A Day with Jackie, Norris, Freja, and Nymeria – A Pet Shoot Filled with Love and Connection

Every now and then, I get the privilege of photographing a shoot that feels less like “work” and more like stepping into a little pocket of love. My recent session with Jackie and her incredible trio of companions — Norris, Freja, and Nymeria — was exactly that. It was a morning filled with laughter, gentle purrs, wagging tails, and a sense of connection so strong you could feel it the moment you walked through the door.

Pet photography in Cape Town

We started our session in the comfort of Jackie’s beautiful home. This was the perfect setting to begin with because, as any cat owner knows, whiskered friends often feel most at ease in their own familiar territory. Norris, a handsome and confident boy, eyed my camera with curiosity at first, then decided he would give me the occasional pose — on his own terms, of course. Freja, with her softer, more delicate presence, was the quiet counterbalance, gliding gracefully from room to room as though she were showing me her kingdom. Photographing them in their natural environment meant I could capture their true personalities — the gentle blink of trust, the way Norris settled into the morning sunlight, and the soft arch of Freja’s back as she stretched.

After the cats had stolen a few hearts (and perhaps the spotlight for a moment), it was time for the second half of our session — an adventure to the local dog park down the road in Newlands with Nymeria. From the moment we stepped outside, it was clear how much joy this space brought to both her and Jackie. Nymeria, a stunning and intelligent service dog, was just two years old at the time of our shoot — a milestone worth celebrating! Her training is nothing short of remarkable. She helps people with anxiety, panic attacks, and depression, and watching her with Jackie was like watching two souls who truly understood one another.

In the park, my lens caught everything — the moments of pure play, the way Nymeria’s ears perked up when Jackie called her name, and the quieter, more intimate moments when she leaned against Jackie, offering her presence like a steady heartbeat. Their bond is impossible to stage — it’s written in every glance, every touch, and every joyful step they take together.

Pet photography in Cape Town

What struck me most during this shoot was the way all three pets, despite their different personalities and species, were part of the same story — a story of unconditional love, trust, and mutual care. Norris and Freja’s calm, comforting energy at home, paired with Nymeria’s joyful enthusiasm and devoted focus, perfectly mirrored the many ways animals can fill our lives with meaning.

This wasn’t just a pet shoot. It was a window into the life Jackie has built with her companions — one where love is shared in quiet purrs, in happy tail wags, and in the kind of loyalty you can’t put into words. It was a reminder of how much our animals give us every single day, whether it’s the comfort of a cat curling up next to you or the steady reassurance of a service dog who always has your back.

Nymeria may only be two years old, but she already has the wisdom and steadiness of an old soul. And Norris and Freja? They’re the feline royalty of the household, each in their own unique way. Together, they make up Jackie’s little family — one that I felt truly honoured to photograph.

As I left that day, camera full of images and heart full of warmth, I knew this shoot would be one I’d remember for a long time. The photographs tell the story of love in its purest forms — playful, protective, and unspoken — the kind you can only share with the animals who choose you as their person.

And if you’ve ever dreamed of having your very own pet photoshoot — complete with the option to add a touch of videography — I’m now offering this in Cape Town. It’s the perfect way to capture not just still moments, but also the little movements, sounds, and interactions that make your bond with your pets so unique. Because some memories deserve to be both seen and felt, over and over again.