Photography By João

04/09/2026

The photograph is the product. The experience is the brand.
📸 Customer-Focused Friday | It’s About More Than the Photos
“This was truly the most enjoyable photo shoot we have ever done.” ❤️
That’s the kind of feedback that means the most to us.
Because when you book a family photoshoot, you’re not simply investing in photographs.
You’re investing in an experience.
The laughter.
The chaos.
The personalities.
The moments in between the poses.
And the memories you’ll have to look back on years from now.
For us, great photography isn’t just about getting the perfect shot.
It’s about making our clients feel comfortable, seen, and genuinely excited to be part of the process.
And when a family walks away saying “that was the most enjoyable photo shoot we’ve ever done,” we know we’ve done our job. ❤️
Thank you, Carla, for trusting us to capture your beautiful family.
This is why we do what we do. 📷❤️

By-Joao Photography By João
www.by-joao.com

02/09/2026

From Unpredictable to Affectionate: The Power of Sanctuary Rehabilitation
​Over my nearly 8 years photographing donkeys, I’ve witnessed extraordinary behavioral transformations but Benjamin’s story stands out.
​Used previously as a breeding donkey, Benjamin arrived at Rest ur Ass Donkey Sanctuary as an ungelded jack unpredictable, defensive, and no longer wanted. On the day of his rescue, his distress was so severe he nearly injured himself and the transport team.
​Today, through patient care, and rehabilitation, Benjamins life has been transformed. He is affectionate, trusting, and thrives on human connection.
​Visual storytelling in animal welfare isn't just about pretty portraits; it’s about documenting resilience and the measurable impact of dedicated sanctuary work.
​🌟 Support the Mission:
You can help support the ongoing rescue and care of animals like Benjamin by attending the sanctuary's upcoming Eat, Bray, Love Gala:
• ​Date: 19 September 2026
• ​Venue: Avianto, Muldersdrift
• ​MC: Brent Lindeque ("Good Things Guy")
• ​Entertainment: Mr Saxx (Sheldon Sham)
• ​Tickets: Available on https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1596218866
​📷 By Joao Photography

01/09/2026

, , an unforgettable evening.
A beautiful cause.
And a few very special long ears counting on you. ❤️

Celebrating Impact: Happy 6th Birthday, Moonpie! 🫏✨ Documenting the journey of a rescue animal from infancy to a thriving, confident individual is one of the most rewarding aspects of our photography work with Rest ur Ass Donkey Sanctuary
​Yesterday, we celebrated Moonpie’s 6th birthday! Seeing her growth over the last six years highlights the real-world outcome of dedicated animal welfare, proper care, and community support.
​As ur ass donkey sanctuary prepares for its upcoming Gala this September, Moonpie stands as a wonderful ambassador for the cause.
🎂 Give Moonpie the ultimate birthday gift by supporting the event:
• ​Event: Eat, Bray, Love a Fundraiser Gala.
• MC: Brent Lindeque ("Good Things Guy")
• ​Entertainment: Live Saxophone by Mr Saxx (Sheldon Sham)
• Date: 19th September 2026 @ 18h30
• ​Location: Avianto, Muldersdrift
• Tickets: https://lnkd.in/d4wSgZxH

​Help us celebrate Moonpie’s birthday by supporting the sanctuary’s vital work. Join us this September or share this event with your network!

📱 Lloreen le Roux - 084 611 0089
💼 R12k for a table of 10 - Section 18A available



http://resturass.co.za
www.by-joao.com

31/08/2026

As a photography business , some of our most meaningful work comes from partnering with mission-driven organizations. We’ve had the privilege of documenting Belo’s journey with Rest ur Ass Donkey Sanctuary since he was a baby donkey , capturing his growth and transformation through our lens. This week he turned six years old.
​Visual storytelling plays a crucial role in highlighting animal welfare and the power of sanctuary work, but community support is what keeps these efforts alive.
​This September, ur Ass Donkey Sanctuary is hosting their fundraising Gala to support their ongoing rescue, rehabilitation, and care efforts. We are proud to support this initiative and invite our professional network to get involved.

• ​Event: Eat, Bray, Love a fundraiser Gala.
• ​Date: 19 September 2026
• ​Location: Avianto , muldersdrift
• Tickets: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1596218866

📱 Lloreen En Albert - 084 611 0089
💼 R12k for a table of 10 - Section 18A available

Consider joining us for an inspiring evening or contributing to their cause. Let's make this year's event their most successful.

http://resturass.co.za
www.by-joao.com

28/08/2026

There are wildlife encounters, and then there are the ones that stay with you forever.
As a wildlife photographer, people often ask me what my favourite animal is to photograph. The truth is, it's rarely about the species. It's about the moment.
It's the quiet anticipation before sunrise.
The patience of waiting, sometimes for hours.
The privilege of witnessing an animal simply being itself, completely unaware of the camera.
Those moments remind me why I fell in love with photography in the first place.
Wildlife photography has taught me lessons that reach far beyond the lens:
🦒 Patience often delivers the greatest rewards.
🦅 Respect always comes before the perfect photograph.
🌿 Nature doesn't perform on command, and that's exactly what makes it so extraordinary.
📷 The best images are earned through observation, not interruption.
Every encounter is a reminder that we are visitors in their world. My goal has never been to simply capture beautiful photographs, but to tell authentic stories that inspire people to appreciate and protect the incredible wildlife we share this planet with.
Some of my favourite images aren't technically perfect. They're the ones that take me straight back to the feeling of that moment, the sound of the bush, the changing light, and the quiet privilege of being present.
Photography freezes a second in time, but the experience behind it lasts a lifetime.
What's the most unforgettable wildlife encounter you've ever had?
“Bring a piece of the wild home.” Email: [email protected]
www.by-joao.com

26/08/2026

After many weeks of event ex*****on, culminating in excellence, I'm ready to get back to creating. 📷 The last few weeks have been about planning, coordinating, problem-solving, deadlines, and delivering a major milestone.
Now, I get to return to something that has always felt like home, creativity.
Photography has been a constant in my life. It’s where I slow down, observe, find beauty in the unexpected, and tell stories without needing words.

And today, on International Dog Day, it feels especially fitting to celebrate one of my favourite subjects to photograph, dogs! 🐾 🐕

There is something so special about photographing them. Their personalities, their quirks, the unconditional love they give us, and those little moments that capture exactly who they are.

Whether it's a family session, a playful pup, an old soul, or a rescue dog with a story to tell, every dog has a personality worth capturing.

There is something incredibly powerful about moving from ex*****on back to creation.

And perhaps what I love most about being both strategic and creative is knowing when to make things happen and when to stop and see simply.
Back behind the lens.
Back to creating.
Back to what I love. 📷

Email : [email protected] WhatsApp Melissa Joao 0712939978.
www.by-joao.com

14/07/2026

Every photo has a story.
This gorgeous soul wasn't just a subject, she was so full of personality. A little bit of chaos, a whole lot of love, and a moment in time that will be treasured forever.
That's the beauty of photography. It's not just about capturing how someone looked, but who they were.
❤️ Every photograph becomes a memory you'll never have to let go of.
If you've been thinking about booking a session with your furry best friend, let this be your sign. Don't wait for "someday",the moments you treasure most are the ones you capture today.
📩 Send us a DM or get in touch to book your pet photography session. We'd love to help tell your pet's story.
WhatsApp Melissa Joao 0712939978
Email : [email protected]
www.by-joao.com

09/07/2026

🎄🐾 Christmas in July Pet Sessions are here!
Who says you have to wait until December to create magical Christmas memories with your four-legged family members?
Our Christmas in July Pet Sessions take place in the comfort of your own home, with your own beautifully decorated Christmas tree and the people (and pets) they love most.
No crowded shopping centres.
No artificial studio backdrops.
Just genuine moments, wagging tails, curious whiskers, and authentic festive memories.
Whether your dog insists on wearing antlers, your cat prefers supervising from beneath the tree, or your entire furry family joins in, we'll capture the personality that makes them so special.
📅 Limited Christmas in July bookings available.
Let's create festive memories you'll treasure long after the decorations are packed away.
📍Johannesburg & surrounding areas
Message me to secure your date 🎄
WhatsApp Melissa Joao 071 293 9978
www.by-joao.com

07/07/2026

The best Christmas memories are the ones that feel like you 🎄✨
Forget trying to fit into someone else’s Christmas setup…
Imagine capturing:
🤍 Your family decorating your own tree
🐾 Your pets joining in the chaos
🎁 The little moments that happen naturally at home
These are the photos that tell your story.
Our Christmas in July at-home sessions bring the magic to you, capturing your traditions, your connection, and the people (and pets) who make your home special.
📸 Now taking limited festive session bookings
Message us to secure your date 🎄
WhatsApp Melissa Joao 071 293 9978
www.by-joao.com

05/06/2026