Golden Light & Wiggly Tails: An Autumn Sunset Pet Photoshoot with Trishana & Kyra

There are some shoots that leave you smiling for days—and this one with Trishana and her beautiful Staffie, Kyra, is at the top of that list. Set against the warm golden hues of a perfect Autumn evening in Cape Town, this Cape Town pet photography session was a sweet reminder of why I do what I do. Love, laughter, and a lot of wiggly tail energy filled the air, and I couldn’t be more excited to share the story behind these magical photos.

Pet photography in Cape Town

Meet Kyra: The Star with the Wiggle

From the moment Kyra stepped out of the car, I knew we were in for something special. With her glossy brown coat, perky ears, and expressive eyes, she commanded the lens like a seasoned model—but with the kind of zest that only a Staffie could bring. She wiggled her way through the entire shoot, bursting with excitement, tail wagging nonstop. There’s something so heart-warming about working with a dog who is simply thrilled to be present, soaking up every second alongside her favourite human.

Her outfit? Impeccable. Kyra wore the cutest little black bandana that read “Mom’s Baby,” and if that didn’t melt your heart, her non-stop smiles certainly would. Her joyful energy brought life to every frame, and it was such a delight to try and keep up with her during the session.

Pet photography in Cape Town

Trishana looked radiant in a long, flowing black dress paired with stylish black boots—effortlessly elegant with just the right touch of edge. Her outfit perfectly complemented Kyra’s bandana, making the duo an absolute vision. I love when clients coordinate with their pets—it adds such a personal, thoughtful touch to their photos.

As the sun began to dip behind the trees, casting that golden glow that makes autumn in Cape Town so magical, Trishana and Kyra moved through the landscape like a dream. The warm tones of the season enveloped them, creating a stunning contrast against their all-black outfits. The leaves rustled gently in the background, the earth beneath them rich with texture and warmth. These are the moments I live for as a photographer.

More than anything, this shoot was about connection. Trishana’s love for Kyra was evident in every moment—the gentle way she spoke to her, the belly rubs between shots, the bursts of laughter when Kyra would unexpectedly leap into her arms or flop onto her side for attention. They share a deep, joyful bond that was a privilege to witness and capture.

We played, we posed, we danced a little in the sunset light (Kyra did most of the dancing), and we created images that feel both editorial and deeply personal—exactly the kind of storytelling I aim to create in every Cape Town pet photography session.

Pet photography in Cape Town

Why Autumn Sunsets Are My Favourite

Let’s take a moment to talk about that lighting. Autumn is hands-down my favourite season to shoot in. There’s something about the richness of the golden hour during this time of year—it’s soft but vibrant, warm but crisp. It flatters every skin tone, enhances every fur colour, and wraps everything in a subtle glow that feels cinematic.

In this shoot, the sun kissed the horizon just as we hit our stride. The way the light filtered through the trees, catching in Trishana’s hair and lighting up Kyra’s eyes, was truly breath-taking. It added a depth and warmth to the final images that simply can’t be replicated in other seasons.

Why These Shoots Matter

This wasn’t just a photoshoot—it was a celebration of unconditional love. Our dogs are with us for such a fleeting time, and capturing their spirit, energy, and the relationship they share with us is something I hold incredibly dear.

For dog moms like Trishana, who adore their pups and want to freeze this chapter in time, Cape Town pet photography offers more than just pretty pictures. It’s about telling a story—your story—through moments that are real, raw, and full of personality.

Thank you, Trishana and Kyra, for trusting me with your story. Your shoot reminded me of the joy that pets bring into our lives, the magic of autumn evenings, and the power of a wiggly tail to make the world a brighter place.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I’d love something like this with my dog,” I’d love to hear from you. Whether your pup is bouncy like Kyra or shy and soulful, there’s a story worth telling—and I’d be honoured to help you tell it.