Hello, I'm Paulo

A passionate photographer based in Johannesburg, dedicated to capturing the authentic moments that make your story uniquely yours.

My Story

Photography found me through the lens of commercial work, where I spent years perfecting my craft in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle photography. But there's something magical that happens when you shift from capturing products to capturing people – real moments, genuine emotions, the quiet glances between loved ones.

That's what drew me to portrait photography. After years of creating compelling images for brands, I discovered my true passion lies in documenting life's most precious moments. There's an intimacy in portrait work that commercial photography, as much as I love it, simply can't match.

When I'm not behind the camera, you'll find me at home in Johannesburg with my wife Simone and our three cats – Luna, Jack, and Cirilla. They've taught me patience (well, the cats have), and Simone has shown me what it means to build something beautiful together. These personal experiences shape how I see love, family, and connection – and ultimately, how I photograph them.

My Approach

Authentic Moments

I believe the best photographs happen between the poses – in the quiet laughter, the gentle touches, the unguarded expressions. I'll guide you naturally, but never force anything that doesn't feel like you.

Comfortable Experience

Great photos start with feeling at ease. I take time to get to know you, understand your vision, and create an environment where you can simply be yourselves while I capture the magic.

Timeless Style

While trends come and go, genuine emotion is eternal. My style focuses on clean, natural imagery that will look just as beautiful decades from now as it does today.

Professional Quality

My commercial photography background means you get technical excellence alongside artistic vision. From perfect lighting to flawless editing, every detail is handled with care.

Beyond the Camera

🏠 Home Life

Married to my best friend Simone, who keeps me grounded and inspired. Our three cats – Luna, Jack, and Cirilla – are the unofficial studio assistants (they're terrible at it, but we love them anyway).

🎮 Creative Pursuits

When I'm not photographing, I'm usually tinkering with technology, gaming, or diving into creative coding projects. I love how technical skills inform my artistic vision.

🌍 Local Love

Johannesburg has incredible locations for photography, and I love showing clients hidden gems around the city. From urban backdrops to beautiful natural spots, there's always something perfect for your session.

📚 Always Learning

Photography is an ever-evolving art, and I'm constantly learning new techniques, exploring different styles, and pushing myself to create something unique for each client.

Why Portrait Photography?

After years in commercial photography, I realized that the images that moved me most were always the ones with genuine human connection. A model's laugh between takes. A couple stealing a moment during a fashion shoot. The pride in a team's eyes after nailing a difficult shot.

Portrait photography lets me focus entirely on that human element. Whether it's the nervous excitement before a wedding ceremony, the way a family naturally interacts when they think no one's watching, or the quiet intimacy of an engagement session – these are the moments that matter.

My commercial background gives me technical confidence and creative problem-solving skills, but portrait work has taught me something even more valuable: how to truly see people, not just photograph them.

Ready to create something beautiful together?

Let's Chat

A Few Things About Me

📷

I've been photographing professionally for over 10 years, but portraits still give me butterflies before every session.

🐱

Our three cats have distinct personalities: Luna is the boss, Jack is the troublemaker, and Cirilla thinks she's a dog.

☕

I'm powered by good coffee and even better conversations. Let's grab a cup and chat about your session!

🎯

I believe every photo should serve a purpose – whether it's preserving a memory, telling a story, or simply making you smile.