Author: admin

La Sonnabula

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Conductor: Wim Reijners
Orcestra: Symphonie Orkest Eindhoven
Choir: Bossche Opera & Osse Opera
Solo: Elles Venhuizen (Amina), Esther Putter (Lisa), Harald Quaaden (Elvino), Peter van Hoesel (Graaf Rodolfo), Mark Zielhorst (Alessio), Lieke Beirnaert (Teresa), Hans Kooijmans (Notario)
Storyteller: Noraly Beyer
Director: Peter van Aar
Location: openair theatre De Kersouwe – Heeswijk-Dinther (NL)
Date: 13 june 2026

Impression of rehearsel

Diggin in the photopast

Diggin in the photopast

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At the moment I’m working on to back up my archives also to a modern system so I can work on the road. But it also gives me fascinating insight about how I started as a photographer and when I was an art student. I have to say the last years now I’m back in photography I grew a lot as a person. But now I also realise that in the early social media time era there was a toxic (gothic) modelling culture in the Netherlands.

Toxic modelling culture
I started seriously in photography in 2006 platforms like MySpace where popular and America Next top model had reached Dutch television to. Platforms like Dutch Gothic Models popped up as a board to connect models and photographers. Yes it was the time before selfies. But there was a downside it was all ego based. It was all about seen and being seen. So big outfits and big ego. I have to say it affect me to. I wanted to model to but did not had the confidence and skills.
As a photographer I have to say I wanted to capture the best to. But also pushed new talent to their edge. So I wasn’t always nice and not there to make friends. To be honest now I look back most just wanted to work with me to get into Noize Magazine. It was all about exposure.

How I See the future
After my break I started to look different to the world. To be honest I don’t do model shoots anymore. It’s not my type of photography however never say never. I’m more into nature and concert photography. Capture the moment the story and life around me. Capture friends  show my life and what I see.


With a hug
Helene Smits

Series of self portraits “Writing” 2012

Time flies by

Time flies by

admin


As January felt as an extension of the Christmas holiday . From February time flew by. Solo performance at Midwinter Festijn. Oriental Tea time, Lecture about photography  at FocOss. As march was making pictures  Deine Lakaien, Goethes Erben. And after spending easter with my family I realised I made more picture this year already then last year.

But now? Now I have some air till summer just enjoy spring as the agenda after the summer start to fill up… well it’s full already.  With the opera and photography I don’t have to be bored this year some fun events are coming and amazing tour at the end of the year. With the Osse Opera we are working with the Bossche Opera for a mazing show La Sonnabula in a open air theatre on June 13 2026.  

And there is that one things, social media. Yeah I admit I’m a doom scroller. One side I’m done with social media. Mostly the pressure that comes with it. But why? We brand en promoot ourself as a photographer or artist for what? Well to connect? With my concert photography I work mostly in Germany and I life in the Netherlands.  My nature photography I make everywhere mostly with my phone. I have a new one I review soon about (and it’s not a IPhone).  I love my peace and privacy at home and  the contrast of meeting people abroad. So what’s up next?

I’m going to use social media more to connect. But no pressure I will share my work old and new as I keep spitting and sorting my archives. I hope to have some time till summer for some vlogs and who follow me on socials have seen my new social media lay out. To prevent that Instagram cuts off my photo’s I made a new format which also contain credits. Well a messy blog after a messy but fun period soon more!!


Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/helenesmitsartist/
https://www.facebook.com/helenesmitsartist/



With love,
Helene Smits

New social media lay-out

Hocio
Deine Lakaien
Oliver Styr
Bug
Love flower