What Actually Happens During a Family Desert Photoshoot in Abu Dhabi? | Abu Dhabi Family Photographer

If you've ever scrolled past a golden desert family photograph and thought, "that looks incredible, but also... how does that even work?" — you're not alone. Plenty of families wonder if it's even worth the effort, and just as many second-guess themselves when it comes to choosing a desert location. I'm here to answer those questions and turn that nervous anticipation into genuine excitement. So let's walk through exactly what happens, from start to finish.

It starts with timing — and I mean exact timing

I always plan desert sessions around golden hour, which shifts throughout the year here in Abu Dhabi. Rather than relying on a generic "sunset slot," I check the exact sun position for your specific date. That beautiful, warm light — the one that adds a little magic to every photo — only lasts about 30 to 40 minutes, which is why we meet a full hour before sunset. It gives us time to settle in, break the ice, and be ready the moment the light turns perfect.

Every Forecast Has Its Own Kind of Beautiful

Wind, clouds, a hazy sky, a crisp clear blue, I read the forecast for your session the way a stylist reads fabric. The weather shapes the final feel of your photographs, so I want you to know exactly what to expect under different conditions. This includes the wind forecast, too — a little breeze is welcome, since it adds movement and mood to the images. But if wind speeds climb above 25 km/h, it's simply too strong for little ones to feel comfortable, and in that case, we'll reschedule rather than push through. Your family's comfort always comes first.

Where we actually go

My desert sessions take place in the beautiful Al Khatim desert, and the location is easily accessible by a regular car. There are just a few metres of dirt road at the end, but you won’t need a 4x4 to get there.

I have a few favourite spots that I use for sunrise and sunset sessions, and I’ll always send you the exact meeting point on WhatsApp before your session.

I’ve changed locations a few times over the years — mainly because, unfortunately, not everyone leaves the desert as they found it after camping. I want you to arrive to a beautiful, clean and safe spot, so I carefully choose the location each time and make sure the setting is just right for your family and your photos.

The first ten minutes are just... getting comfortable

When you arrive, I'll ask you to slip off your shoes and take a few minutes to simply settle in. Desert sand feels completely different underfoot — soft, slightly unstable, and depending on the season, sometimes surprisingly warm.

Later we start the session with action — kids running, jumping, and exploring the dunes while the energy is still high and the sun hasn't dropped too low yet. This is the perfect time to capture wider shots that show the full scene: the scale of the desert, the shape of the dunes, and that beautiful interplay of light and shadow across the sand. It sets the context for the whole story before we move into the more intimate, closer moments as the light softens.

The session has its own rhythm

I’ll always let your children set the pace. If they feel like running, we’ll run. If they want to chase each other through the sand, climb onto Dad’s back or be lifted high into the air, we’ll go with it. And if they suddenly decide that all they want is a quiet cuddle with Mum, that’s perfectly fine too.

I’m not looking for perfectly behaved children or trying to create moments that aren’t there. The magic usually happens when everyone forgets about the camera for a little while. I simply follow what’s happening, keep an eye on the little connections and make sure I’m ready to capture them when they naturally appear.

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  Mum and daughter snuggling together in Abu Dhabi desert

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  Dad and daughter moment during Abu Dhabi desert session

Wardrobe matters more than people expect

The desert already gives us the most beautiful backdrop — warm sand, soft golden tones and that deep blue sky as the sun begins to set. What you wear can beautifully complement all of this and help your photographs feel cohesive and timeless.

I’ll always help you with wardrobe before your session, so you never have to wonder what will work best. Depending on your package, you can also choose from my client closet — a collection of flowing dresses and carefully selected pieces I’ve chosen with the desert, the light and the way everything photographs in mind.

You can have a look through my styling guide to see the dresses currently available in my client closet and get a feel for the colours, fabrics and styles I love for desert sessions: Styling guide for your photo session in Abu Dhabi

The goal isn’t to match. It’s to feel comfortable and like yourselves, while creating a beautiful little colour story that lets both your family — and the desert — shine.

And then, quietly, it's over

As the sun gets lower and the warm golden light slowly turns softer and cooler, we’ll start to wrap up. There’s usually no need for a big “that’s a wrap” moment — the session simply begins to wind down naturally, with everyone brushing the sand off, chatting and making their way back towards the cars.

I’ll often keep my camera out for those last few minutes, because some of my favourite images happen when everyone has stopped thinking about the photos.

And if you don’t feel like rushing home, you’re welcome to stay a little longer. Some families bring a picnic, while others simply let the children run and play in the sand for a while. The desert is beautiful after the session too.

More than just photos

Beyond the final gallery, I hope what you take away from the session is the experience itself — a little time together as a family, away from the usual routine, enjoying the desert and simply being together.

Because the session was never really about getting the perfect photo. It’s about letting the kids be themselves, enjoying the evening, having a laugh, sharing a few cuddles and capturing all those little moments that happen naturally along the way.

And once you have your favourites, I’m always happy to help you bring them off your screen and into your home. Whether it’s a beautiful piece of wall art or a few favourite prints, I love knowing that your photographs will be something you can actually see and enjoy every day for years to come.

Thinking about a desert session for your family? Reach out and let's find your date on the calendar before that perfect light window fills up.

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  Siblings running down the dune Abu Dhabi desert photo shoot

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  Daughter twirling family desert photo shoot

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  Kids jumping in Abu Dhabi desert during family shoot

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  Brother and sister portrait Abu Dhabi family session

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  Siblings portrait Abu Dhabi family photo session in the desert

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  Family silhouette during sunset session in Abu Dhabi