Western Wishes 2012 Banquet

Country came to the city on November 10th at the Mermaid Banquet Facility for the 2nd annual Western Wishes Fighting Spirit Banquet.  The Western Wishes saying is " Leaving a Legacy of Goodwill the Cowboy Way".  This statement doesn't mean you have to wear a hat or boots or live on a farm.  It simply means you embrace the simple goodwill spirit. Simple, doing the right thing because it's the right thing to do.  The room was filled with hundreds of people that believe  in the spirit of goodwill.   To learn more about Western Wishes or the amazing courageous and inspiring children who are an inspiration to all  please visit the website Midwest Chapter Western Wishes   The Fighting Kids Stories 

All images are available for free download at this link.  2012 Western Wishes Banquet

How to order a download. Go to the image

Click on Add to Cart

In the Cart Click on Digital Media

Choose Quantity

When you are done selecting all your images

Then go to the Your Cart icon on the top of the screen 

and check out.

You will get an email with the link to download your images.

The Midwest Chapter of Western Wishes in three years of existence has become the biggest chapter of the Western Wishes organization, this is because of the amazing support of the horse community in our area, but also because of the extra dedication of the board members.

Haunted Horsemen Barrel Race @ Oasis 10-28-2012

Another wonderful event at Oasis produced by Tuf Productions!   Amber, Verna and the whole crew  put on another fantastic barrel race.  The awards and all the special extras are always so awesome.  There was candy for all the Trick and Treat Riders and a little Mystery Challenge for all to enjoy.

Weston in one of the cleverest costumes.  He was lightening fast. Good thing Lindsay and Veronica could keep up with the little speedster.

Lydia and Amber made really cool Hippie Chicks! Painted horses and all.

Then there was the Mystery Event.  Stick Horse Beer Race.  All beer served was age appropriate.

The winner! 

Although Jay's cup was a little extra full (per his request).

All Images are available for free download at this link.  Thank you again to Tuf Productions for a great day filled with fun on this chilly cold October Sunday.

I tried to separate the photos into different albums, but it didn't work as planned.  Oh well, you'll find your pictures I'm sure.

Haunted Horseman Barrel Race @ Oasis 10-28-2012

How to order a download. Go to the image

Click on Add to Cart

In the Cart Click on Digital Media

Choose Quantity

When you are done selecting all your images

Then go to the Your Cart icon on the top of the screen 

and check out.

You will get an email with the link to download your images.

K+B = Love

On October 5, 2012 two people completed their journey to declare their love in the presence of their family and friends.  The road to this moment was paved with life situations that would challenge anyone.  Kim and Brent, thank you so much for allowing Michelle and I to share your day.  

As a photographer at a wedding, I get to do a lot of observing.  There was such a special vibe in the air at Kim and Brent's wedding. They have the most amazing friends.  Kim's bridesmaid and friends made sure she had the wedding of her dreams. The details and decorations were amazing and really made you feel like you were at a Fall Festival of Love.  

All the Groomsmen went to High School together, and after all this time remain friends. It was so obvious how much it meant to each of them to stand next to Brent as he married Kim.

Click below to the link of the album

Kim and Brent's Wedding Day

More Photos will be added as they are completed.  I'm working on them I promise.

These are only the photos I took during the wedding. Michelle took a lot more. These images are available for FREE download.

I have never been to a wedding before where family and friends repeatedly approached Michelle and myself and genuinely thanked us for being there and capturing the memories of the day.  It was our pleasure, on that night I could imagine being anywhere else. 

Congratulations Kimberly and Brent. May you have a lifetime of happiness and love. You deserve it! 

Houck Horse Company Halloween Show

What a great day for a horse show. What an even better day for a Costume Class at a horse show.  Thank you to Houck Horse Company for the great Halloween tradition and mother nature for great weather.  I know this is one of my most favorite horse shows all year. It's so fun to see all the kids, young and old, create their costumes.  Let's not forget the wonderful horses that put up with these crazy costumes.  

Click the link below to go to the entire gallery.  

Houck Horse Company Halloween Show Costume Class

Photos from the Costume Classes are being posted online.  All photos are now uploaded.

These photos are available for free digital downloads.  Prints are also available.  To download the photos, you do have to place the photo in your Cart and fill out some information.  You will get an email with the link to your download.

This is a new ordering system for me, so please let me know if you have any problems, but I just tested it out myself and it worked just fine.  

If you are ordering prints, it will take me a few days to get them ordered then out in the mail.  

Any questions, please let me know via email kleidascope@yahoo.com or 651-808-2085.

Thank you and Happy Halloween!! 

Chris

Some other great costumes of the day. Even Santa came to play.  Guess who?

Fortunately, there was no need for the doctor today. 

Yes that's a wooden rocking horse! These horses were so tolerant! 

All that Glitters is Gold

To all my fellow Photographers:

I have been waiting weeks for this project to get up and running and ready to share.  I'm so excited to share this opportunity with the wonderful photographers in the world!  I even volunteered to be the project coordinator in MN.  

Are you looking for a charitable cause to share your talents with?  If yes, please consider joining The Gold Hope Project.  I had been looking for a project and cause just like this, and feel so blessed to have crossed paths with the wonderful women who made this a reality.

The project has just hit the get up and run stage. This means I'm on a mission to recruit some wonderful and talented photographers in the fine state of MN to get on the list as a go to photographer.  I want to get this in place before reaching out to organizations and offering services.  I want to make sure we can deliver the gift of a lifetime!  

The Gold Hope Project's mission is simple: Raise awareness of Childhood Cancer through photography.  Giving a fighter and their family a memory of fun and beautiful pictures to go along with it is what we are about.

***Click here to open your heart and share your talents *** The Gold Hope Project Website

The website describes the project better than I can, so please go check it out.  It takes less than 5 minutes to submit an application.   Application reviews are done on Mondays and the goal is to complete reviews weekly.  The application process may take a little longer right now since there are many people like me across the nation recruiting photographers and sharing this experience.  I know earlier this week there were at minimum 50 applications pending, so it may take a little longer right now.  

As a photographer you are asked to donate a session, provide a minimum of 10 images digitally to the warrior's family and incorporate a gold theme into the session - at least some of the images.  That's about it. Again .... check out the website The Gold Hope Project Website

If your life has been touched by a child fighting an illness and watching a family fight and battle for the biggest gift of ever - life, this project is a great opportunity to give cancer a little punch in the face, by giving the most precious gift - memories!  

Please go check out the website! Fill out the application and let's start clickin' this beast they call cancer!   I look forward to working with all the talented photographers in the great state of MN.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at goldhopemn@yahoo.com  or call me at 651-808-2085 or chat with me on good ol' FB!!  

This cause is personal to me, thank you for considering joining The Gold Hope Project.

Chris Kleidon

Oasis Barrel Race 09-01-2012

What a crazy great weekend to spend with the horses!  We were able to get over to the Fast and Furious barrel race at Oasis on Saturday.  What a great show! Amber, Verna and crew know how to produce a barrel race.  The events are always a class act; great awards, always on time, great ring crew and a nice venue!

I did manage to get pictures of the Pee Wee Class and the First Open.  We had to leave at the end of the first open to get Stephanie to the rodeo. 

All pictures are available for viewing and ordering at this link:

Photo Gallery Oasis Fast and Furious Barrel Race

Thanks Amber and Verna for another great day!

Just hanging out and checking out the view from up here.  It sure is better than looking at those big horse hoofs and dodging getting stepped on.  (This puppy is for sale)

 

Mandi had a great ride on her horse Jax! Way to run Mandi!

These kids and their horses! Way to go super fast!

The look of determination.



And what a better way to spend your birthday. Happy Birthday Lydia. Your horse is decorated like a great birthday present. Love the paint and hair extensions.  Looking pretty cute.

Country Wedding

It was a hot summer day out at the family farm when family and friends gathered to celebrate the Joe and Lindsey's wedding day.  Michelle and I were there to capture the memories for such an awesome couple.  A hot humid day could not take away from the beauty of the bride or put a damper on the fun wedding party. 

Every detail was attended to and Lindsey's family farm was transformed into an amazing wedding venue, perfect for a country girl and the man of her dreams.

Enjoy a video collage of this amazing day. These are just some of my images. Michelle has a gazillion more I am sure. Click on the link below.  (There is music so plan accordingly)

Lindsey and Joe's Wedding day 

Three pairs of shoes should cover the day. A girl has to have options.  Guess which ones got the most wear?

The fresh cut flower bouquets were gorgeous and another special detail of the day.

After the ceremony at the country church down the road, the bridal party arrived at the reception Country Style.

Ice Cream! Ice Cream! How PERFECT - an ice cream truck on a hot July day.

Comments are always welcome, feel free to leave one.  Check out my website Christine Kleidon Photography

Mackenzie is Awesome

I'm over the moon EXCITED to share this photo session with the world!  

I got to meet up with Jenny and Mackenzie to take Mackenzie's senior photos. Jenny is a forever friend. We spent our high school and post high school years always together. She was with me during the birth of my first child. I was right there when Mackenzie was a baby as well.  

Life took over, we both got busy making our way in life and we did a pretty awesome job at it!  We both managed to provide loving and supportive homes for our kids and I must say I think we have some pretty super amazing ones at that!  



These two ladies are pretty darn cool.  They share the same big contagious smile!  

Gotta love a girl full of energy and spunk and a little goofiness! 

Do kids today even know how to operate one of these things?  (Oh man! That was an old lady comment - thanks for humoring me Mackenzie)

WAIT! 

 There's more! Check out the video. 

(click on the link  Warning - there is music so plan accordingly (hit mute before clicking on the video if you are taking an internet break in Cubeville)

Mackenzie Rae Class of 2013

The world is yours! Conquer it with your beautiful self!

Please feel free to stop by my website and take a look.  Christine Kleidon Photography

Feel free to leave comments below. Thanks for stopping by. 

Carly and Eric

It was a great time shooting Carly and Eric's wedding with Michelle Schimek.  It was probably the hottest most humid day to have a wedding.  It was horribly hot, but Carly managed to find ways to stay cool by standing over the air vents.

The wedding ceremony was so special. It was so nice to hear how Carly and Eric met on a mission trip.  The Pastor was on that trip, so it was pretty neat to hear his story of how he saw them fall in love and then was the one to marry them.

The personal stories and touches make each wedding day so special.  Click on the link below to see the video images.

My Animoto Video

Tony and Jennifer Get Married

I was invited to be a second photographer with my amazing partner in crime Michelle Schimek to capture the loving memories of Tony and Jenn's wedding day. What a great day and a fun wedding party to be with for the day. 

 It was a HOT day summer day.  The wedding was held at the amazing  Mississippi Dunes Golf Course, located in Cottage Grove on the Mississippi River.  I think everyone was grateful for the breeze coming off the river. 

Jenn and Tony were surrounded by so many friends and family that were there to share the special day with them.  Here are just a few images from the day.  

Additional images may be viewed at this link : (you may have to copy this link into another brower,it doesn't appear to be working here as expected.) 


https://plus.google.com/photos/108935643788667854042/albums/5767295235541205777

When She says:

There is a Wedding 

Two people in love become one amazing couple



 

The Day continues surrounded by the best wedding party made up of friends and family

Christine K Photography. Capture the moment

The Jensen Girls

I had another session with the Jensen family this past week. We set up to attempt to get some good family pictures and kid's pictures.  Becca needed her one year pictures done.  I can hardly believe she's a little over a year already. 

 As a photographer if you are up for a challenge, Little Miss Allie will give you one that's for sure.   I think I got her figured out.  Our time together involved a lot of challenging Allie to run around, stick her tongue out at me, make funny faces, giggle then freeze for a few clicks of the camera and do it all over again and again.  

If we start the session in a fairy dress and wings then so be it.

Becca  gets to swing too.

Next picture - Run around the chair 3 times then sit. Quick put Becca in the chair. Snap Snap Snap and she's off again....

Becca was not her normal giggle smile self this day.  Two days later she was put on antibiotics to help her feel better. We did manage to get a couple, but we will definately be doing a re-shoot to capture the real Becca.

How we managed a family picture-  Mom and Becca, sit in the chair... Allie run to the other end of the park and then back and stop and hug mom quick tickle Becca to get her attention. 

 Snap Snap Snap

That's how we do it!  

I figure by the time we do Allie's Senior Pictures in 12 years we'll have a system down.

 Until then I am up for the challenge! 

This is my all time favorite picture of Allie from all our sessions.  It's pictures like this that make all that work worth the while.

My entry for iheartfaces.com May Photo contest "Hey Girl"

A Super Day

Have you ever had a Super day? How about a Super Hero day? I always say we can transform our studio into any scene, but I never imagined we would transform it into the Bat Cave!

Batman has no super powers but possesses a keen intellect and superb fighting skills. Batman also has many impressive Bat gadgets including his Bat Utility Belt, the Batmobile, etc, and of course he operates from the Bat Cave located under Wayne Manor.  The Wayne Manor conceals the BatCave. Bruce Wayne lost his parents has a child to a robbery in Crime Alley. He grew up with a need for justice and became the Batman to put fear in the hearts of the criminal element especially that of Gotham City.

"Oh, that divine cowl. I wonder if it comes in any other color?"

Batman:"I wish we could help you, citizen, but we're just a couple of ordinary crime fighters going about our mundane business."

There are many versions of the character or Catwoman in the DC Comic series. Her background story has changed several times. The original character is as a jewel thief motivated simply by her desire for pretty and valuable things. Catwoman is neither a superhero or a villain. She is a thief who is morally gray.



A few additional images from our adventures in the day and life of a super hero and a thief.

(No music. Enjoy a minute of entertainment)

More Cowgirls and Booty Kickin' Boots

Cowgirls Continued......
Winter is boring, blah and requires time spent indoors. The barn time gets limited and we get bored! Although this is the mildest winter I can recall in all my memory, it's still dark early and limits time in the saddle.  Here is a continuation of our mid-winter western theme days, with a little creative artistic twist.

Boots are not just a fashion statement. Boots are a reflection of your personality, they are essential to your livelihood. Every pair is carefully selected to reflect your personality to fit your job.  Boots carry you through the dirt, the mud and log all the miles with you on your journey! A pair of boots can tell the story of your travels. A good pair of boots are worn to the sole. It is a sad day when you part with a pair. Ohhhh the stories a girl's boots could tell.