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Photography By Joao

Photography By Joao

Recording your special memories
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Photography By Joao
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  • Golden Memories

    There’s something truly special about a family who embraces the beauty of the outdoors—especially when their beloved dogs are part of the story. This particular…

  • Maya Turns 6

    Some stories unfold slowly, quietly, beautifully over time—and Maya’s is one of them. This year, we celebrated Maya’s 6th birthday. But what makes this moment…

  • The Steyl Family

    Celebrating 20 Years of Love: The Steyls’ Anniversary ShootTwenty years of marriage is no small milestone. It’s a story shaped by shared laughter, challenges weathered…

  • Meet the Syed’s

    Love, Laughter, and a Bulldog: Capturing a Special Couple’s Session There’s something undeniably charming about photographing couples who include their furry family members in the…

CREATIVE GALLERY

Golden Memories

Maya Turns 6

The Steyl Family

Meet the Syed’s

Emma Turns 11 Yarr!!

Mihailo Turns 7

Maya Turns 5

Emma Turns 10!

Aansh Races to 6

Let’s get wild! Roooaaaarrrr!!!!

MOOving and GrOOving at Heith’s 4th Birthday Party

Maya Turns 3

Susan, Caitlin & Schnauzers

Susan, Anay en Kinders

The Siverpersad Family

Kai Turns 2

Louise Simeon & Fur Family

Mandy & Family

The Somaroo Gender Reveal

Andre & Daria Tie the Knot

byjoaophotography

✨ Sneak Peek ✨ Maya is turning 6… and my heart can ✨ Sneak Peek ✨
Maya is turning 6… and my heart can’t quite believe how quickly the years have passed. 💛
We’ve had the absolute privilege of photographing every one of her birthdays since she was just two years old.Watching her grow into the beautiful, confident little girl she is today has been nothing short of magical.
From tiny hands and shy smiles to this radiant, expressive personality… every year has told a story. And this year? Pure joy, confidence, and sparkle. ✨
Here’s a little glimpse into her 6th birthday session—so much more to come!
Happy birthday, sweet Maya… it’s been an honor capturing your journey. 💫
 #BirthdaySession #GrowingUp #ChildhoodUnplugged #FamilyMoments MilestoneMemories
There’s something incredibly special about a sessi There’s something incredibly special about a session that almost didn’t happen… 🌿
After a few rain delays, we finally got the most perfect day with Jane, Keiryn, Lindsay—and their beautiful fur kids, Benjamin and Ariana. And honestly? It was worth every single postponement.
This wasn’t just a family shoot. It was a celebration of connection, love, and the quiet, powerful presence of older dogs who have been part of a family’s story for years. Benjamin and Ariana completely stole the show with their gentle, soulful energy, reminding us to slow down and be present.
These are the moments that matter. The laughter, the closeness, the in-between glances… and the loyal companions who walk every season of life with us. 🐾
Looking forward to sharing the full gallery soon.
Trust me, you’re going to fall in love with this one.
If you’ve been thinking about capturing your family (fur kids included), this is your sign 🤍
📩 Let’s create something meaningful together.
Email: Melissa@by-joao.com
WhatsApp Melissa Joao 071 293 9978
www.by-joao.com

  #FurFamily #OutdoorSessions #SeniorDogs #LifestylePhotography #johannesburgphotographer
The 4th of April 2026 was #WorldStrayAnimalsDay H The 4th of April 2026 was #WorldStrayAnimalsDay 
Here are three of my furkids… each one a rescue, each one once a stray. 🐾💛
But their stories didn’t begin in safety—they began in survival.
My Siamese, Jasmin, was terrorised and stoned  in Soweto before a rescue was able to catch her in time. We adopted her at 8 years old, and she went on to live a life filled with love until she sadly passed away at 16 after a stroke.
My tabby boy Tetsuo was born on a seed farm where cats were being culled. My husband found him during a work trip and brought him home to us at just 4 months old. He was with us for almost 17 beautiful years before passing last year after a short illness.
And my beautiful Laika… she carries the silent evidence of her past, with telltale marks around her neck of being tied up with wire and a deep fear of water that hints at trauma no animal should ever endure. This month, she turned 12—still here, still healing, still deeply loved.
They came to us with fear. With scars—some visible, some not.
But they also came with something stronger: the courage to trust again.
Our strays have proven to be the most incredible companions. Loyal in a way that feels almost sacred. Grateful in ways that humble you. Loving in a way that changes you.
This is what adopting a stray truly means.
It’s not just giving an animal a home—it’s choosing patience, choosing compassion, choosing to walk alongside healing. It’s witnessing transformation, not just in them… but in yourself too.
Sharing your life with a stray teaches you what resilience really looks like. And it reminds you that love—real love—is built slowly, gently, through safety, consistency, and care.
They knew safety. They are loved. They were forever home.
This World Stray Animals Day, I’m reminded that behind every stray is a story we may never fully know—but also a heart still capable of love.
Please, if you can—adopt, rescue, support. Because every animal deserves a second chance… and sometimes, they end up saving you right back. 🐾
#WorldStrayAnimalsDay #RescueStories #AdoptDontShop #SecondChances Furkids
Crisp leaves. Golden light. Happy paws. 🍁🐕 Autumn Crisp leaves. Golden light. Happy paws. 🍁🐕
Autumn is HERE—and it’s the most magical time for dog photoshoots!
Think:
🐾 Leafy adventures
🐾 Golden hour cuddles
🐾 That pure joy only your dog brings
Your best friend deserves more than phone photos… let’s capture their personality in a way you’ll treasure forever.
📸 Autumn Dog Shoots now booking
Spots are LIMITED—don’t miss out!
Email: info@by-joao.com
WhatsApp Melissa Joao 071 293 9978
www.by-joao.com
Motherhood is defined by love, not labels. This Mo Motherhood is defined by love, not labels.
This Mother’s Day, we are offering an exclusive Pet & Owner Portrait Experience designed for those who share a deep, meaningful bond with their animals. 
These sessions are intentionally relaxed and guided, allowing authentic connection to unfold naturally resulting in imagery that feels both elegant and deeply personal.
Included:
• A curated outdoor session
• A selection of professionally edited images
• A timeless visual story of your connection
Limited availability to ensure a bespoke experience for every client.
📩 Enquire now to reserve your session.
Email: info@by-joao.com
WhatsApp Melissa Joao 071 293 9978
www.by-joao.com
One day… these photos will mean everything 🤍 Not One day… these photos will mean everything 🤍

Not just to you — but to them.

✨ Limited Mother’s Day sessions
📸 Real moments. Real love.
⏳ Almost fully booked

Secure your spot now — don’t miss out.
Email: info@by-joao.com 
WhatsApp Melissa 071 293 9978 
www.by-joao.com 

#MothersDay #MomLife #FamilyMoments #ByJoaoPhotography
He won’t remember every single day… …but he’ll re He won’t remember every single day…

…but he’ll remember how you made him feel 🤍

This Father’s Day, capture the moments your children will one day look back on.

📸 Father’s Day Sessions now open
✨ Limited May & June availability

Real connection. Real emotion. Beautifully preserved.

👉 Book your session before it’s too late.

Email: info@by-joao.com 
WhatsApp Melissa 071 293 9978 
www.by-joao.com
A gift she’ll never outgrow 🤍 This Mother’s Day, g A gift she’ll never outgrow 🤍
This Mother’s Day, give more than flowers — give memories.
📸 Full Mother’s Day Session
✨ Up to 20 professionally edited images
⏱ 1–1.5 hour relaxed outdoor shoot
Spots are extremely limited and booking fast.
Secure your session today — once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Email: Info@by-joao.com
WhatsApp Melissa Joao 071 293 9978 
www.by-joao.com
“The Joy of Motherhood” The giggles.The chaos. Th “The Joy of Motherhood”

The giggles.The chaos. The tiny hands that hold onto yours.
Motherhood is made up of fleeting moments — the kind we wish we could pause forever.
This Mother’s Day, let’s capture the joy, the love, and the beautifully imperfect moments that make your story yours.
📸 Outdoor sessions designed to feel natural, relaxed, and full of heart
✨ Limited availability throughout April.
Don’t wait — book your Mother’s Day session now and hold onto the moments that matter most.
Email: Melissa@by-joao.com
WhatsApp Melissa Joao 071 293 9978
www.by-joao.com
A Decade of Photographing Childhood Over the past A Decade of Photographing Childhood
Over the past decade, We’ve had the privilege of photographing thousands of children.
And no two have ever been the same.
Different laughs.
Different personalities.
Different little ways of seeing the world.
But one thing has always stayed constant — the joy.
The joy of capturing a moment a parent didn’t even realize they’d want to remember.
The joy of seeing a child completely be themselves in front of the camera.
The joy of freezing time, even if just for a second.
It’s never just been about taking photos for me.
It’s about preserving childhood — in all its honesty, chaos, and magic.
And after all these years… that feeling hasn’t changed.
If you’ve been thinking about capturing your child’s story, I’d love to do that for you. Limited sessions available — send me a message to book.
Email: Info@by-joao.com
WhatsApp Melissa Joao 071 293 9978
www.by-joao.com
Dads don’t always say much… but they show up in th Dads don’t always say much… but they show up in the ways that matter most 🤍
“A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow.”
This Father’s Day, celebrate him with a moment that lasts forever.
📸 Father’s Day Shoots now open
✨ Very limited spots available for early May & June only!
From laughter-filled moments to meaningful portraits — let’s capture your story.
👉 Message me or book now before spaces are gone!
Email: info@by-joao.com
WhatsApp Melissa Joao 071 293 9978
www.by-joao.com
They won’t stay this little forever 🤍 The tiny ha They won’t stay this little forever 🤍

The tiny hands, the belly laughs, the way they run to you like you’re their whole world… these are the moments that pass too quickly.

“Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.”

This Father’s Day, celebrate the beautiful chaos of raising little ones.

📸 Father & Little Ones Sessions now open
✨ Very limited availability for early May & June only! 

Playful, natural, and full of heart — just as it should be.

Spots are filling fast.
👉 Book your session today.
Email: Info@by-joao.com 
WhatsApp Melissa 071 293 9978 
www.by-joao.com
Looking for a unique Mother’s Day gift? A professi Looking for a unique Mother’s Day gift? A professional photoshoot is a gift she’ll treasure forever. 🌸
📸 April dates are limited—book your session today!
Email: info@by-joao.com
WhatsApp Melissa Joao 071 293 9978
www.by-joao.com
🌸 Mother’s Day is almost here! Celebrate the love, 🌸 Mother’s Day is almost here! Celebrate the love, laughter, and magic of motherhood with a professional photoshoot. Limited April slots available!
📩 DM me or Email to reserve your spot now.
WhatsApp Melissa Joao 071 293 9978
Email: Info@by-joao.com
www.by-joao.com
Motherhood… but make it paws 🐾💛 This Mother’s Day Motherhood… but make it paws 🐾💛

This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating the love that greets you at the door, cuddles you in the morning, and never lets you feel alone.

Dog moms. Cat moms. Rescue moms.
This is YOUR moment ✨

Join our Mother’s Day Pet Portrait Experience
🌿 Outdoor sessions
📸 Real, love-filled moments
💛 Memories that last forever
💰 From R2300.00

Because love doesn’t need words.

👇 Ready to book?
DM now to secure your spot
⚡ Limited sessions — once they’re gone, they’re gone

Email: info@by-joao.com 
WhatsApp Melissa Joao 071 293 9978
Your story, before the “I do.” 🤍 The quiet moment Your story, before the “I do.” 🤍

The quiet moments.
The laughter.
The way you naturally fall into each other.

Engagement sessions are about capturing you — effortlessly, beautifully, honestly.

✨ A chance to get comfortable in front of the camera
✨ A chance to create something timeless before your wedding day

Now booking a limited number of 2026 engagement sessions.

📩 DM to secure your date or enquire via info@by-joao.com 

Let’s tell your story. 

#engagementphotographer

www.by-joao.com
Seven years ago, we first picked up our cameras an Seven years ago, we first picked up our cameras and started photographing the donkeys at this beautiful rescue sanctuary. What began as a simple act of volunteering has become something incredibly meaningful to our family.
Over the years we’ve watched rescued donkeys heal, personalities emerge, and trust slowly grow again. Every photograph tells a story — of resilience, kindness, and second chances.
Some of these gentle souls arrived frightened and unsure. Today, they stand curious, affectionate, and full of character.
For us, this has never just been photography. It’s been about supporting a sanctuary doing extraordinary work and giving these incredible animals the visibility they deserve.
Seven years later, we’re still honored to tell their stories through our lens. 🐴❤️

Rest ur Ass Donkey Sanctuary
www.by-joao.com

@resturassdonkeysanctuary
Yesterday was a really special moment for me as a Yesterday  was a really special moment for me as a mom and as someone who has always had a deep compassion for animals.
My daughter was featured in the Die Papier newspaper today with a little donkey — a photo that we had taken just before her first birthday. Freya was only eleven months old here, and now she is almost four years old. Time really does have a way of flying.
The donkey in the photo is Priscilla, one of the gentle souls at the sanctuary who has become very close to our hearts.
My love for animals started when I was very young. I’ve always believed that the way we treat animals says so much about who we are as people. That belief has shaped so much of my life — not only personally, but also through my photography.
For the past seven years, we’ve supported this incredible animal sanctuary, Rest ur Ass Donkey Sanctuary, through voluntary photography, helping them share their stories, raise awareness, and hopefully inspire others to care a little more deeply, too.
Watching Freya grow up around animals, with the same gentle curiosity and kindness, has been incredibly meaningful. Moments like these remind me that compassion is something we pass down — through example, through experience, and through love.
Animals have always had a special place in my heart, and I’m grateful that my work allows me to give something back to the creatures who give us so much.
Seeing that little moment between Freya and Priscilla shared today felt like a beautiful full-circle reminder of why this work matters. ❤️

Please go have a look at their page, Donate, and support their future markets.  @resturassdonkeysanctuary

https://resturass.co.za/
Those ears. That face. That attitude. 🐾 Basset Ho Those ears.
That face.
That attitude. 🐾

Basset Hounds have some of the most expressive personalities— and photographing them is always an adventure.

Slow walks, curious noses, and those soulful eyes that melt hearts instantly.

If your dog has a personality worth celebrating (and let’s be honest… they all do), a pet photoshoot is the perfect way to capture it forever.

📸 Outdoor pet sessions starting at R2350.00
🐾 Dogs always welcome
📍 Gauteng

DM PET SESSION to book your shoot.

#BassetHound #DogPhotography #PetPortraits #FurFamily #PhotographyByJoao
Outdoor family sessions are a little bit magical 🌿 Outdoor family sessions are a little bit magical 🌿

Kids run freely.
Dogs join the adventure.
Parents laugh more.

And somewhere between the giggles, the hugs, and the chaos… the real memories appear.

These sessions aren’t about perfect poses — they’re about connection, love, and capturing the season your family is in right now.

Because one day these photos will mean everything.

📸 Outdoor family sessions
🐾 Pets always welcome
📍 Gauteng

DM to book your family session 🤍

#FamilyPhotography #OutdoorSessions #FamilyMemories #PetFriendlyPhotographer #PhotographyByJoao
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