Celebrating Adopted Dogs & Second Chances

The Dogs That Quietly Shaped My Work

In 2011, I walked into CLAW (Community Led Animal Welfare) for the first time.

I went in thinking I might photograph a few dogs…..

I didn’t realise I was also stepping into a long relationship; one that would shape both my life and my photography career.

That year I adopted Dora, my first mutt.
Not long after, I started bringing my camera into the kennels and runs.

At the time, shelter dogs were photographed quickly and practically — through fencing, in harsh light — just enough to list them for adoption.

But I knew that if people could really see these dogs, something might shift.

So I began creating proper portraits of shelter dogs in need of homes.
Simple. Dignified. Honest.

It was the first time, to my knowledge, that shelter dogs in South Africa were being photographed in this way.

Why I Created Mutts

What I noticed early on stayed with me.

When a purebred dog arrived at the shelter — a Bulldog, a Spaniel, something recognisable — there would be immediate interest.

But the mixed breed dogs? The so-called “ordinary” ones?

They were often overlooked.

And yet they were extraordinary.

They had the softest eyes. The funniest quirks. The kind of loyalty that settles into your soul.

So I created Mutts — a rescue dog photography project dedicated to mixed breed shelter dogs.

It became a book. We crowdfunded R116,000 to make it happen.
It was proof that when we pause long enough to look properly, we care differently.

The Dogs Who Became My Own

Over the years, CLAW became more than somewhere I volunteered my photography.

It became part of my family story.

After Dora came Edward and Victoria — “The Twins” — in 2016.
Then Ziggy in 2020.

Four adopted dogs. Four entirely different personalities.
All rescue dogs. All deeply loved.

They remind me daily that second chance doesn’t mean second best.

The Evolution of Mutts

This new chapter is an evolution.

It’s no longer only about mixed breeds.

It’s about all rescue dogs.

Whether your dog was adopted from a shelter in Johannesburg, surrendered and rehomed, or rescued from difficult circumstances — their story matters.

And it deserves to be honoured beautifully.

I’m now offering rescue dog photography sessions in my Centurion studio, with the option of a classic white or black backdrop.

No props. No fuss.
Just your dog, exactly as they are.

These are timeless studio portraits that celebrate their presence, their character, and the life they have now.

I’m still not entirely sure what the final collection will become — perhaps a curated body of work, perhaps something larger.

But I do know that I want to continue shining a light on adopted dogs and the families who chose them.

Why This Still Matters

Rescue dogs carry stories we may never fully know.

They also carry resilience, softness, and an almost sacred loyalty.

In a world that often prizes pedigree, I still believe in celebrating individuality.

Sometimes what appears “ordinary” at first glance is anything but.

And sometimes the most beautiful stories are the ones that begin with being overlooked.

Book Your Rescue Dog’s Portrait Session

If you’ve adopted a rescue dog and would love a professional studio portrait to honour their journey, I’d love to photograph them.

These special rescue dog studio sessions in Centurion are offered at a reduced shoot fee.

For every session booked, I’ll donate R50 to CLAW (Community Led Animal Welfare) — supporting the organisation that has been part of my story since 2011.

You’ll receive timeless images of your dog.
CLAW receives support.
And together, we continue celebrating second chances.

If you’d like to book your rescue dog photography session secure your spot HERE.

Let’s honour the dogs who came home.