South African photographer Johan Van Aarde captured a poignant image of his great dane, Arya, titled Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow (2021), using an iPhone 12 Max Pro. The photograph, which Van Aarde describes as evoking feelings of sadness and longing, shows Arya gazing into the distance from a sofa, with the moon reflecting off the pool outside.
The Story Behind the Image
Arya was two years old when the picture was taken in May 2021, during South Africa's winter season. Van Aarde recalls that the courtyard doors leading to the pool were usually open, but as the sun set and the family settled indoors, he closed them. While preparing dinner, he noticed Arya sitting on the sofa, seemingly lost in thought. "It was as if she was contemplating time and memory, admiring the reflection of the moon on the pool," he says. "Great danes are majestic creatures with gentle souls who communicate their thoughts with their facial expressions – and, oh boy, do they tell a story."
A Close Call and a Deeper Meaning
Just before Arya's second birthday, she went missing for a day. She was found safe, but the incident deeply affected Van Aarde, reinforcing how fortunate he feels to have her. With a life expectancy of eight to ten years for great danes, Arya, now seven, is approaching her senior years. "Great danes are soulmates for life, but as a result of their size the time they share with you is limited," Van Aarde explains. "The photograph evokes a feeling of sadness and longing for me, and the fear of ever having to say goodbye."
The image, part of Van Aarde's ongoing series capturing moments of everyday life, highlights the emotional depth that phone photography can achieve. It serves as a reminder of the precious, fleeting bonds we share with our pets.
