I was at the gym the other day, catching up with a friend who, like me, grew up as an expat here in the UAE. We started reminiscing about the 90s; the days of physical photo albums, disposable cameras, and the annual ritual of the "Christmas Portrait."

We realized something startling: The tradition is disappearing here, even as it thrives in other parts of the world.

As an athlete and a photographer, there's a unique thrill that comes with blending two of my greatest passions: sports and capturing moments. It's more than just a job; it's pure connection to the raw energy, emotion, and sheer determination that unfolds in front of me.

For me, sports photography is an invitation to step outside and embrace the world. Living in a country where so much of life happens indoors, often in air-conditioned environments, the opportunity to be out in nature, soaking up the weather, and breathing fresh air is always welcome. It’s invigorating to feel the sun on my skin as I track the fast-paced action, making every shoot an escape.

I’m going to confess something that many of us in the creative industry - photographers, designers, artists - feel constantly, but rarely talk about: the agonizing silence after we deliver your final work. 

You might think that after pouring my heart, expertise, and countless hours into your gallery, the moment I hit the "Send" button would be pure relief. And for a second, it is! But then, the clock starts. The seconds, the minutes, the hours, and sometimes the entire day that follows, without so much as a confirmation, is a psychological gauntlet.

Too many businesses view event/activation photography and videography as a simple, necessary chore – more of a line item to document that the event actually happened. This is a critical mistake. If you run an event or even participate in one, the content captured should not be mere documentation; it should be a powerful, multi-faceted sales tool designed to deliver value, long after the venue doors close.

If you're a professional trying to build a presence across various platforms, publications, or industry events, the images that accompany your content are your first impression. A grainy, poorly lit selfie might work for a quick post on a personal account, but does it truly represent your expertise and professionalism?

I’ve noticed time and time again, a curious phenomenon that plays out almost ritualistically before every corporate or personal photoshoot. As we prepare to capture someone's portrait, a pattern emerges: virtually every woman, without fail, approaches us with a preemptive apology or explanation. "I'm so awkward in front of the camera," they'll confess, sometimes with a nervous laugh. "I just don't photograph well", "I'm terrible at posing", “The camera doesn’t usually like me” and the list of self-deprecating remarks goes on. It's as if they feel the need to justify themselves in advance, just in case the final images don't meet an invisible standard they've set for themselves.

Meanwhile, in stark contrast, not a single man has ever voiced such a concern. Not once!

As professional photographers, we often get asked what our job entails. Most people think a professional photographer's job is just to show up, snap a few photos, and send them on their way. But that's like saying a chef's only job is to turn on the stove. The truth is, a great photo isn't just captured; it's crafted. Our work is a comprehensive process, a blend of artistry, technical skill, and strategic planning, all of which happens long before we ever lift a camera.

In today's digital world, your professional image is more important than ever. Whether you're on LinkedIn, a company website, or a conference speaker list, your photo is often the first impression people have of you. And while a good headshot is a great starting point, relying on a single image for every professional situation can lead to a phenomenon known as "image fatigue."

Let’s talk about the silent career saboteur nobody warns you about: wearing any color that comes in a Stabylo highlighter to your corporate headshot session! You may think it doesn’t happen… Oh but it does!

I understand you want your headshot to stand out but wearing a bright orange blazer because it’s your “power color” or 50 shades of beige because you want to look “more professional” isn’t the way to go about it.

Were you ever faced with the dilemma of not knowing what to gift a loved one? Well, this time, we got you covered!

When you offer someone a photoshoot, you are giving them more than a gift. You are offering them something special on so many levels, that they will cherish for many years. A photoshoot is personalized and shows people that you care on a deeper level, with a unique and thoughtful gift.

Before every one of our photoshoots, we make sure to connect with you. Ideally, we like to meet you in person, have a quick chat about your expectations, and understand why you booked this session in the first place. This will help us align our preparation with your desired outcome, to ensure we all come out of the session feeling we’ve nailed it!

Before walking into your photoshoot, keep in mind that your makeup choice can either make or brake the outcome of the session. Some products, if used or applied incorrectly, could ruin your shots. So using the right makeup products is essential to getting to the right look.