Golden Hour Magic at Camps Bay: Verushka and Her Pack

There are certain shoots that feel like catching up with old friends—and this one with Verushka and her beautiful dogs at Camps Bay beach was exactly that. I’ve had the absolute joy of photographing this stunning duo before, and when we arranged to capture their growing family with the newest addition, Lentil the giant schnauzer, I couldn’t wait.

Pet Photography in Cape Town

Lentil, the gentle giant, padded onto the soft white sand with a calm confidence that instantly set the tone. Her fluffy eyebrows, soulful eyes, and oversized paws made her the perfect contrast to the elegance of Verushka’s two giant poodles. Together, the three dogs created a dynamic yet harmonious pack that moved like a choreographed dance against the golden backdrop of Camps Bay.

As a Cape Town Pet Photographer, moments like these are what I live for—those heart-warming glimpses of connection between people and their pets, captured in the most breath-taking natural light. Golden hour at Camps Bay is a special kind of magic, with soft peach and honey hues bouncing off the ocean, creating a warm glow that flatters both fur and skin. It’s the perfect canvas for storytelling, and this story was all about love, loyalty, and the joy of welcoming a new family member.

Photographing pets—especially large breeds like giant poodles and schnauzers—requires a great deal of patience and adaptability. No two dogs are the same, and no shoot ever unfolds exactly as planned. Some pups need time to warm up to the camera. Others get bursts of excitement and want to sprint into the surf. But this is where the magic happens: in the unpredictable, the playful, the spontaneous.

I always tell my clients that working with animals isn’t about forcing poses or expecting perfection. It’s about reading the room—or in this case, the beach. It’s about tuning into the dogs’ energy and finding the rhythm that allows them to be themselves, comfortably and joyfully. That’s what makes a great pet photographer: not just technical skill, but empathy, patience, and intuition.

Verushka’s calm, loving presence played a huge role in how smoothly this shoot flowed. Her dogs clearly adore her and trust her deeply, which made it so easy to capture authentic moments of connection—whether it was a glance, a hand resting on a furry head, or a quiet pause as they all watched the waves roll in.

And let’s talk about Lentil for a moment. Oh, what a cutie she was! Gentle, observant, and sweet beyond words. For her first official shoot, she was a complete natural. From splashing in the shallows to snuggling close to her humans, she brought a playful innocence to the photos that made the whole shoot even more special.

We finished the evening with silhouettes against the setting sun, the sky turning shades of lavender and coral as the dogs stood beside Verushka, perfectly at ease. These are the moments that give me goosebumps—when everything aligns: the light, the connection, the emotion.

As someone who specializes in pet photography in Cape Town, I’m not just here to take pictures. I’m here to celebrate the bond you share with your animals. I understand the quirks, the chaos, the love, and the laughter that come with being a pet parent. I know how to bring out those genuine moments and turn them into memories that will last forever.

Whether you have one pup or a pack of gentle giants, whether your pet is playful, shy, or somewhere in between—I’m your girl. Let’s tell your story, paws and all.