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Yvonne, a vibrant 62-year-old residing in the picturesque Netherlands, has a profound passion for pet photography. With her loving husband, Willem, and daughter, Joyce, she has dedicated her life to capturing the essence of animals through her lens. Her journey began in her teenage years when she discovered her mother’s old camera, igniting a lifelong love for photography. At 15, she made a significant investment with her earnings, purchasing a horse and her first camera, a Ricoh, followed by a Praktica MTL 3, an analog DSLR. Initially seeking a career in the pet industry, she became a dog groomer, but her fascination with photography led her to establish her own business focusing primarily on dog photography.
From grooming to capturing memories
Yvonne’s venture into pet photography began with her work as a groomer. She found joy in photographing the dogs she groomed, which quickly evolved into a broader passion for capturing the essence of various pets. As she honed her skills, she became captivated by all animals, realizing they are some of the best subjects for photography. Her first dog, a gift for her 13th birthday, became her very first model, allowing her to experiment with different outfits and poses. This experience solidified her dream of becoming a pet photographer, as she cherished the unique behaviors of animals and the bond they share with their owners.
Tools of the trade
Today, Yvonne utilizes a range of sophisticated equipment to capture stunning images. Her current arsenal includes the Canon 5D Mark IV and the R6 Mark II. However, her journey began with the Praktica analog before transitioning to a digital Canon 350D. Over the years, she upgraded to the Canon 70D and later the 90D, realizing the importance of a full-frame camera for her craft. Yvonne’s preferred lenses include the versatile 24-70mm and the 70-200mm, both with an aperture of F2.8, along with a 100mm macro lens for detailed shots. For her recent nature excursions, she brought along a Sigma 150-600mm, allowing her to capture wildlife with precision.
The joys of pet photography
For Yvonne, being a pet photographer is fulfilling because it offers the opportunity to connect with a diverse array of animals and understand their unique personalities. Each session brings the joy of receiving affection from her furry subjects, allowing her to express her creativity. She finds immense satisfaction in showcasing the character of pets through her photographs. Yvonne often receives heartfelt feedback from pet owners, who appreciate how she captures the spirit of their beloved companions, making them come alive in her images.
Achievements and aspirations
Reflecting on her accomplishments, Yvonne is particularly proud of being recognized among the Top 100 in the IPPA with one of her images. This milestone marks a significant step toward her goal of becoming a Gold Master in the Netherlands. Although she has 17 more images to create for this series, this recognition fuels her passion and determination to continue pursuing excellence in her craft. Looking ahead, Yvonne aspires to attract more clients for personal photo sessions within the next year. In five years, she envisions herself capturing artistic images for fellow pet lovers, further developing her portfolio and earning her Gold Master title.
Nurturing creativity
Yvonne actively cultivates her creativity through two personal projects. One involves creating 18 images for her Gold Master series, each featuring two or more pets in painterly settings reminiscent of the old masters. The second project, called 52 Frames, challenges her to capture a new pet image each week. She has discovered that spending time in nature and embracing stillness greatly enhances her creative process, allowing her mind to wander and fostering innovative ideas.
Growth through community
Being part of the Unleashed Education community has significantly impacted Yvonne’s growth as a photographer. She credits her knowledge expansion to various resources, particularly the insights gained from learning about natural light and the editing calls. The Style Lab workshop proved transformative, encouraging her to reflect on her style and approach to photography. One of her favorite aspects of the community is the kindness and support extended by fellow members, as well as the engaging challenges that stimulate her creativity.