An Smedts of Hondermooi Fotographie came to my attention when recommended by a listener for a potential interview. Immediately after landing on her website, I knew she would make a fantastic guest! Her photography, no matter what genre you specialise in, will captivate you. Her framing, lighting, composition and storytelling skills are second to none.
I immediately reached out to An for an interview but was sad to hear she wasn't up for a recorded interview, with English not being her native language.
Happily, though, she was up for a written interview, which I'm excited to share below.
I will never force a dog to do something because I have a certain idea in mind. – An Smedts
I hope you get as much from An's words and thoughts as I did her photography…
Interview with An Smedts of Hoondermoi
How did you discover photography?
I had a sewing business where I made colourful children clothing and sell fabrics. For that purpose I had a website and I needed to learn photography to make beautiful images of the fabrics and clothes. That's how I started with photography and learned all the technical stuff. After that, my dog Gaspard the mini American shepherd came into my life and he was such a cute little fluff ball that my photography focus changed on him.
Where (who) do you find your inspiration from?
The inspiration is coming during the shooting process. First I have to meet the dog and see how his personality is. That gives me ideas about what the dog is able to do or not during a shoot and I will build on this. I will never force a dog to do something because I have a certain idea in mind. I also have a big collection of vintage tin boxes with dogs and cats, the scenes on this can be very inspiring as well, just as vintage postcards, books and so on.
Once the dog or cat is willing to cooperate with you, you can almost do everything because they like the attention and treats they receive during the shoot. – An Smedts
How long have you been photographing professionally and how long have you been photographing dogs/pets?
I have been a professional photographer since 2018 and pets were already my main subject from the beginning.
What does your client spend on average for their pet photography with you and what does that include?
The basic price starts from 225 euro, including the shooting time and 6 digital files. They have the possibility to order extra images so when the dogs are real top models most clients spend more and order extra images. I think on average they spend between 350 and 550 euro for a photoshoot.
How many sessions are you photographing each year?
Mostly I do 3 or 4 sessions a week combined with 1 day reserved for people who want to book a private workshop with me to learn more about pet photography.
How did you come up with your business name… Hondermooi does it mean, “Beautiful” in English?
Yes, beautiful in Dutch is “wondermooi” and the name for a dog in Dutch is “hond” so I changed the w for a h so that means in one word, wonderful images of your dog.
What do you do when you just don't feel creative or things aren't working the way you'd like with your photography?
Relax and take a break, work in the garden and realize this will always pass. Also making time free for some own creative projects can help to reload the batteries for me.
I can see a lot of expression in your photography… can you describe the techniques you use to achieve that look with the pets you photograph?
The most important thing is that the pet feels comfortable in a studio environment. I take my time to observe the dog or cat and try to find out what they need to feel at ease. Once the dog or cat is willing to cooperate with you, you can almost do everything because they like the attention and treats they receive during the shoot. Some dogs react well on strange noises, other are very focused on the owner, it is important to find out how you can make every dog shine in his own unique way and every dog has a different “recipe” for that. It is my task to find out and reveal this.
How do you curate and choose what you show the world on your website and social media?
I show what I like myself the most, this is not always the choice of the client. For pets I will avoid long tongues hanging out of the mouth, ears backwards or other scared expressions. I also always love something funny and not the classical headshots.
Who does your image editing?
I do myself.
What advice would you give your younger photographer self?
Work hard, always keep improving your skills and communicate clearly with your clients so they know exactly what you can offer but also what you don't want to do. Don't compare yourself with other photographers but follow your own way.
People choose you for your style but also about the way you work, how you interact with the dogs and the clients. – An Smedts
What is the marketing strategy working best to attract your perfect clients?
Word of mouth. I also have a lot of returning clients.
What role does social media play in your life in regards to your photography?
Social media is very important, as a photographer you want to show your work to the world and social media is perfect for it. I post daily on my Facebook and Instagram and make stories from behind the scenes.
What are your thoughts when you see another photographer shooting in a similar style to you?
I have no worries about that, people choose you for your style but also about the way you work, how you interact with the dogs and the clients. It is a total package you offer and every photographer is unique in his or her own way.
What is your favourite lens and why (if you have one)?
135mm 1,8 outside for dogs, 70-200 2,8 inside for studio, 85 mm 1,4 inside for children stories.
Work hard, always keep improving your skills and communicate clearly with your clients so they know exactly what you can offer but also what you don't want to do. Don't compare yourself with other photographers but follow your own way. – An Smedts
Why do you think clients choose you to photograph their pets?
Most clients come because they hear from other clients that it was an amazing experience with great results.
I am also the cover photographer for a Belgium dog magazine so people know I have a lot of experience with all kind of different breeds.
Are you working on any personal projects? If so, can you share something about one of them?
I love to make some small stories with kids and dogs when I find some extra time.
What are your thoughts?
Thanks so much to An for taking the time to answer my questions and share her thoughts, ideas and examples of what it takes to produce beautiful work and create a profitable and fantastic pet photography business.
I’d love to read your feedback and comments. Was there something from this interview that struck a chord, inspired or motivated you?
Will you take any kind of action after reading what An had to share? Will you make any changes to what you're currently doing?
Let me know by leaving your thoughts in the comments below.
It is important to find out how you can make every dog shine in his own unique way and every dog has a different “recipe” for that. It is my task to find out and reveal this.- An Smedts
If you have a follow-up question, something specific you’d like to ask An or if you just want to say thanks for sharing, feel free to add them below too.
Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode:
Thank you!
Thanks again for dropping by and thanks to An for coming on and experimenting with a different format for PhotoBizX and for sharing her thoughts, views and ideas on photography.
As a photographer you want to show your work to the world and social media is perfect for it. – An Smedts
If you have any suggestions, comments or questions about this interview, please be sure to leave them below in the comment section of this post, and if you liked the episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post!
That’s it for me, hope everything is going well for you in life and photography!
Thanks and speak soon
Andrew
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