Janneke De Graaf’s captivating series of Basenjis caught the eyes and hearts of the 2024 judging panel, earning her the prestigious title of International Pet Photographer of the Year. With a deep connection to the breed and a striking artistic style, her work blends clean composition, emotional storytelling, and an undeniable sense of elegance.

In this interview, Janneke shares insights into her creative process, her lifelong passion for Basenjis, and the journey that led her to the top spot. From unexpected locations to careful consideration of each dog’s personality, her images speak volumes about her dedication to the craft – and the breed she loves most.

About Janneke's images

Are there any stories behind your winning images you'd like to share?

The picture of Isra in the blue building was quite an adventure. I found the location through Google, but when I arrived, I found out it was a courtyard where I was not allowed to photograph. I asked some people who lived there if it was okay for me to take a quick picture of the dog and they were so kind to let us in. After only a few minutes another resident told us we had to leave immediately. Fortunately those few minutes were enough to capture this image.

What inspired you to capture these moments?

In 2023 I photographed Isra in a red sculpture in Norway. That’s when I decided to search for other locations in one (dominant) color. That search is still ongoing, but it led me to the blue building. The studio picture of Maeva in the stuffing was created because I wanted to show typical Basenji behavior in a ‘clean’ way.

What was the most challenging part of creating these images?

My outdoor images are always made with some time pressure. I often visit locations only once, for example while traveling, and spend 1 – 1.5 hours max walking around so the dogs get some exercise and I can check if there is a nice spot to photograph them in. The picture of Maeva on the rock for example was made on our way home from a breeding in the Czech Republic.

Did you know right away that these images were special?

I only edit images that I connect with. That’s why I mostly photograph my own dogs. I know their expressions, I know how I like to portray them. For me, those images are always special. It’s a nice bonus that judges also appreciate them.

Were all the photos planned or were any spontaneous moments?

The image of Maeva on the rock was spontaneous. I saw this spot and asked a friend to help me pose Maeva, but she already decided to jump up there and gave me this pose and expression and I only had to handle the camera. Finlay’s picture in the city was made in Deventer, while the same friend and I were there for the first time. We had other plans, saw this location and the light and just gave it a try. Finlay’s studio picture was made while I tried out a lighting set up I saw on YouTube. I’m not a big planner and don’t really like to ‘reshoot’ outdoor. In the studio I do try to go in with an idea/lighting set up, so I know what gear to use and spent the least amount of time preparing in the studio.

If any of the imaged had a title or caption, what would they be?

All the images have titles, because they have been entered in other competitions as well. Maeva on the rock = The Watcher, Finlay in Deventer = Urban Twilight, Maeva in the stuffing = Making Clouds, Finlay in the studio = Sculpted by Light, Isra in the blue courtyard = Light up the Blues.

About Jannekes process

What's in your camera bag?

A Canon R6, an RF 70-200 F/2.8, an EF 135 F/2.0 and an RF 28-70 F/2.0.

How do you prepare for your photoshoots?

Batteries full, treat bag full, carts empty 😉

Were there any special techniques or equipments you needed for any of your winning images?

I used flash for the two studio images. Both are made with a three light set up.

Do you have a favourite lens or tool that you rely on?

My favorite tool is my Canon R6. And I like the EF 135 F/2.0. It’s old, second hand and super light, so I can just bring my camera with this lens while walking the dogs and leave the entire bag at home.

How much post-processing do you normally do?

It depends on the image, but for competition it takes a lot of time, because it (the image and thus the post-processing) needs to be flawless. For non-competition images or when I ‘pre-edit’ an image to see the potential, I often edit it on my phone. Lr Mobile is awesome for this.

How do you connect with the pets you photograph to bring out their personalities?

The pets are mostly my own dogs and the ones in my competition images are all born in my home. So connecting with them is easy and I know they love food as a rewards for their work.

About Jannekes journey

How did you get started in pet photography?

I borrowed a camera when I was a young teenager and I got my first dog almost 25 years ago, so it sort of ‘just happened’. But the more ‘serious’ photography and editing started in 2021, when I had surgery on my back, had to be in a bed for about 6 weeks and decided to use that time to learn a new skill: Editing in Photoshop. The back problems also made it impossible for me to just run around with a heavy camera and take random pictures of the dogs enjoying themselves during our hikes, so I switched to the lighter R6 + RF 70-200 and it forced me to slow down, think about a picture before taking it (because getting down and up again was a challenge) and asking the dogs to pose instead of just being their feral selves.

Have you entered awards or competitions before?

Yes, I have. I entered my first competition in 2022 (the TogAwards organized by Jess McGovern) and I’ve also entered a print comp once (The BIPP).

What does winning this award, the title of International Pet Photographer of the Year mean to you?

I've put a lot of time and education into my photography and winning this title feels like a crown on all the hard work. It's also a gentle push to keep creating, to challenge me to make new images, to discover 'what's next'.  Finally, celebrating this success with the pet photography community confirms how amazing all these people are!

Who or what has influenced your photographic journey the most?

I’ve learned a lot from the feedback videos made by Jess McGovern. I’ve watched hours of them and it taught me to analyze images, to see color discrepancies, distractions etc. She also introduced me to the world of competition through her community and the TogAwards. I’ve had many other teachers, online and in real life. In Pets and in other forms of photography. There is so much to learn!

What's one piece of advice you'd give to other pet photographers?

Make images you love and keep learning. Photography is an art and a science. Learn the science, but create with your heart.

About Janneke

Do you have any animals of your own? Tell us a bit about them!

We have four Basenjis at home. Three are born at home under our prefix “Suaralayn”.

If you could photograph any animal in the world, who (or what!) would it be?

Probably it would just be a Basenji 😉

What’s your favourite part about working with animals?

As a veterinarian, I work a lot with animals. I love to be able to make them feel as comfortable as possible, even when the situation can be quite stressful for them and/or their owners. I think this is something I also enjoy when photographing pets, the few times I do photograph animals other than my own.

What's next for you and your photography?

It’s a bit quieter than last year, due to a new vet job, but I do have some new ideas for studio work brewing. Competition is never the ‘main aim’, but if there is something I really connect with I might enter it.

You can see more of Jannekes incredible work on Instagram, Facebook and 500px.