Meet the founders

Brenda de Vries

For over twenty years, I’ve been photographing people and sometimes their beloved dogs and cats, mostly for advertising. My journey began with analogue photography, developing my own black-and-white prints in the darkroom. Then, digital cameras and Photoshop transformed my work. But as the years passed, taking thousands of images for clients became mechanical. I felt disconnected from my own work, almost like a robot, with little creative freedom.

In March 2023, discovering Midjourney and AI image generators reignited my passion. I found a whole new universe to explore, creating freely again. Around that time, Irfan reached out. Together, we started experimenting with unique dog portraits, capturing their true essence without forcing them to pose.

I believe in flow and non-resistance, letting things happen naturally. Growing up, my dog was my best friend and a source of unconditional love. This bond is something special, a reminder of what true love brings to our lives. Now, I’m excited to create joyful and heartfelt portraits of our furry companions, celebrating the love and connection they bring. 

Irfan Fiets

‍For a long time, I was searching for purpose, caught up in the rat-race of Amsterdam. It’s easy to get stuck in the grind, losing sight of what really brings you joy. But amidst the city concrete, there were dogs — always there to make you smile and bring you back to the moment. And that’s their magic: grabbing your attention and reminding you to slow down.

After ten years in marketing, doing the same thing over and over, I hit a wall. I knew I needed a change, but I had no idea what that change would be. Then one day, inspiration found me in the form of a dog portrait. It wasn’t just a picture; it was art. Something about it stirred something inside of me.

I also have my own dog, Ellie, a wire-haired sausage dog who’s been with me for seven years now. She wasn’t exactly part of the plan, but she became a huge part of my life. Through her, my love for dogs grew, and the idea for GoDandy started to take shape.

But maybe it goes back even further. About eight years ago, I was biking through a rainforest in Bali when I accidentally hit a puppy that was lying in the road. The group instructor made us move on, but I never forgot that moment. Maybe starting GoDandy and taking care of Ellie was my way of making things right, honoring the love and loyalty that dogs give us so freely.

That’s how GoDandy was born: a little karma, but especially out of a love for dogs, art, and the need to do something meaningful.