water, and a wild child.

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If you would wish to help support my small business and insure that I can keep my doors open after the pandemic, here are a few ideas.

SCHEDULE A SESSION FOR LATER IN THE YEAR
I only require $100 non-refundable deposit to hold your date in my calendar. This amount goes toward your total investment, due by the day of your photoshoot. If you wish to pay in full now, that option is always available too!
View session details HERE. View the Special Offers HERE.

PURCHASE A GIFT CARD
Gift cards are available up to a $600 value, and can be used toward a later date session, or past or future fine art prints, products, or albums, or mentoring sessions. Please contact me to purchase your gift card.

REFER A FRIEND
Did you know I have a referral program?! If your friend or family member mentions your name while booking your session, YOU get rewarded! Dollar credit toward your next session, prints, or digital images are gifted back to you for each family or friend you refer to books and keeps their session.


BE MENTORED BY J.KLEIN PHOTOS
Mentorships are customized to your individual interests and needs in learning about photography and what drives a successful photography business. All topics are available for discussion including camera equipment, how to photograph animals, people and weddings, best lighting, poses and secrets behind capturing authentic moments, marketing, editing, and more!
Mentorships begin at $100 and until the pandemic passes, will be completed through video chat.
View mentorship details HERE.


Say hello and let’s be friends!
Contact me or email me at jessekleinphotos@gmail.com

Don’t forget to follow me on INSTAGRAM!

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Snack Time

It’s SNACK TIME!! This kid is spoiled, and by spoiled, I mean SPOILED! I can see it now - all of my fellow dog training friends rolling their eyes! Lol!

Winston is also one of the politest dogs I have ever known. He will sit patiently, knowing that he will only get a snack if he is on his best behavior and if we give him the release word to eat the snack. He respects this so well that we can leave the house with a plate of food within his reach and return hours later - plate untouched. As long as he is respectful, I have no problem bending the rules a bit and allowing him to enjoy some snacks that are dog friendly.

Like licking clean the vanilla yogurt cup after a late breakfast. There’s never very much left over, less then what I would put in his kong for a frozen summer snack, but it keeps him busy for a few minutes and it’s hard not to giggle at his expressions as he licks the cup clean.

Now I’m not one for a dog that counter surfs, ESP larger dog breeds, and to be honest, I don’t remember how Winston figured this out, but it was too cute not to share with you. We have taught Winston two different commands, PAWS UP (to put his two front paws up on something) and UP UP (to put all four paws up on something). The smart little bugger figured out how to balance and get from the kitchen stool to put his paws up on the counter to see what we are doing when we cook. Luckily, he can only get to the counter with the help of that stool, and once he’s up there, he can only reach about three inches from the edge. He’s also too polite and sensitive to eat anything off the counter. We offer him a milk bone and he will look at the treat and then back at us to double check if it’s okay.

Winston had me laughing out loud yesterday as he and Andy were playing chase around the island. He typically is the one who likes to BE chased (despite being a herding dog), but this time, Andy was scrambling around the island hooting and hollering as Winston chased him. After only three circles, Winston - the smart little shit he is - figured out that if he stood on his stool and looked over the counter, he could see where Andy was on the other side of the island. I couldn’t believe he put two and two together to figure out a way to outsmart Andy, but it left both Andy and myself in stitches.

It’s hard not to smile at my little Winnie. Kids are not in our near future, but Winston is more like a kid then any other dog, so we’re perfectly happy with spoiling him. He is such a good boy. <3

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Play, Play, Play!

We have officially lost tack of time. Our days seem to linger on forever and slide into each other unknowingly. With the outside temperatures rising and conserving on whats left in the propane tank, Andy has turned the heat down which has left us with two options
1. hide under a mountain of blankets or
2. run around like a wild child and play, play, play!
Both options are acceptable! And both options keep our toes from turning blue! lol!

We play with old bones, we change up worn toys by stuffing them in socks and giving them new life, and we play chase - his favorite game. For a herding dog, he LOVES to be chased! Ring around the island, under the chairs, to the safety of the carpet to alligator snap at Andy. As fast as his little legs can carry him, and for as long as Andy can go, he will play!!

Maybe tomorrow will be more entertaining, but today, we are thankful for the time spent with our little family, whether it’s playing or snuggling. <3

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If you would wish to help support my small business and insure that I can keep my doors open after the pandemic, here are a few ideas.

SCHEDULE A SESSION FOR LATER IN THE YEAR
I only require $100 non-refundable deposit to hold your date in my calendar. This amount goes toward your total investment, due by the day of your photoshoot. If you wish to pay in full now, that option is always available too!
View session details HERE. View the Special Offers HERE.

PURCHASE A GIFT CARD
Gift cards are available up to a $600 value, and can be used toward a later date session, or past or future fine art prints, products, or albums, or mentoring sessions. Please contact me to purchase your gift card.

REFER A FRIEND
Did you know I have a referral program?! If your friend or family member mentions your name while booking your session, YOU get rewarded! Dollar credit toward your next session, prints, or digital images are gifted back to you for each family or friend you refer to books and keeps their session.


BE MENTORED BY J.KLEIN PHOTOS
Mentorships are customized to your individual interests and needs in learning about photography and what drives a successful photography business. All topics are available for discussion including camera equipment, how to photograph animals, people and weddings, best lighting, poses and secrets behind capturing authentic moments, marketing, editing, and more!
Mentorships begin at $100 and until the pandemic passes, will be completed through video chat.
View mentorship details HERE.


Say hello and let’s be friends!
Contact me or email me at jessekleinphotos@gmail.com

Don’t forget to follow me on INSTAGRAM!

Gallery Block

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Mountains of Laundry

Oldies quietly resonate from the guest bedroom, and as my husband hums along at his roll top desk, he sits cleaning and sharpening his knives. Winston thinks it’s play time and has been prowling the house for all of his toys, carrying them to the guest room in hopes of enticing Andy to play. He is rewarded only with Andy’s response of “What’s up buhb? That’s a pretty sweet toy you got. Do you have any more?” Little does Win know, that’s Andy’s way of keeping Win busy without having to stop sharpening knives. Back and forth Winston goes, searching for his toys, stopping at each one to contemplate their value before galavanting back to Andy with it well slobbered in his mouth.

I went to bed early last night from a migraine and have been hiding from our shrunken world ever since. I am only responsible for my own actions and over the past few days, I have had to remind myself to choose words wisely. The stress of not being able to work, not having an income, and because I am a small business owner I can’t qualify for relief help or unemployment, the stress of possibly getting sick, or those I care about getting sick or injured in a time where the healthcare providers are already stretched so thin, and then the added stress of seeing close friends completely disregarding the Stay at Home orders, believing they are immune or couldn’t possibly pick up and pass the virus it along to someone more vulnerable - is turning into migraines and a heavy depression. I don’t want to lose friendships over this, but it’s difficult to look past their obvious ignorance and disregard of the well being of others. Even if life returns to normal, the friendships will never be what they were, and not knowing what to do about it has become a suffocating grip of anxiety.

Nothing can be done about it now though. But I could do something about that mountain of laundry that quiet resembles the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Winston, always wanting to be in the middle of everything, of course had to help out. After alligator snapping his refusal to get off the bed, I dumped the basket of laundry on top of him. He didn’t seem to mind and looked rather comfy under the warm clothes, so I started folding while he kept an eye out for squirrels from beneath the laundry pile. As I folded around his begs of belly rubs, he started needing to inspect everything. To please his need for attention and inspections, I started dressing him up. He couldn’t have cared less and acted as though it was no different then a normal pat on the head, so of course, I kept dressing him, taking it off, folding it, dressing him up again. It certainly made the dreaded chore more enjoyable!

Over the last week, Andy has been super helpful. We have talked about having a garden here at the new house and with a plan to reuse some of the wood we had prior to moving and what was left from the previous home owners, we were able to get 5 raised beds made and prepped, as well as a line of lattice for beans and peas! My mother was a gardener, but I unfortunately did not inherit the green thumb. This evening I hope to learn more about growing a successful garden, and tomorrow, we will plant the seeds!

… Or maybe I’ll just soak up the little moments happening in our family that make me smile, like a squishy faced upside down munchkin in the arms of my handsome husband. <3

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If you would wish to help support my small business and insure that I can keep my doors open after the pandemic, here are a few ideas.

SCHEDULE A SESSION FOR LATER IN THE YEAR
I only require $100 non-refundable deposit to hold your date in my calendar. This amount goes toward your total investment, due by the day of your photoshoot. If you wish to pay in full now, that option is always available too!
View session details HERE. View the Special Offers HERE.

PURCHASE A GIFT CARD
Gift cards are available up to a $600 value, and can be used toward a later date session, or past or future fine art prints, products, or albums, or mentoring sessions. Please contact me to purchase your gift card.

REFER A FRIEND
Did you know I have a referral program?! If your friend or family member mentions your name while booking your session, YOU get rewarded! Dollar credit toward your next session, prints, or digital images are gifted back to you for each family or friend you refer to books and keeps their session.


BE MENTORED BY J.KLEIN PHOTOS
Mentorships are customized to your individual interests and needs in learning about photography and what drives a successful photography business. All topics are available for discussion including camera equipment, how to photograph animals, people and weddings, best lighting, poses and secrets behind capturing authentic moments, marketing, editing, and more!
Mentorships begin at $100 and until the pandemic passes, will be completed through video chat.
View mentorship details HERE.


Say hello and let’s be friends!
Contact me or email me at jessekleinphotos@gmail.com

Don’t forget to follow me on INSTAGRAM!

Gallery Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more

Morning Bliss & Snotty Windows

The quiet mornings bring peace, before the frantic whistle of the coffee kettle sounds, the apocalyptic news reports the updated devastation numbers, or before the wild child can locate the loudest squeaky toy and like an alarm from hell, start head bang-nose punching it until we are faced to get up. With nowhere to go and nothing to do, we have been enjoying sleeping in and waking up slowly. Andy normally has a 9-5 job as an HVAC technician, and my job hours rise and fall with the sun, peaking on the weekends when my clients are free, sleeping in together isn’t something we often get to enjoy.
Our new house continues to bring us joy, and this morning, as I lay nestled in bed, enjoying the peacefulness of the boys’ labored breathing as they slept - Winston upside down, slack jawed, sandwiched between us with only the occasional involuntary bunny kick of his back leg to assure me he was still alive - I found myself smiling at the sound of the song birds outside. In the last week, the yellow and purple finches, cardinals, blue jays, morning doves, an assortment of wood peckers, and a variety of traveling birds have gathered to make our backyard their home. As I hear a distant rooster crow proudly from somewhere down the road, the community of birds sings happily in excitement, flittering from tree to tree and playing musical bird feeders.

(please excuse my poor bird photos. they scatter away if I go outside so this is the best I could do through the house windows with a small lens. lol!)

Although Winston hugs us close and growls at the sounds of the nightly pair of great horned owls, regularly asking, “Who WHo WHO will I eat tonight,” he is quiet fond of the tweety birds. I caught him yesterday morning, snotty nose smooshed into the slider door, staring at Mr. Robin as his pitter-pattered across the grass, quick like the rain, then stopping, head tilting to one side as if that slight gesture made it easier to ear the bewildered worm rising to the surface of the grass. Mr. Robin pounced on his breakfast, holding it fast in the back of his beak as he forged for another morsel. Winston’s eyes blinked and I could see his wheels turning.
”No digging for worms Winston. Those are for the Robins.” He slid his snotty nose across the door to blink innocently at me. I mentally added wash windows to my TO DO list.

It’s the little things that bring us happiness, like the morning snuggles, the tweety birds chirping, or the way we still love our kids even if they make a snotty mess of the windows. I hope you are all finding happiness during our Stay at Home Lockdown.

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If you would wish to help support my small business and insure that I can keep my doors open after the pandemic, here are a few ideas.

SCHEDULE A SESSION FOR LATER IN THE YEAR
I only require $100 non-refundable deposit to hold your date in my calendar. This amount goes toward your total investment, due by the day of your photoshoot. If you wish to pay in full now, that option is always available too!
View session details HERE. View the Special Offers HERE.

PURCHASE A GIFT CARD
Gift cards are available up to a $600 value, and can be used toward a later date session, or past or future fine art prints, products, or albums, or mentoring sessions. Please contact me to purchase your gift card.

REFER A FRIEND
Did you know I have a referral program?! If your friend or family member mentions your name while booking your session, YOU get rewarded! Dollar credit toward your next session, prints, or digital images are gifted back to you for each family or friend you refer to books and keeps their session.


BE MENTORED BY J.KLEIN PHOTOS
Mentorships are customized to your individual interests and needs in learning about photography and what drives a successful photography business. All topics are available for discussion including camera equipment, how to photograph animals, people and weddings, best lighting, poses and secrets behind capturing authentic moments, marketing, editing, and more!
Mentorships begin at $100 and until the pandemic passes, will be completed through video chat.
View mentorship details HERE.


Say hello and let’s be friends!
Contact me or email me at jessekleinphotos@gmail.com

Don’t forget to follow me on INSTAGRAM!

Gallery Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more

Finding Balance & Happiness

Monday morning we woke beneath an unexpectedly chilly blanket of snow and a body of fog that sat nestled just off the shore. Andy and I got up early to try to find any relief options for small business owners. With no luck, we returned home. I needed a mental break from the suffocating anxiety, so I packed up Winston and we headed to the beach, knowing with the new snow, it would be peacefully barren and the perfect playground to play on.

Seeming to know I needed a chance to recharge, the lake reflected calmness with it’s blue gray colors blending into the fog above it. The water breathed gently on the sandy beach, barely rolling waves up and around our feet. As I dropped the weight of the world and breathed in the fresh air, Winston let loose. If was if somebody had sent a bolt of electricity through him and released all of the wild zoomies cooped up inside.

He ran lickety-split, back and forth, up and down the beach, as fast as his stubby legs could carry him. The only thing that slowed him down was the giant cheesy smile, plastered from one big ear to the other. Run, run, run! Dig, dig, dig! Spin around, run, dig, run, run, dig, run, dig. He needed this escape just as much as I did.

I plunked myself down in the sand to soak up the happiness that resulted in the silly dog turned wild animal. When he finally slowed to a stop, he yawned, releasing his own pent up stress, and gave a little howl. He looked at me smiling, gave my face a wet sandy snuffle, and then spun on his heels to run zig-zagging down the beach again.

As we walked, I found the weight of the world continued to sneak up behind us. It sucked me down into a heap, forcing me to sit on the sand and focus my energy on the gentle waves, attempting to clear my mind. Winston, the good kid he is, kept coming over to check on me, wiggling his way in-between my legs, climbing on my lap and smiling. Despite his barely confined energy and visibly controlling his urge to be wild child, he allowed me to wrap my arms around him. He let me smother him in soft kisses and hug him like a little girl loves on her well worn teddy bear.

Winston doesn’t usually bother with sticks. UNLESS I pick it up and make it seem like it’s the coolest thing since sliced bread!! It never lasts long though. He loves to jump on and nose punch his toys listening to them squeak in retaliation, and he when his herding instincts kick in, he loves to chase things. But sticks don’t squeak and they don’t run away. It was fun to see him get excited over a silly stick for a few minutes, his crazy eyes rolling and his big ears flopping around uncontrolled in the brief excitement. Then after another few tosses of the stick, he trotted after it, stopped, and observed as the waves roll up, and with the stick in it’s watery grip, it slunk back into the lake, taking Winston’s temporary toy with it. Seeming to shrug, Winston continued trotting down the beach to snuffle the tumbleweeds of beach grass, unfazed by the loss of his toy.

“Throw the stick Mama! Watch me be faster then the stick!”

Just as we seemed to forget the woes of the world, my phone buzzed. It was Andy, calling us home after the Governor announced the Stay at Home Lockdown. It brought another wave of tears and anxiety. I was overwhelmed with the feeling of hopelessness and it broke my heart as we walked back to the car, not wanting to say goodbye to our happy place. Even Winston stopped and took one last look before clumsily clambering up into the car.

I know we will get through this, as a family and as a country, but right now, I am living from one happy moment to another, always searching for more positivity. Thankfully, I have a smiling teddy bear to search along with me, and when I doubt the world, I can squish him into a hug, smooch his fuzzy cheeks, and find a smile again. <3

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If you would wish to help support my small business and insure that I can keep my doors open after the pandemic, here are a few ideas.

SCHEDULE A SESSION FOR LATER IN THE YEAR
I only require $100 non-refundable deposit to hold your date in my calendar. This amount goes toward your total investment, due by the day of your photoshoot. If you wish to pay in full now, that option is always available too!
View session details HERE. View the Special Offers HERE.

PURCHASE A GIFT CARD
Gift cards are available up to a $600 value, and can be used toward a later date session, or past or future fine art prints, products, or albums, or mentoring sessions. Please contact me to purchase your gift card.

REFER A FRIEND
Did you know I have a referral program?! If your friend or family member mentions your name while booking your session, YOU get rewarded! Dollar credit toward your next session, prints, or digital images are gifted back to you for each family or friend you refer to books and keeps their session.


BE MENTORED BY J.KLEIN PHOTOS
Mentorships are customized to your individual interests and needs in learning about photography and what drives a successful photography business. All topics are available for discussion including camera equipment, how to photograph animals, people and weddings, best lighting, poses and secrets behind capturing authentic moments, marketing, editing, and more!
Mentorships begin at $100 and until the pandemic passes, will be completed through video chat.
View mentorship details HERE.


Say hello and let’s be friends!
Contact me or email me at jessekleinphotos@gmail.com

Don’t forget to follow me on INSTAGRAM!

Gallery Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more

As World Stops

First and foremost - I hope everyone is hanging in there mentally and physically. (For those who are not here in Michigan, our state has been issued a Stay at Home Lockdown.) I can’t imagine how challenging it must be for the parents trying to work from home and entertain/school their children, the stress this has created for those who are expecting a baby in the coming months or have underlining medical issues or compromised immune systems, or my friends and clients who are seeking a new balance without access to their horses.

Secondly - THANK YOU to all of those who are braving the unknown to keep our country going, whether it’s those in the medical fields, agriculture, trucking, manufacturing, etc. And although I don’t have a two legged kid- witnessing how far the schools have gone to continue to care for their students is incredible.

My world here in the Klein House and for J.Klein Photos has come to a stop. Without a decent winter - or really a winter at all - my husband and I have had a tough few months, as his trade relies on the influx of temperatures throughout the seasons, and during the winter, I rely on snow to brighten the landscape and eliminate the mud for photoshoots. Neither Jack Frost and his bitter cold, nor Michigans normal and consistent snow storms arrived. We have been stressed for months, and to now be stuck with only one unemployment check (as a small business owner and sole employee, there is no relief or unemployment benefits for me) for our bills is terrifying. I know we are not alone in this situation. I know that my husband and I are tough, determined, and not afraid of hard work, so when the world rights itself, we will be ready to overcome and find balance again, as will the country.

Lingering fears still haunt my mind though, one of which being that photography will be a luxury majority of my clients won’t be able to afford. I can only hope that my photography and the way I care for each of my clients over the past year and half will be remembered and that I will be able to continue to photograph for a living.

For now, as we are stuck in our homes, I am rising to the towering challenge of staying positive. One of the ways that never fails to make me smile, forgetting about the world, is photographing Winston. He has such a big personality, and over the past six months I have come to realize that so many of you find enjoyment in seeing photographs of this silly boy. So for the next three weeks - or however long it takes us to be released from house jail - I will be photographing Winston in hopes of bringing you the happiness he provides for me. From everyday life, to his wild adventures, you will be able to see it all!

Forewarning - THIS DOG IS SPOILED!
But we have an agreement - he spoils us with his good behavior, and we spoil him in life. <3

How does your dog get your attention? Winston will sit, stare, and judge you until you give him attention! If that doesn’t work, he’ll get a toy and attempt to look as cute as corgi possible. … We’re a sucker for his silliness, and will give in to play time when he rolls around like a little rolly-polly dumpling.

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If you would wish to help support my small business and insure that I can keep my doors open after the pandemic, here are a few ideas.

SCHEDULE A SESSION FOR LATER IN THE YEAR
I only require $100 non-refundable deposit to hold your date in my calendar. This amount goes toward your total investment, due by the day of your photoshoot. If you wish to pay in full now, that option is always available too!
View session details HERE. View the Special Offers HERE.

PURCHASE A GIFT CARD
Gift cards are available up to a $600 value, and can be used toward a later date session, or past or future fine art prints, products, or albums, or mentoring sessions. Please contact me to purchase your gift card.

REFER A FRIEND
Did you know I have a referral program?! If your friend or family member mentions your name while booking your session, YOU get rewarded! Dollar credit toward your next session, prints, or digital images are gifted back to you for each family or friend you refer to books and keeps their session.


BE MENTORED BY J.KLEIN PHOTOS
Mentorships are customized to your individual interests and needs in learning about photography and what drives a successful photography business. All topics are available for discussion including camera equipment, how to photograph animals, people and weddings, best lighting, poses and secrets behind capturing authentic moments, marketing, editing, and more!
Mentorships begin at $100 and until the pandemic passes, will be completed through video chat.
View mentorship details HERE.


Say hello and let’s be friends!
Contact me or email me at jessekleinphotos@gmail.com

Don’t forget to follow me on INSTAGRAM!

Gallery Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more

The Reading Corgi

Firstly - I hope that everyone is doing alright mentally and physically with the lifestyle changes majority of us juggling right now. I know this is a stressful time, and while we are waiting for some form of normalcy to return, let’s be thankful for the time we have been given to spend with our families.

As many things have been effected by the pandemic, unfortunately , so has my business. So while I am home, I have been teaching Winston a few new tricks - rolling over, wearing glasses, and balancing things on his little noggin! While he happily learns, I incorporate taking photos and LOTS of positive rewards, whether it’s treats, toys, or playing.

Today, we put his skills to use and I photographed him reading books. It quickly turned into playtime, hiding under books and modeling Andy’s glasses. Here are handful of my favorite photos from our time playing.

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