Blowing Bubbles in the Wake of a Storm

Yesterday morning I met one of my good friends in Holland to photograph the completion of his latest custom built trailer. He owns New Holland Overland Co. and with the help of his dad, they build luxurious off road trailers, bed racks, swing out tire carriers, and much more. It’s been a wonderful business to support and to document their journey and products through photographs.

To squeeze in a photoshoot with New Holland Overland Co. I had to get up extra early, which left Winston pouting in bed because he didn’t get his morning snuggles. When I came home, he was still in his bed (as we call the guest bed “Winston’s bed,” because he will often put himself to bed in the guest room between 8:30-9:00 PM and then complain that we aren’t coming to snuggle him). I gave him some smooches and told him to cheer up, which in return he gave me a exasperated sign and flop back to the bed, clearly still upset that I one, didn’t stay in bed to snuggle him, and two, went to go see one of his favorite people and didn’t take him.

I checked the weather app, making a quick judgment call that the nasty ice storm incoming this weekend may still be over the lake, and asked Winston, “Wanna go to the beach?” OH BOY did his attitude change!! I shook my head at the silly boy and followed the bouncing corgi to the car.

We love our beach, only a few miles away, and continually providing us with a quiet oasis, almost always empty of fellow dogs and people. With having had several dogs - big and small - bully Winston into a cloak of fear as he grew up, we always double check the beach before we get out. Once the door is opened and the release to go be a wild child is given, he’s off like a rocket!

We took the dune trail to the beach this time, following the winding sand trail through the dry grass, down to the bottom where the rain collects and up again to where the dunes seem to touch the sky. Winston zooming here, then there, then over that way. Sometimes I get distracted by the beauty that surrounds us and have to give him a call to figure out where he is. He knows his boundaries and how far he can go before having to check in, and every time he looks back over his shoulder, he seems to be say, “Mama! Come on! Let’s go adventure! … Mama! Are you coming??!”

As the storm approaches, the temps have dropped, causing the beach to shiver into a frozen landscape, being chiseled away by the relentless waves. Even Winston was shying away from the rouge waves that reached out in attempts to grasp him in it’s chilly embrace. It doesn’t help that majority of any waves at the beach are his size, but he usually will curl his lips and snarl back at the waves. Not yesterday. He tucked his bunny ears and trotted away, respecting the brewing waves on the outskirts of the storm.

Earlier in the week, Winston played hop scotch across the break water rocks, and learned quickly today that that is a game for the warmer days, as the lake has licked the rocks into an icy tomb, one which Winston can not hang on to. After he sat through my explanation of safety and that he can not be on the rocks today, he scampered off to play amongst the canyon trails in-between the rocks.

On our way back up the beach, lost in my own thoughts of shipwrecks, realizing I was in absence of the wild child, I turned around to see where Winston had hauled off to. Directly behind me - blowing bubbles. I almost tripped over my heavy muck boots laughing at him! It was if he ate a bar of soap, alternating between sticking his little tongue out and blowing big bubbles at me.
”What are you doing you Goofball?!”
“Look Mama! Look what I can do!! …*lick lick* … BUBBLES!” He seemed to laugh along side of me at his incredible silliness, and after he was satisfied with my happiness over him, he scampered off, tick-tocking his stubby tail up the beach to continue his adventure.

Every so often, Andy will take Winston for a run on the beach and the last few times, has told us of a hollow log. Winston and I often get distracted and wander in random directions as we play on the beach, so it wasn’t until yesterday that we found the log Andy spoke of. It was worn, rough, and just hollow enough for Winston to fit through it. Having been through the tree trunk tunnel before with Andy, Winston ran right through it! Coming from a pup that is lacking confidence with other dogs and loud noises, he surprises me some days with his confidence in his adventures.

He wasn’t ready to come home, but after a long romp, he agreed to be my shadow as we made our way back to the car. As we wait for the snow, my photography season slows to a ghostly whisper, but the organization, prep, and planning for a busy season ahead keeps me busy in the office. So home we went. Soon again we will return to the beach, hopefully next time with a white landscape of snow to play on!

Lake Michigan, North Muskegon, Muskegon State Park, Michigan Dog Photography

A Changing Landscape

Earlier this week the sunshine invited us to the beach. The sunshine is endless during the summer, rising at 6AM and dipping into the lake at 10PM, finally giving way for the moon. But during the winter, it’s as if we live in Seattle, Washington, a place where the gray clouds rule the sky, becoming inseparable friends with Lake Michigan. Living beneath the clouds is difficult, and when they finally give way for a breath of sunshine, Winston and I race to greet it.

We decided to venture down to an unexplored area of the beach, and as we did, the obvious signs of dune erosion were everywhere. The lake lapped at the remains of trees, once perched high in the dunes, safe from the demolition of the waves. As we stepped amongst the wave’s finger tips, we made our way down to the break water rocks.

As a kid, I spent 8 years in Grand Haven and remember fondly the adventures along the board walk and pier, hopping along the big rocks lost in an imaginary world of adventure. With a big smile on his face, Winston clambered up the rocks and slowly became lost in the same imaginary adventures I had so many year ago, reminding me that people and pups really aren’t that different.
He jumped from rock to rock, only pausing to calculate the canyon depths to the shortness of his legs, before leaping once more. I kept a close eye on him, interrupting his game only when I thought the upcoming fight to the next rock may be too great for such a short explorer.

We splashed through the water, visibly recharging in the sunshine before heading over the next dune to greet the impatient moon that hovered over the skyline.

As the wind picked up and Winston lost control of his oversized ears, we ducked down into a pool of water that had collected in the basin of the next dune. With no escape to join Lake Michigan, the rain water was settled to make a new home, turning the beach grass beneath to a soggy pump. Without knowing how smelly the water may turn the adventuresome pup, I kept Winston from swimming but allowed him to wade into the corner of the new found pond. As he explored, I was gifted the satisfaction that the sunshine was not only beautiful in full light, but just as gorgeous as a back light - a photographers dream! Lucky for me, I had my favorite muck boots on, and as I waded into the water as well, I became entranced in the golden light that settled over my sweet Sir Winston.

After an hour of play, we took one last look, breathing in deeply the sunshine that settles the worries of the world. Until tomorrow beautiful beach.

Lake Michigan, North Muskegon, Muskegon State Park, Michigan Dog Photography

Roaring Waves, Towering Sand Walls, & a Smiling Kiddo

This year we have gotten lots of snow, and all of it has melted only a day or two after it arrives, leaving squishy mud everywhere. Except the beach. Living only a couple miles away from the lake, we frequent the them throughout the week to run and play.

Today, at 43oF, it was oddly warm for January. The waves were ripping in, pounding the shoreline and devouring the dunes that crumpled under it’s force. For those not along the lake, this past year the water levels have risen incredibly. Paired with violent storms, much of the dunes and beaches have been washed away. It’s been incredible to see the drastic change, and often as we walk, the dunes fall before our eyes. What remains as evidence of this is sheer walls of sand towering high above the beach, and beach grass and stumps, stretching barely out of the wet sand as waves pool around their base and wash away the remaining sand that supports them.

None of this bothers Winston. To him, the beach is a place were he can be a wild child, running as fast as his little legs can carry him. He always runs straight for the water, and this time, the cold temps caught him a bit of guard! He can hopping back toward me, bouncing around talking as if to say, “Sh*t Mama! That waters cold!!” But it didn’t take him long to trot his way back along the waves to snap at them, insuring they knew the boss was back!

Winston bounds between the water and the toppled heaps of dunes, clambering up and down. I often times have to sit in one spot and wait for him to settle down before I can snap a photograph of him, but today, he was eagerly smiling as if he knew how handsome he was. I know dogs are smart, but does he really know how happy I am when I’m photographing? Especially when I am photographing him?

Every time we visit the beach, the dunes walls feel as though they become taller and taller. I was mesmerized by the lines of the sand and every time I went to photograph the dunes, Winston would jump up in front of me, posing, smiling, and wondering why I wasn’t photographing HIM! Even the seagulls nearby were passed up for a chase, but he made sure to woof at them from his crumpled dune ledge.

While one eye is finding the desired composition of the photograph about to be taken, the other is keeping track of the wild child. Again, as if he wanted to be photographed, he monkeyed his way up the dune wall behind where I was photographing. He clung to the wall, surprisingly well, looked over his shoulder at me, and flashed his cheesy grin.

And just when I’m about to snap the cutest photo of him, he sticks his tongue out at me, as if he was a little kid retaliating against his mom forcing him to sit for a photo! I have endless photos of him with his tongue out and have come to accept it as one of his many unique quirks.

Today while we were adventuring the beach, all was forgotten but this silly kid, his tick-tocking tail and happy smile. After a tough month of persistent migraines, being sick, and the holiday craziness, the fresh air, beautiful beach, and quiet time with Winston, was just what I needed. <3

Floral Crowns

I spend a lot of time following and studying other photographers and their works of art. It allows me to define my own style, push myself to try new things, and find ways to better my own work. Over the last year I have seen several beautiful photographs of pups with floral crowns, and it catches my eye every time.
So I picked up a few wreaths and bribed Winston with bacon to model one for me.
He very much wanted to only eat the bacon, but he was a good model. <3

Annnnnd the bloopers, because when you work with animals, not every photograph is perfect, but some still make you laugh.

He can swim!

I have been dreaming of having a river location that is easy enough to get clients to for family, dog, and horse photoshoots. A dear client offered her property, only a few miles up stream of this river, but due to the last of the winter storms, the banks on her portion of the river have since been gouged and washed away to the point where it is no longer safe to access the water. She suggested another portion of the river and when Andy, Winston and I went to check it out on Easter, we were delighted with the promise it offered!
The road to the river offered plenty of parking for horse trailers, a sandy trail leading to the wide river with portions of the river bed being sandy or rocky. The water hummed quietly over the rocks, deeper in some areas, but shallow enough to walk across in other areas. After walking around for half an hour, I couldn’t wait to tell Taylor about it! The pups were going to LOVE playing in the water!

Last summer, if you recall, Winston did not have the best of luck with water. Between the giant waves at the beach trying to eat him and the swamp monster luring him into the Lake Reserve (Twice!), I didn’t think Winston would ever be brave enough to swim. Corgis are known to be bad swimmers. With long backs and short legs, it’s difficult for them to stay afloat without a life jacket, which neither Taylor or I had for our pups. However, with the water levels being so low in this river, it was the perfect playground for them to learn how to swim without requiring lifejackets!

While both of our pups still held on to a slight aroma of flowers after recent baths, the temptation of adventure and wonderment of what our dogs would do, was too great! We loaded them up, grabbed our camera gear and headed out to the river!!

To my surprise, Winston barreled down the trail and marched right into the water! It was low enough were he could walk across the bottom and didn’t require swimming, but his boldness surprised me! Sassy on the other hand, she needed some encouragement! Only turning 6 months yesterday, she was hesitant about the moving water and after much calculation and some helpful questions answered by the all-knowing Winston, with him by her side, she made the leap into the water!

Before we knew it, both of them were venturing further into the deeper water and allowing instinct to take over, together they began learning how to swim!

Mind you, the “deep water” was deep in consideration to their three inch long legs. Both Taylor and myself had high knee boots on and were able to walk through the deep water without getting wet or being pushed by the small current. We kept an eye on the pups and were ready to assist them if needed. We love our pups dearly, adoring their admiration for adventure and nurturing the positivity of learning new things. I choose this river with their first swim in mind, knowing it would be the perfect playground for them to learn a new skill and have a blast while doing it!

Winston and Sassy, would take turns trotting through the shallow waters, practice swimming, and then clammer onto a rock to watch the other go for a dip. They were oblivious to the terrified crawfish huddle up under the rock they perched on, the fish frantically swimming past their wet toes, and the early spring water bugs that skirted past, barely touching the water as they went.

With her boots already filled with water from sitting in river to get the ideal photographs of Sassy, Taylor waded into the deepest part of the river. She wanted Sassy to practice swimming in the deeper water, so she carried Sassy out to where the water came just above her knees. Holding her above the water to activate Sassy’s paddle mode, she slowly let Sassy down. Sassy made the doggie paddle look easy, swimming right for her very concerned brother!! Shaking off the water and asking her momma to go again!

Covered in mud, spelling like drown river rats, Winston and Sassy decided it was time for a swimming break and found a patch of spring grass to wrestle in. We may have been wearing them out mentally with learning a new skill, but both Sassy and Winston were still full of physical energy! So while they played, Taylor emptied out her boots, kindly returning half of the river water back to it’s basin!

I was so proud to see my little Winston so boldly tackle a new skill and over come his previous shyness of water. I could not feed him enough treats or smooch his soggy cheeks enough after seeing him take his first swimming strokes! I imagine that pride and excitement is how parents feel after sitting through hours of kicking and noodle practice as their toddlers, strapped with multiple floaties, learns how to swim at the Y.
The second behavior that became apparent in Winston yesterday, making my heart fill with pride even more, was his attentiveness and assistance with Sassy as she overcame her own concerns of the water. He stayed by her side and reached for her when she needed that extra boost of encouragement. Keeping his eye on her the whole time, I think it helped him stay distracted from his own concerns and past experience. I am not sure if either of them would have learned to swim without the other.
Besides needing another bath upon returning home, it was a successful adventure! Taylor and I were laughing with delight while watching our pups confidence grow in front of our eyes. Corgis may be little dogs, but they will always have a big dog personality!

If you are interested in having your family, dog, or horse photographed in a river, please let me know! I will be choosing dates for summer river minis and can deliver you the details as they unfold! It’s a unique adventure I am excited to be offering to my clients this year!

Easter Weekend

This past weekend was Easter. Having the family dynamic change drastically this past year, Easter became a relaxing day with just the immediate Kleins. It was the quality time we all needed, over stuffing ourselves with food, and then after hauling all of the summer chairs out of the pole barn, we soaked up the sun and enjoy each others company. Mama and Papa Bear even set up an Easter egg hunt for Winston, hiding dog toy squirrels and rabbits throughout the garden, all of which he has been carrying around the house in the days that have followed.

(Yes, I am that mom that uses any excuse to dress up her kid. For all who question this, Winston was highly compensated with turkey for wearing the bunny ears!!!)

After a while, Papa Bear disappeared from our back yard relaxation, only to reappear with a pineapple skewer. After everyone quietly slipped Winston tidbits of bacon, ham, jelly beans, and blueberries all morning, when Papa Bear arrived with more snacks, Winston was well versed in successful begging. And boy did he work it!! Politely sitting, asking nicely, offering to hold hands, even licking his lips and being painfully adorable. Despite his attempts, I overruled and said no.

Better luck next time buddy.

Upon returning home, the sun still bathing us in a welcomed warmth, Andy and I got some yard work done, including hooking up a brand new hose! (Isn’t it funny how as you get older it’s the boring things that make us happy? Brand new salt and pepper shakers, a functional set of curtains, or a hose that ravels and unravels without using every curse word under the sun!) Winston was overjoyed with the new hose almost as much as my husband!! Winston’s crazy side was released and he went WILD over the water! Barking, snarling, showing all of his big dinosaur teeth, and biting at the water doing his best to destroy it! The silly dog could have played all night with that hose, and with the shit eating grin that Andy has spread across his own silly face, I’m sure he would have happily stay out to play with Winston if I hadn’t said enough! Half a soggy dog is at least better then a fully water logged dog!

Overall a successful weekend. Lots of happiness, great food, and surrounded by the best people! We hope you enjoyed your holiday weekend!

Winston's Sassy Shadow

For those of you who don’t know who Winston’s little shadow is,

Meet Sassy.

Andy and I met Taylor last fall in a local park while out walking Winston. She begged to pet Winston. Priding myself in having an adorable, well behaved puppy needing the socialization, I said, “sure!” and watched Taylor fall in love. She had been dreaming of having her own corgi for years and soon to be on her own adventures next fall, she was looking for the best companion possible. I gave her the information for Winston’s breeder and didn’t think anything of it.

A month went by and while coordinating with the breeder for a litter photoshoot in December, I received the news! Taylor had in fact contacted the breeder, asking for a puppy with the closest markings as Winston. After the photoshoot, Andy and I were given the chosen puppy, a half sibling to Winston, to drive home across the state to meet Taylor to deliver her wonderful bundle of joy.

Little did we know, the pup, named (appropriately) Sassy, and Taylor would become good friends and would become a part of Winston and my weekly adventures.

The pups haven’t just grown bigger, they have grown closer together as well. Winston knows exactly what it means when I say, “Sassy’s coming over!” running for the door to wait her arrival! They play so well together too. <3 It’s been adorable to watch Sassy follow Winston everywhere, looking to him for guidance and advice, bitting his pantaloons and nubby tail when he slows down and trying her damnedest to catch him when he takes off! They wrestle, rough and tumble, play keep away with any favorable sticks, and upon returning home to our house, they curl up together to recharge their batteries.

Sassy has grown into a confident little girl, blinded out with sass, followed by clumsiness, packed to the brim with energy, and always willing to lend you a kiss.

We look forward to every adventure that awaits us and includes Sassy and Taylor. Having photographed her as a 7 week old pup, I am excited to photograph her more as she grows up! And To see Winston have a best friend and to watch their relationship build has been heartwarming. <3

Jump on over to journal entry, “$0.99 Pink Balloon” to see more of Sassy and Winston!

Pushing Icebergs

Today Winston and I spent our lunch break pushing the last of the icebergs into the lake and saying,
”Goodbye and Good Riddance”
to the very last of 2018-2019 Winter! The beach was quiet as the last of the night's storm passed on, leaving the sun to spill through the clouds and the slightest of sea smoke to roll in and up over the dunes. 

It was a good break from the marathon of business classes I have been consuming and a visual reminder that Spring is HERE! I am ready for the new season, the new adventures and all of the new photoshoot that are just around the corner. For today though, I was happy to spend a bit of time loving the little moments in life along side of Winston and appreciating ever chapter that the seasons bring to us.

At the end of our walk, we practicing our catching skills. Winston must have been feeling awful confident to even attempt to catch the treats, since he normally will shy away and then in return, throw you the most offended glare as if to say, "Mama! How dare you throw that at me! Don't you love me anymore?!"
Needless to say, he did well today. He still has a long ways to go before he can actually catch a treat, but A+ for the effort! And A++ for being the cutest little corgi around!

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring!

Follow the Leader & Tight Rope Acts

Down the road, up the highway and after bumping down a potholed filled dirt road, lies our favorite playground.
It’s been a quiet patch of woods during the winter months, giving us an oasis in the midst of our busy lives. It offers narrow trails that teeter along ridges, a path that weaves amongst the tall pines planted long ago in neat rows, trails that cut bold paths through stacks of wood that provide shelter and homes to the little critters in the woods, a wide path that rolls down and around a crystal clear bubbling spring, and a playground of cement troughs and what remains of the dam, perfectly sized for an adventuresome corgi.

Although I love finding the perfect places for Winston to sit for a photograph, somedays it’s all about him leading me to his favorite spots, pushing my photography skills and turning his adventures into a story. This keeps him happy, and even if I don’t get the photograph I envision, I often come home with photographs that ooze with Winston’s personality and charm.

After Winston warmed up his balancing act and was decided he was done playing follow the leader through the cement toughs, he moved on to the high beams of the fallen trees. Starting at the base of the tree, weaving between the branches he climbed like a little monkey down the trunks as far as I would let him before calling him back. Corgi’s are known for being poor swimmers due to their long backs and short legs, but it didn’t stop Winston from going as far as he could down the trees before getting distracted at his reflection and having to stop and bark at it!

As always, he was a good pup. A STINKY pup after romping through all of the muck, but happy all the same! A bath was in store for him when we returned home, a good blow out with my hair drier, and then a long, well deserved nap nestled between the throw pillows on the couch.

Wake up to Snuggles & Laughter

Like a little kid, wandering out of his bed, down the hall and into his parents room, every morning Winston comes to find me. Pitter-patter, pitter-patter… thump! I look over and there’s Winston, his paws on the edge of the bed, peaking over the covers, turning up his cuteness to beg to be pulled unto the bed for morning snuggles.
Like a big teddy bear, he curls up snugly against my body, tucking his nose in the nape of my neck and only staring to twitch his toes from far away dreams once I wrap both my arms around him, holding him close. I have never had a pup want to snuggle like Winston does. I soak it up every morning, smothering him in kisses, committing each one to memory so I never forget the feeling of love during our morning snuggles.

After Winston gets his fill of snuggles, he yawns, sneezes three times, and then is ready to play! He has two favorite games to play in bed. The first one is everyone’s favorite, jumping on the bed!! Although he takes it a step further. Winston waits for me to run my hand under the covers, mimicking a mouse, scurrying back and forth to safe pockets in the sheets, avoiding as best as possible to being found by Winston. Like a fox, he sits perfectly still, tilting his head, rotating his radar ears to pick up the scritch-scratch sounds, pinpointing the exact location of “the mouse”, and as he cracks a giant smile, he leaps high in the air, hammering his little paws down on my hands. Then stillness, as he waits to see if he’s gotten “the mouse,” cracking another grin when he knows he’s completed his mission.

Winston’s second favorite game is to be wrapped up like a little burrito. Sometimes he’ll even become a spicy burrito and wildly thrash around to free himself, only to cutely sit still, begging to be wrapped up again. Why he like this game, I don’t know. But his smile is infectious and starting out the morning by laughing out loud at this little puppy’s silliness!

Waking up with warm snuggles and laughter is the best way to start the day. I wouldn’t want to start my day any other way. <3

$.99 Pink Balloon

Becoming tired of loosing the pups in the deep snow, I found a satisfying way to solve this problem and to entertain Taylor and myself for only $0.99! A makeshift collar out of spare paracord, a quick stop to our local Meijer, a few minutes enduring the unknowledgeable grouchy old lady left in charge of the balloons, and a square knot- right over left, left over right- and VWALA!
Problem solved.

Winston’s radar ears enabled Taylor and I the opportunity to know where he was at all times, but Winston’s little sister, Sassy, still had some growing to do! Therefor, she got the balloon tracking device as the pups ran rampant through the woods and fresh, deep snow! What a hoot it was!
Reminding me of Winnie the Pooh and his red balloon that he used to carry around in several of the children stories, it was hilarious watching Winston and his pink balloon adventure down the trails. The main trails were pounded down from our previous runs through with snowshoes, but once the pups wandered off to break their own trails, you couldn’t see little Sassy at all, only her pink balloon!

Needless to say, it was a memory we won’t be forgetting, and one we will be laughing about for years to come!
And as the dog trainer in me, I can happily check off “Exposure to Balloons” from Winston’s list! I’m sure he’ll be excited to see the next balloons, crossing his paws that at the end of the balloon there will be his best friend attached, ready to play in the deep snow!

SNOW!

FINALLY! SNOW!!

It is January 19th and this is the first, and VERY LATE, real first snow we have received this winter here along the lake. It is incredibly refreshing to have a new blanket of snow after three months of grays, browns, and a whole lot of mud.
Winston thought so as well! He ran circles around the yard, and then around me, then around the yard again, this time shaking my mitten like a mad man. He rolled around making snow angels, got up and shook his flops ears around, and then chased the snowflakes floating through the air!

Both Winston and myself are looking forward to more snow this week! Bring on the storms and blue skies to follow!

>>> Interested in having your pup photographed in the snow? <<<
Sign up for a MINI Session this coming Saturday, January 26th, at Grand Ravines Park in Jenison! I have three remaining sessions up for grabs!
Contact me today to book your session!

A Day Off

One of the most defining characteristics of my work life is that I have a immense sense of drive. Give me a goal, tell me I won’t be able to make it, and watch me succeed against all odds. It’s a great trait to have, and it’s gotten me far in life, but it can also be a weight, especially when you set your own goals. I spend half of my week at a part time job to help support J Klein Photos, upgrading equipment, investing in better software, and taking business classes online to better your customer experience. When I get home from this job, I power through another 60 hours a week, minimum, to meet new clients, photograph and process your photos quicker and with more details, delivering products, shipping prints, and finding any leverage to build my business into it’s own empire. I stay up later, get up earlier, and try my best to give you as my client, the best experience with the highest quality photographs and products.

I love my job. I wouldn’t want to do be anywhere else, doing anything else! And trust me, I took an unsuccessful 5 year hiatus in search of anything else that brought me as much joy as being a photograph has! But somedays I need to remember to take a day off, and to be okay with setting my work aside to focus on my own life and my own memories before they become a blur or non existent.

Yesterday, I took a day off.

It was 46oF, not a cloud in the sky, and I could hear the lake calling me from the moment I woke up. Winston couldn’t agree more! We packed two pockets full of treats, his favorite fishy toy, and on the way out the door, I pressed pause on my life and we left the world behind. It was exactly what I needed.

Winston loves any adventure we go on, whether it’s to the woods, to the beach, or even to Grammy’s house. He always has a smile on his face that makes me fall in love with that little monster more and more.

Winston climbs every trail that goes up the dunes, as if he knows he can see more from a higher vantage point, and as if he was a little kid pretending to be in a race car, he sprints down the hill as fast as his little legs can take him, and ZOOM past me into the grass! It’s amazing to see him develop his imagination and personality.

“Woah!! Mama! That’s a long ways down for my little legs! Do you see how far down that beach is!?”
”Yes Munchkin Man, follow me. We’ll take an easier way down!”

Winston has been the only dogI have owned that hasn’t liked the lake. He’ll spend all afternoon in the hot summer sun, splashing around in his kiddie pool out back, but when it comes to the lake, he is convinced the waves are going to eat him alive!

Upon returning home, Winston found his day bed, curled up and promptly passed out. A much needed nap after a long few hours of romping through the jungle beach grass and dodging the questionable waves as they tried to grab his spotted toes. I’m lucky to have such a wonderful little friend who is patient when I have work to do, always up for adventures when I take a break, and constantly there to bring me so much joy. He is a good munchkin. <3

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Want stellar photographs of you and your pup?

I will be at Grand Ravines Dog Park on January 26th offering mini sessions for you and your pup!

Please contact me to reserve your session!

Christmas Tree Cutting

This past weekend the thunderstorms and freezing rain cancelled my client’s mini sessions but our family decided to brave the weather, getting together for breakfast and then searching for our own Christmas trees.

Growing up with a jewish father, we celebrated Hanukkah. There was a methodical way we lit the candles and said the blessings, exchanged one gift, and then we went our separate ways for the evening. There was no excitement or holiday cheer, no family activities or games. It always felt more of a chore then a celebration.
The decorations my father approved of were tacky, ugly, and so much of an eye sore that even living out in the middle of the woods on a dead on dirt road, my mother did everything she could do move them to more discreet locations in the house so the neighbors wouldn’t be able to see them, should they show up unannounced for afternoon coffee and cake. We tried to convince my father to allow us to have a “Hanukkah Bush,” which really was a Christmas tree, only 3 feet and shorter, decorated with Hanukkah decorations or natural decorations such as popcorn or cranberry strings, or paper snowflakes. Unfortunately, it was not approved by my father and we were stuck with the hideous Hanukkah decorations.
Needless to say, the holidays became a time of year we dreaded and struggled through, while watching our friends happily celebrating with their families and loved ones.
It wasn’t until I moved back to Michigan and met my now husband, Andy, and his family, that I began to enjoy the holidays again. We get together as a family as often as we can to make wreaths, cookies, go shopping, or even just to get together for dinners out and to see holiday movies in the theaters. We decorate our homes and trees together, look forward to the seafood feast on Christmas Eve, and we love the inside jokes of the presents that just keep giving, AKA, the endless cans of SPAM.
It has become a time of year I avoided, to the time of year I look forward to the most. This past weekend has been replaying in my mind and making me smile all week. We met for a noisy, laughter filled breakfast, and then drove through Church’s Christmas Tree Farm to find our perfect Christmas trees for each of our homes.
Winston had a blast snuffling around the trees, following the bunny trails, and taking off Papa Bear’s and Andy’s hats as they cut down the trees. He didn’t mind wandering around in circles looking for the perfect tree for Mama Bear, or chasing Papa Bear around all of the mud puddles. It’s been an honor not only to make new memories with the Klein Family, but to enjoy the little moments with Winston and his silly smile.

I hope the families that went out to cut their trees had as much fun as we had. Merry Christmas to all.

Thank you to Mama Bear and Holly for snapping a few photos of Andy and me! <3

Holiday Models

The holidays are almost here and before my holiday mini sessions start, I had to try out my new antique sled and a few of my decorations. And who better to model then Sir Winston! He Loved it! He climbed right up on the sled and sat down as if he knew it was his new wagon! He didn’t care that I was wrapping him up in the blanket or hanging red beads around his neck. He was up for it all!
Until mid photo, he jumped off the sled and ran for the back door! I accepted that I was lucky with to have captured the photographs I had, especially with a 7 month old puppy who has the attention span of an ant! I let him in the house and he ran for Mr. Bear, dragging him by his tail back through the door to the backyard, jumping again on the sled, Mr. Bear face down in the cold snow next to him. So Mr. Bear and Winston got a few scarves and as Winston’s attention span got shorter and shorter, we were able to capture a few more photos of them and their adorable friendship. <3

My heart hurts with how cute Winston is. I can’t wait for our adventures together through life, and I am looking forward to the fun we are going to have photographing our stories. <3

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The First Day of Winter

This is Winston’s first winter and the other day, he experienced his first snow! Confused, he looked at me, as if to ask, “Mom? What is this white stuff everywhere?” I took him off leash and encouraged him to go play, which he did! He did his zoomies and then came to catch up to me, begging to hold his leash. He dragged it around until he found my mitten and discovered that it was easier to carry and toss around. Needless to say, I think he approves of the snow, at least for now! I’m sure it will be a different story when we receive a storm with snow deeper than he is tall!

Last Day of Fall

A few days ago Winston and I headed down the road to our favorite trail. I have been so busy this past month, I have barely had any time to photograph Winston in all of the beautiful fall colors.
This fall seemed odd to me. It was almost as if half the trees turned colors and dropped their leaves, while the other half were still held lush green leaves on their branches. I kept waiting for the peak color pop, but never seemed to find it. On our favorite trail, oak trees canopy the path, and with the sun still absent, it left us with a red brown backdrop. It wasn’t the colors I was hoping for this fall, but it matches the fawn brown in Winston’s coat and of course the leather leash he insists in carrying for half the walk, despite it not being attached to him!

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Pumpkin Wagon Rides

Winston struggled to get into his wagon, but with a little bit of help, he was able to take one last ride before the bottom gave out!!! The wagon was given to us filled with flowers as a wedding gift. It unfortunately could not handle Winston’s 24lbs and will now have to be retired!

Needless to say, Winston had fun being an adorable model.

Winston would climb into the wagon by himself! We would look out the backdoor when we let him out to go potty, and he would be out there trying to climb into the wagon, looking at us asking, “wagon ride? please?"
This is the only way he can get into the wagon without assistance now. It surely isn’t a safe way to sit for rides!

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Winston's Halloween

We decided that this year, since we won’t be around for any halloween parties, that we would celebrate Halloween with Winston and our friends at Silver Lake! So over the past few weeks Winston has been getting using to his taco costume. He has loved romping around in it!

Always with a smile on too! <3

Our off roading group met up for Silver Lake’s Trick or Truck this past Sunday, and even though it was raining, we had a blast! Winston has become our little mascot of the group, and since we mostly drive Toyotas, we decided Winston would be a Taco this year!
And the cutest taco he was!!
I have to give my husband credit too. He dressed up in the dinosaur suit for the Silver Lake group photo.
I had a hard time not laughing at him and Winston the whole time! These are the memories I never want to forget! <3

Enjoy Halloween this year everyone! Soon the holidays and then the New Year! Where has 2018 gone!?

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Sunrise Beach Runs

If we aren’t curled up at home, sipping coffee and getting a jump on the office work, we are at the beach, ready to greet the sun as it comes over the dunes and reflects across the blue waters of the lake. Even though the sun rises behind us, it is still the best time to be on the beach. With the beach to ourselves and no worries of strange dogs, Winston can run off leash and be as Andy would say, as “Spaz-tastic” as he wants! We work on our recalls and off leash heeling in-between romps through the beach grass and digging holes in the sand to get drinks of water.
Some days I worry he doens’t spend enough time with other dogs, but when he smiles at me during adventures like these, the worry fades away.
He is a happy puppy.

Winston gets very concerned when I wade into the waves. He’ll splash in puddles and swim through flooded trails, but someone once told him the tale of the Lochness Monster and now he refuses to swim in our lake!

As Winston would say, “Have big dreams and big adventures, even if your legs are short!”

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