Golden Hour with Gütte and Oliver: A Sunset Session at Majik Forest

There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when the sun starts to dip below the treetops at Majik Forest. The light turns golden, soft and warm, and the whole world seems to pause — just long enough to capture something truly special. That’s exactly what happened during my latest pet shoot with Gütte and her absolutely adorable Airedale Terrier, Oliver.

Pet photography in Cape Town

From the very first moment they stepped onto the path, I knew this was going to be one of those unforgettable sessions. Gütte’s calm presence and deep bond with Oliver made everything feel natural and easy. And Oliver? Well, he was nothing short of a gentle giant — a fluffy, cheerful, soulful teddy bear who was clearly the king of cuddles and charm.

As a Cape Town pet photographer, I’ve had the privilege of working with many animals over the years, but every shoot is unique, just like every pet and every relationship. What made this session stand out was the undeniable love between Gütte and Oliver. It was in the way he looked at her, in how he stayed close, in the joyful tail wags every time she spoke his name. These are the moments I live for as a photographer.

Pet photography in Cape Town

We explored the winding trails and rustic wooden bridges of Majik Forest, with Oliver sniffing excitedly at the autumn leaves and pausing just long enough for me to catch those fleeting, magical expressions. As the sun slowly sank lower, that golden light lit up his curly coat in the most beautiful way — every strand glowing like it was painted by the sunset itself. It was pure poetry.

People often ask me why they should invest in a professional pet photographer when they have thousands of phone snaps of their dog already. And here’s the truth: there is a world of difference between a quick phone photo and a thoughtfully crafted image that captures your dog’s personality, your bond, and the atmosphere of a meaningful moment in time.

I’ve been working with animals for over ten years, and that experience shows in every shoot. Animals don’t pose like humans do. They wiggle, they wander, they get distracted — and that’s okay. In fact, it’s part of the charm. But it takes patience, understanding, and timing to capture them in a way that truly reflects who they are. My years of working with dogs of all breeds and temperaments have taught me how to read their body language, how to earn their trust, and most importantly, how to let them be themselves so their spirit can shine through in every image.

Oliver was no exception. He gave me so much to work with — curious glances, sweet moments of stillness, and joyful bursts of energy. And thanks to Gütte’s relaxed nature and deep trust in the process, we were able to create something incredibly special.

Being a Cape Town pet photographer means I get to combine two things I love most: animals and storytelling through photography. Cape Town itself is the perfect backdrop, offering diverse landscapes from lush forests to dramatic coastlines. Majik Forest in particular has a gentle, earthy magic to it — a place where time slows down and the everyday chaos fades away. It was the perfect setting for this golden hour session with Gütte and Oliver.

Photos like these go beyond the visual. They tell a story — of love, of loyalty, of the kind of connection that only grows deeper with time. They’re not just pictures for your wall or your phone background (although they’re perfect for that too). They become heirlooms. Memory-keepers. Tangible pieces of the joy your dog brings to your life.

Pet Photography in Cape Town

And as any dog owner knows — our time with them is never long enough. That’s why it’s so important to celebrate them while they’re here, in all their quirky, wonderful glory. Whether they’re a goofy puppy, a wise old soul, or anything in between, they deserve to be captured with the same care and attention as any beloved family member.

That’s what this shoot was all about. Not just pretty photos, but real memories. The kind you’ll look back on in years to come and smile, remembering how your dog’s nose wrinkled when they grinned, how they sat by your side like they belonged there — because they did.

If you’ve ever considered booking a pet photoshoot, let this be your sign. Whether it’s in a forest like Majik, along one of Cape Town’s iconic beaches, or even in your own backyard, I’d be honoured to capture your dog’s story.

Because they are not just pets. They’re family. And their stories are worth telling.

Looking for a Cape Town pet photographer?

If you’re ready to create something beautiful and timeless with your furry best friend, let’s chat. I specialize in natural, emotive photography that celebrates the bond between you and your pet — whether it’s golden hour magic, windswept beach adventures, or cosy at-home sessions. Click [here] to book your shoot or get in touch!