A Lively Family & Pet Shoot in Durbanville
The De Waal family invited me into their warm and joyful home in Durbanville for a light-hearted family photoshoot that beautifully captured the energy of everyday life. With two playful boys, a mom dressed in soft neutrals, and a delightful collection of pets—including a ginger cat, a schnauzer, a second cat, and two hamsters—this session was full of laughter, movement, and authentic connection. Keep scrolling to view the gallery and read the full story behind this memorable shoot.
Full Story: Real Family Moments with the De Waals in Durbanville
There’s nothing quite like photographing a family in their own home—the comfort, the chaos, the little shared moments that make up their unique story. The De Waal family invited me to do just that in Durbanville, and the results were truly heartwarming.
With two energetic young boys, a calm and radiant mom, and an adorable menagerie of pets, this shoot was about capturing real connection. No stiff posing, no forced smiles—just natural interaction, gentle direction, and a whole lot of play.
Meet the De Waal Family
The De Waal boys brought boundless energy and sweetness to the session. Dressed in light blue shirts and khaki shorts, they were perfectly styled for a relaxed home shoot, and their love for fun was infectious. From bouncing on the bed to cuddling their cats, they were full of personality.
Their mom, a graceful presence in a soft white blouse, radiated calm and love. She was the grounding energy in the session, balancing the boys’ enthusiasm with tender hugs and patient smiles. Her natural bond with each child was a joy to witness—and to photograph.
The Pets: An Important Part of the Family
No family session is complete without including all the family members—and that certainly includes pets. The De Waals’ home is shared with a lovable cast of animals who each made an appearance in the shoot:
A ginger cat with a laid-back charm
A black schnauzer full of character and loyalty
A black and white cat with curious, regal energy
Two adorable hamsters that the boys proudly showed off with glee
Including pets added another layer of meaning and authenticity to the shoot. These are the companions who bring daily joy, teach responsibility, and cuddle up during bedtime stories. Capturing those relationships is always a priority in my family work.
Why At-Home Family Shoots Work So Well
Home is where children feel most themselves. It’s where their quirks shine, where they run barefoot without thinking, and where their bonds with parents and pets are formed. Photographing in a familiar setting like this allows the session to feel less like a performance and more like a shared moment.
We used a variety of cozy spaces in the home—softly lit rooms, the family lounge, the boys’ bedroom, and even the garden where their pets could roam free. Every frame tells a story: of connection, of a moment in time, of the beauty in the everyday.
Styling and Atmosphere
The neutral and soft tones of everyone’s outfits worked beautifully with the earthy tones of the home and its warm Durbanville light. The boys’ classic shorts and button-ups brought just the right amount of polish to their joyful personalities, while Mom’s blouse added softness and timeless elegance to the frame.
The home’s relaxed layout and pet-friendly feel gave the whole session a documentary-like rhythm—capturing interactions as they unfolded, always with a warm and gentle touch.
Final Thoughts: A Family Album of Love and Laughter
This shoot was about preserving joy. It wasn’t just a session; it was a celebration of the De Waal family’s rhythm—their pets, their playfulness, and their precious stage of life.
As a photographer, my goal is to freeze those fleeting moments—tiny hands wrapped around a hamster, giggles mid-tickle, a mother’s hand brushing back her son’s hair. These are the moments that matter, and they deserve to be remembered.
Book Your Family & Pet Photoshoot
Elaine Otto Photography offers custom family sessions across Cape Town and the Western Cape, with a relaxed, lifestyle approach that captures your true essence. At-home sessions are perfect for families who want to document life in its most authentic form—pets, play, and all.
Let’s create timeless memories together, in the space where your life happens.