What started as a nightmare ended in my dream career
The face behind the camera: dog photographer Kim
Four years ago, I started Motherpuppers with a big dream and a healthy dose of enthusiasm. As a pioneer in colorful, high-end dog photography, I wanted to create something totally innovative in the Netherlands. Since then, that dream has completely exploded: our studio has grown into the country's leading puppy portrait studio, and we now even welcome clients from all over Europe!
What started behind the lens led to national and international recognition that I am incredibly proud of. My work was praised by top photographer William Rutten (known as a judge on Het Perfecte Plaatje on RTL) and I had the opportunity to collaborate with Dutch celebrities such as Manon and Guus Meeuwis. Additionally, I was a finalist at the worldwide International Dog Photographer Awards with a photo of a dog named Joy, who has since passed away.
My colorful style did not go unnoticed in the media either. You might know my work or studio from, among others:
Television & Radio: Hart van Nederland, various national and local interviews.
Magazines & Newspapers: National Geographic, LINDA., AD, NRC, Panorama and the Chantal Janzen platform.
But no matter how big the success becomes, my mission always remains the same: to give your very best friend the ultimate starring role and transform them into a timeless work of art!
From burglary to dog photographer
Sometimes something happens in your life that turns everything upside down. Five years ago, my home was broken into, and that event had a huge impact on me. Fear was a feeling I had never known until that day, not even when I traveled alone throughout the Netherlands and Belgium for years for my work. But after that night, everything changed. I felt constantly spied on, and the questions haunted my mind nonstop: "Will they come back? Tomorrow? Next year?"
What followed were sleepless nights and aimless driving around checking on my own house. My thoughts truly never stopped. I soon realized that I needed something to break this vicious cycle of anxiety. I had to shift my focus.
And then he came into my life... my savior: an American Staffordshire named Cadillac.
As a mischievous three-month-old puppy, he was full of energy. He immediately demanded all my time and attention, and that was exactly the salvation I needed. From day one, he not only provided the necessary distraction but also taught me a completely new way of thinking. Through Cadillac, I rediscovered what is truly important and began to appreciate the small moments intensely. To this day, he is my most cherished companion. I honestly did not know that you could love an animal so intensely.
Kim & Cadillac
With the arrival of my new photo model, Cadillac, I really started capturing everything. It was a matter of course for me to create an Instagram account for him. I bought colored backdrops, invested in my very first camera, and Cadillac did the rest.
Although I enjoyed photographing immensely, I knew it could be even better. The spectacular, colorful images I had in my head were not yet fully coming to fruition at the time. After purchasing professional high-end equipment, I therefore fully immersed myself in the technical aspects of photography: from advanced photo editing to perfectly mastering flash lighting in the studio and flawlessly directing different dog personalities. It was amazing how much expertise goes into creating that one perfect photo.
Driven by pure patience and perseverance, I decided to share my passion with other dog owners. The idea of immortalizing the pure soul of our beloved pets in such a way that they deserve a prominent, artistic spot on the wall never left me.
That is how my journey began. A road that turned out to be the ultimate challenge. Entrepreneurship and photography were certainly a leap into the unknown in the beginning, but that is precisely what made it so incredibly fascinating. From day one, I put my full focus and energy into reaching the absolute top, something I managed to do within my very first year as a photographer.
By now, I can flawlessly realize the images I have in my head. This perfect combination of technical expertise and my deep, innate bond with animals is the ultimate proof: dog photography is made for me.
After just a year, I was able to proudly start working full-time as a photographer. The biggest advantage? That I get to invest all my time, focus, and creative energy in my greatest passion. Every day I get to do what I love most: capturing the most beautiful and characteristic shots of your best friend!
Looking back, I am actually incredibly grateful to my burglar in a way. Because what started as a pitch-black nightmare ended in my absolute dream career.
Method
No stress, no rush, just exclusive VIP treatment. Your photoshoot takes place in a fully enclosed, quiet studio environment without outside distractions. This guarantees a relaxed experience with an amazing end result.
First explore, then shoot: Upon arrival, your dog is allowed to roam freely to explore the space. Only when we notice that he is completely at ease do we begin building trust and taking the first test photos.
Come as you are: You don't need to spend hours practicing commands at home beforehand. Whether your dog is an enthusiastic bundle of energy or a bit shy, as a professional dog photographer, I adapt flawlessly to your animal's pace. We even introduce props in a completely natural, stress-free way.
You enjoy, I take care of the rest: While you watch comfortably and enjoy the moment, I ensure the perfect timing, the right angles, and the communication with your dog.
The result? A varied, colorful, and distinctive album full of playful and beautiful portraits that you will look at with a huge smile for the rest of your life!
Coaching
In addition to capturing the most beautiful dog portraits in my studio in Oud-Beijerland, I have a huge passion for helping other photographers. Under the banner of the Motherpuppers Academy , I offer coaching to (aspiring) photographers who not only want to take better photos but also want to build a powerful brand.
What I do as a coach:
Business Coaching: I help you establish strong branding and find the right niche.
Website & Portfolio Reviews: Together, we look at how you can optimize your online presence to attract the ideal customer.
Mentor Sessions: Personal guidance to make the business side of your photography company healthy and successful.
My passion for the profession takes me to special places. For instance, I am affiliated with the Grafisch Lyceum Rotterdam (GLR). Here, I gave a guest lecture to photography students about the reality of entrepreneurship. It is fantastic to be able to inspire the new generation of creatives and teach them how to turn their passion into a profitable business.
Publications & Awards
I am proud to say that Motherpuppers Studio stands for innovation in Dutch dog photography. We brought an American concept to the Netherlands and, in an incredibly short time, grew into the most fun puppy portrait studio in the Netherlands. It is wonderful to welcome clients from all over the Netherlands and even abroad, such as Belgium, Germany, Poland, Spain, England, Austria, and Luxembourg!
I have also received a lot of recognition for my work. William Rutten, known as a judge on *Het Perfecte Plaatje*, shared my work on his social media and called me a professional. SAY WHAT?
Additionally, I have won many diverse awards and was a finalist at the International Dog Photographer Awards, a worldwide competition, with a photo of Joy that reached the final.
My work has also been published in, among others, the AD, LINDA, the Chantal Janzen platform, NRC, Panorama, Hart van Nederland , and even National Geographic.
Photographing and post-processing the images gives me immense satisfaction. I am only satisfied when I think everything is perfect.
And seeing the final results? That makes my work truly special; it makes me realize time and again how much I love my profession!
