A Branding Shoot at Asfaloth Farm & Stables: Where Heart, Heritage & Harmony Meet

There are shoots that fill your creative cup… and then there are shoots that overflow it completely. My branding session with Jackie at Asfaloth Farm & Stables in Paarl was the latter — the kind of experience that reminds you exactly why you do what you do as a photographer. This farm isn’t just a location; it’s a world where passion, heritage, and authenticity live side by side. Every corner feels intentional, every detail tells a story, and every moment is grounded in the quiet magic of country life.

Branding Photography in Cape Town.

From the instant I arrived, the atmosphere wrapped around me like a warm embrace. You can sense the years of hard work, the deep love for the animals, and the pride Jackie carries in everything she touches. It’s not often you step into a space that feels both expansive and intimate at the same time, but Asfaloth has that rare quality — a blend of raw natural beauty and lived-in charm.

The Afternoon Started With Feathers & Pure Magic

We began our shoot in what can only be described as a pocket-sized kingdom for chickens. And trust me… these aren’t your everyday chickens. Jackie breeds the most extraordinary varieties, and each one strutted around with a confidence that made me laugh more than once. Their feathers shimmered in the soft afternoon light, their personalities bursting through as they explored the immaculate coop she’s crafted for them.

What struck me most was how deeply Jackie understands her animals — the way she speaks to them, cares for them, and celebrates their quirks. There’s something incredibly grounding about watching someone completely in their element. Documenting that bond felt less like work and more like witnessing a love story between humans and the creatures they nurture.

Branding Photography in Cape Town.

I could’ve spent hours there—simply observing the little dramas, the flutters, the sass, and the calm. It was the perfect reminder that branding photography isn’t just about showing what a business offers… it’s about capturing the heart behind it.

A Cottage That Feels Like a Warm Hug

After the chickens had stolen our hearts, we moved toward Jackie’s cottage, and stepping inside was like being transported into another era. Everything—from the antique furniture to the soft-toned décor—felt curated but never forced. Sunlight poured in through tall windows, illuminating textures, and casting gentle highlights across the vintage wood and stone.

This is the kind of space that tells you everything about its owner without a single word being spoken. It’s inviting, intentional, lived-in, and full of soul. As a photographer, these are the interiors you dream of capturing: layered, warm, personal, and filled with tiny details that invite the viewer to linger.

Into the Heart of the Farm: Stables, Paddocks & Mountain Views

Then came the part that every equestrian enthusiast would swoon over. The stable block and paddocks at Asfaloth Farm are nothing short of impressive. Spacious, thoughtfully designed, and with breath-taking views of the surrounding mountain range — it’s a horse lover’s paradise.

The facilities include:

• A beautifully maintained dressage arena

• A mountain-facing jumping arena

• A full gallop track encircling the property

• Lunge arena facing the mountains

Each space has been designed with the horse’s wellbeing in mind. The paddocks are enormous, offering freedom and comfort, while the shelters blend seamlessly into the landscape. Photographing the horses within these surroundings felt effortless — every frame imbued with grace, movement, and stillness.

And Then Came the Cows… and the Kisses 🐮

Our final stop brought us face-to-face with the farm’s affectionate cows. They were curious, playful, and more than happy to shower me with slobbery kisses. It was chaotic in the best possible way — the kind of ending that reminds you that farm life is full of surprise moments that can’t be staged.

A Branding Shoot That Felt Like a Love Letter to the Land

This branding shoot wasn’t just about showcasing a business; it was about honouring a lifestyle, a legacy, and a labour of love. Jackie has built something extraordinary — a farm that thrives on compassion, care, and connection. Documenting it was a privilege, and sharing it with the world is even more of an honour.