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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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  • Namasha’s 40th
  • Rodrigo’s Baptism
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  • Cocomon & Bella
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  • Roscoe & Lola
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  • Athena & Malakai
  • Summer & Wesley
  • Emma Turns 7
  • Kaizlin Turns 1
  • Kai the Labrador
  • Monkey & Trouble
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  • Theo the German Shepherd
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  • Kistens Family
  • Chino & Kai
  • Sloane Turns 2
  • The Patchappa Family
  • Mihailo Turns 3
  • The Rajahs & Family
  • Jhoti’s Maternity Session
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  • Eva Pure
  • Damian & Tivana
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  • Sian Louw
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  • 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…

  • Emma Turns 11 Yarr!!

    Ahoy, Mateys! Capturing an 11th Birthday Adventure – Pirates of the Caribbean Style There’s something truly special about returning to a family year after year—watching…

  • Mihailo Turns 7

    Dear Mihailo, “At seven, you’re officially a wonder-seeker! May your birthday be as magnificent as your imagination.” We recently photographed Mihailo’s 7th birthday and this…

CREATIVE GALLERY

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

Este’s Shoot

Emma Turns 8

byjoaophotography

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
🌸 Maternity Photography: Celebrating the Miracle 🌸 🌸 Maternity Photography: Celebrating the Miracle 🌸
There’s something magical about the journey of motherhood — the quiet anticipation, the gentle glow, the tiny life growing inside.
Maternity photography isn’t just about capturing a belly. It’s about honouring this fleeting, transformative moment — the love, the hope, the excitement, and the bond you already feel with your little one.
Whether it’s soft, intimate portraits at home, a dreamy outdoor session, or a mix of both, my goal is to create images that you’ll treasure forever — memories that speak of love, strength, and the beautiful beginning of a new chapter.
✨ Maternity Sessions Now Available
Packages starting from R2350.00
Limited slots — book early to capture this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Email: Info@by-joao.com
WhatsApp Melissa Joao 0712939978
www.by-joao.com
I’m excited to share that I’m launching a new vent I’m excited to share that I’m launching a new venture.

This has been a journey of growth and realignment for me, and it’s something I’m incredibly passionate about.

If you’d like to support me, I’d really appreciate it if you could follow my new page @theinnerlensjourney and share it with anyone who might benefit. Every bit of support means the world when starting something new.

Thank you to my friends and family who always encourage me to keep creating and building a life around what I love.
Winter weddings have a magic of their own. ❄️ Sof Winter weddings have a magic of their own. ❄️

Soft light.
Dramatic skies.
Candlelit celebrations.
Moments that feel even more intimate.

Winter creates the perfect setting for timeless, romantic wedding imagery — the kind you will treasure for a lifetime.

✨ Winter 2026 wedding bookings are now open.

If you're planning a winter celebration and want your story captured beautifully:

📩 Send a DM or enquire via email at Melissa@by-joao.com to secure your date.

Limited winter dates available.

Www.by-joao.com
This lion portrait was captured at a wildlife sanc This lion portrait was captured at a wildlife sanctuary — a place dedicated to protecting and caring for animals that cannot return to the wild 🦁

Moments like this are why Photography by João began — a deep love for wildlife and respect for the natural world.

This image is available as part of our fine art wildlife print collection, with A3 prints starting from R850 (unframed).

Bring a moment from nature into your home or workspace.

📍 Collection: Buccleuch or Woodmead, Sandton
📦 Courier available
📩 info@by-joao.com
📱 WhatsApp Melissa 071 293 9978

#byjoaophotography #wildlifephotography  #wildlifeprints #natureisart #worldwildlifeday
Throwback to a beautiful family session from almos Throwback to a beautiful family session from almost two years ago 🤍

The Louw family brought such ease and warmth to this shoot — relaxed, natural, and full of connection (paws included 🐾).

Soft overcast skies gave us the dreamiest light, and the final images were timeless.

Two portraits were selected for canvas — including one that required detailed post-production work to perfect. Because the magic often continues long after the shutter clicks.

If it’s been a while since your last family photos… maybe it’s time.

DM us to book your session 🤍📸

#FamilyPhotography #GautengPhotographer #PetFriendlyPhotographer #CanvasPortraits #PhotographyByJoao
Mama 🤍 When last were you in the photo? Not behi Mama 🤍

When last were you in the photo?

Not behind the camera.
Not cropped in.
Not hiding.

Your children will one day search for photos of you.

Autumn light is soft.
Golden.
Forgiving.
Beautiful.

🍂 35-minute Sandton outdoor session
🍂 10 edited images
🍂 Cozy, natural, connection-focused

Stop waiting for the “right time.”

DM AUTUMN SANDTON and let’s get you in the frame 🤍🍂

Email Melissa@by-joao.com 

WhatsApp Melissa 071 293 9978 

#SandtonPhotographer #AutumnMiniSessions #MomsInTheFrame #FamilyPhotography #GoldenHour
Cosmos Mini Sessions 🌸✨ They bloom once a year. F Cosmos Mini Sessions 🌸✨

They bloom once a year.
For a few short weeks.
And then they’re gone.

Golden light.
Soft pink fields.
Effortless, romantic family portraits.

🌸 30-minute outdoor session
🌸 10 edited images included
🌸 Upgrade options available
🌸 Limited seasonal release

If you’ve been meaning to update your photos — this is your moment.

Comment or DM COSMOS for dates and investment details 🌸

#CosmosSeason #MiniSessions #FamilyPhotography #GoldenHour #SeasonalSessions
#valentinesday #love #family #valentinesday #love #family
Valentines 2022 vs 2023 vs 2024 vs 2025 vs 2026 😍 Valentines 2022 vs 2023 vs 2024 vs 2025 vs 2026 😍
Im so happy this boy joined our family #Odin you a Im so happy this boy joined our family #Odin you are a beautiful soul. #ragdollcat
Anniversaries, at home 🐾 Back in October 2025, we Anniversaries, at home 🐾

Back in October 2025, we captured Suvigya and Waqar celebrating their love in the place that matters most — their home.

With Leo the bulldog stealing hearts (and a few frames), the session was relaxed, playful, and completely them.

Because the best anniversary photos aren’t about perfect locations — they’re about the life you’ve built together.

— By-Joao

Celebrating a milestone soon? Anniversary sessions at home are always welcome.  

 Enquire via DM or email Melissa@by-joao.com 

#AnniversarySession
#CouplePhotography
#HomePhotoshoot
#LifeWithDogs
#AuthenticLove
VisualStorytelling
PhotographyWithPurpose
✨ Throwback ✨ This maternity session started with ✨ Throwback ✨

This maternity session started with careful planning, weather worries, and a mum-to-be glowing with anticipation — and ended with a surprise proposal we’ll never forget.

What Micaila didn’t know was that this shoot wasn’t only about welcoming Baby Ezekiel. It also became the moment Brandon asked her to marry him. A quiet signal, a fetched ring, and suddenly a maternity session turned into a whirlwind of tears, joy, and celebration.

These are the moments photography gives back to us — the unexpected, the emotional, the stories you didn’t even know were unfolding.

📩 If you’re expecting, celebrating, or standing on the edge of a new chapter, now is the time to capture it. Book your session with us and let your story unfold naturally.

#Throwback #MaternityPhotography #LoveStories #ByJoao #AuthenticMoments PhotographyAsStorytelling

WhatsApp Melissa 071 293 9978 

www.by-joao.com
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