Camp Minikani Barn Day Session | Equine Photography
Camp Minikani Equine Photoshoot
Hubertus, Wisconsin
As soon as the warm summer months roll around, I am reminded of all of the things I have missed since the summer before. Days on the water, horseback riding on the trails, and lots of ice cream—although, let’s be real, ice cream is always a good idea. The hot days of summer for many evoke memories of outdoor adventures, meandering road trips, and for some, days spent passing the time at summer camp. I have always found summer camps to be such fun and intriguing places. When so many likeminded people gather together to share in their love of mutual passions, there is sure to be a good time had by all. That is why I was so thrilled to enjoy a barn day session at Camp Minikani in Hubertus, WI.
Camp Minikani found its origins in the noblest of causes. The sprawling plot of land, sandwiched between two lakes on 150 acres, is where the YMCA camp is dedicated to building a strong sense of community and inspiring growth and self-exploration within all of its members. The camp is the place to be for all sorts of activities, from canoeing to archery to an obvious favorite of mine, a progressive equestrian program. With stables and three arenas, not to mention a cross country course and multiple riding trails, their equestrian center continues to inspire a love of horsemanship within the community.
I was excited to feature a number of Camp Minikani members during our barn day session. Julia was all smiles as she posed with Valor, her chestnut lesson horse, and sisters Elise and Maddie were so excited to get their hair and makeup professionally done. Alina and her stunning red dun Appaloosa Jasper were both radiant in front of the camera, and Alina was thrilled with the keepsake photographs I captured. Nothing brings me more joy as a photographer than getting those perfect shots for my clients!
We all had a wonderful time during what ended up being a perfectly warm and sunny day, and the afternoon ended with a beautiful sunset. I was grateful for some behind the scenes help from Rachelle, a client from a previous session, who helped bathe and ready Valor for the session. She also helped in making sure his ears were up and his attention was alert as I focused on getting snapshots of him and the girls together. Angela Marie Makeup Artistry did the hair and makeup for all of the girls, and for some of the girls, it was their first time to have their hair and makeup professionally done.
Summer is a fantastic season adored by many, but most of us would agree it is best when shared with friends. I was grateful to spend such a lovely day with so many kind spirited, talented horsewomen. Even though all of these girls were at various levels of horsemanship, they all shared an admirable passion for the sport and each loved sharing their unique stories about the horses in their life. It is days like this one that reminds me that while many things may come and go, friends are forever. Friends, and of course, our horses.
