Pet Portrait Photographer In Johannesburg
They do not need to behave for me
Your dog does not need to sit perfectly.
Your cat does not need to look at the camera.
They do not need special training or to know what is expected of them.
Some animals walk into my Johannesburg studio as though they own it. Others need time to look around, sniff everything and decide whether I can be trusted.
Both are completely normal.
I have photographed animals for more than two decades. I watch, wait and work with the animal in front of me rather than trying to make them behave like somebody else’s pet.
They do not need perfection. They simply need to arrive.
What happens in the studio
The first few minutes are often not about photographs at all.
Your pet is given time to settle into the studio and become familiar with me, the space and the equipment.
Some settle immediately.
Others take longer.
We work at their pace.
I use one light and my signature black background, keeping the attention on the animal and the people they share their lives with.
There is no expectation that they will sit still throughout the session. We pause when we need to, use treats and toys where they help, and work with whatever unfolds.
Often, the photograph happens between the moments we were trying to make.
If you are wondering why I photograph pets in the studio rather than outdoors, you can read more about it here.
Benefits of a studio pet photoshoot →
You can be in the photographs too
Pet portraits are not only about the animal.
If you would like to be photographed together, we make space for that too.
You do not need to know how to pose or what to do. I will guide you while keeping an eye on what your pet is doing — because they are generally running the show anyway.
Sometimes the smallest things say the most.
The way they lean against you.
Your hand resting on them.
The way they look at you.
The relationship is part of the portrait.
Older pets are especially welcome
There is no upper age limit and no requirement for perfect mobility.
If your dog or cat is older, slower or needs more breaks, we simply work differently.
If there are health, mobility or behavioural considerations I should know about, tell me before the session so I can prepare accordingly.
There is time to pause.
There is time to wait.
Older does not mean too late.
If you would like to read more about why photographs of our pets can come to matter so much over time, I have written about that too.
Pet photography and emotional well-being →
Preparing for your pet portrait session
There is less to prepare than you may think.
Before your session, I will send you the Pet Portrait Guide. It covers what to bring, what to wear if you are joining the photographs, what happens on the day, collections and pricing.
For a quick practical overview, you can also read the Pet Photoshoot Prep Guide.
Pet Photoshoot Prep Guide →
Your pet portrait session
The session fee is R3,000.
The session fee covers the photography session, preparation beforehand, my direction throughout and the creation of your portrait gallery.
Your finished portraits are purchased separately through one of three collections.
Pet portrait collections
Foundation — 10 portraits
R7,500
Total investment including session fee: R10,500
For those who want a small, strong group of finished portraits.
Signature — 15 portraits
R10,500
Total investment including session fee: R13,500
For those who want more variety and greater choice across the session.
Legacy — 25 portraits
R15,500
Total investment including session fee: R18,500
For those who want the broadest record of their pet and the relationships photographed.
Additional portraits are R1,500 each.
A black-and-white alternate version of a purchased portrait is R1,000 per portrait.
RAW and unedited files are not supplied.
You choose how much you want to keep.
After your session
After the session, you choose the photographs you would like me to finish.
Your selected portraits are individually retouched and delivered as finished digital files.
You can also choose framed portraits, wall pieces and albums if you would like the photographs to live beyond a screen.
View portrait finishes →
Dog portraits in Johannesburg
Dogs make up much of the pet photography I do.
Young or old, exuberant or serious, I work with the dog in front of me rather than expecting perfect behaviour.
If you are specifically looking for a dog photographer in Johannesburg, you can see more of my dog portraits in the pet photography portfolio.
View dog portraits →
Pet portrait gift vouchers
A pet portrait experience can also be given as a gift.
Gift vouchers are available for someone you know would love to have their dog, cat or other companion photographed.
View pet portrait gift vouchers →
Frequently asked questions
Ready when you are
If you would like to photograph the animal who shares your life, you are welcome to get in touch.
View the pet portrait portfolio →
Contact me →
JOHANNESBURG PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER
One Moment. One Portrait. Forever
© 2005–2026 Bridget Corke Photography
Blairgowrie · Johannesburg · South Africa
International Master's in Portrait Photography
One of only two in Africa.