In a striking black-and-white photograph, Johan Van Aarde’s Great Dane, Arya, stands at the edge of a dam, her head tilted as if lost in deep thought. The image, which Van Aarde calls “Arya’s Dam,” was taken on an iPhone during a morning walk in rural South Africa.
“It’s as if Arya is contemplating time and memory,” Van Aarde said. “She stood there for several minutes, just staring into the water. I had to capture the moment.”
The photo won praise for its composition and emotional depth, prompting Van Aarde to reflect on the bond between humans and their pets. “We often underestimate what animals might be thinking,” he added.