My Top 10 tips for a shoot in Old Dubai {Dubai family photographer}
Everything you need to know before you set off to photograph your memories among the Barajeel (Dubai’s wind towers)
Old Dubai has always been my favourite location in Dubai, before I even knew a thing about photography and before I could imagine walking these streets with a camera in my hand. Years later and already a location and family photographer with dozens of family sessions and couple shoots in Old Dubai, I am here to share with you my top 10 tips to know before a session there.
If you are like me and love the old charm, traditional atmosphere and authentic sense of a place, grab a coffee, get comfy and read on.
TOP 10 Tips for Old Dubai shoot
Early mornings are the best for a shoot in Old Dubai. There are less people and it is quieter and more relaxed. This might mean starting quite early, but the advantages will totally make up for it.
Be prepared to enjoy the place as if you are a tourist. Look around, feel and sense. Try to breathe in the atmosphere so you can enjoy it during the shoot and re-live it later. A shoot in Old Dubai is an experience of submerging into the local culture, stepping into a world that is so different from the concrete and glass of the new parts of the city. Open your eyes and feel it.
Leave all your stuff in the car. There is nothing more distracting than keeping your mind on bags and belongings rather than enjoying the place and shoot. I can carry the water bottles, but all the rest can be left in the car; including handbags and phones; and even pushchairs, if possible. Also, mobile phones in pockets are distracting to the eye and they do take of the timeless feel of any photograph.
Allow for more time after the session to enjoy a cup of coffee or traditional breakfast. No matter your preference - modern or traditional, I can guide you well. Plus, you can always use the promise for a treat after the session as a little encouragement for the kids, aka bribe.
Feeling a bit adventurous? Let me know in advance and we can spice up the shoot with something more exciting and off the beaten track. You must be ok with riding a boat though.
Avoid dark clothes. This one is big and I myself need to practice what I preach and check if I am wearing black before the shoot. Why avoid black or dark colours? First, the colour palette in Al Fahidi is naturally really soft and pastel so to keep that calm, relaxed feel of the place I do recommend soft colours - grey, greens, blues, mustard and ochre work lovely. If black is your colour though, be prepared to get it stained in the first 5 minutes of the shoot and then keep on dusting it off.
Wear comfortable, casual shoes - we are at a tourist spot and will walk quite a bit. Plus, I do feel high heels do look out of place there.
The same goes for the clothing. If you are too dressed up, there will be a serious mismatch between the styling and location.
On weekends we can’t get inside the courtyards and can’t reach the terraces. For more variety in the gallery, more spaces to visit and enjoy, do consider a weekday morning session.
Finally, be prepared to have our shoot photo bombed by organized tourist groups. It happens even if we try to be there as early as possible. However, I know every street and alley there and we can quickly change the route, if we need too.
These are my top 10 tips for Old Dubai and now you are prepared for your shoot there!
What’s next?
Message me! I am so passionate about those shoots and have gone above and beyond to provide my clients with all the advice and materials they need to make the experience truly relaxed and enjoyable. I have a special Old Dubai guide with more information, plus a fun guide to help you with your colour and styling choices and a detailed checklist to support you further.
Let’s create the family photos you will be proud of, in a place that is so heartwarmingly Dubai.
I can’t wait to meet you there! Contact me to book your shoot below.