Choosing a perfect location for your photo session in Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi Family Photographer

When moving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi I was afraid I wouldn’t find spectacular locations for capturing moments for my clients. How wrong I was.

Abu Dhabi Beach

Abu Dhabi has definitely one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole UAE. I absolutely love to shoot at Saadiyat Beach as we can capture your beautiful reflection where the shoreline meets the sand and also a bit of greenery, which adds variety to your gallery. Kids will absolutely love as its perfect natural playground for them. Be prepared to get a bit wet towards the end of session.

When shooting at the beach we want to avoid crowd that’s why I always suggest meeting during weekdays. Photo sessions take place around sunset or sunrise and timing that will vary during the whole year.

Please consider that for hotels guests or Saadiyat Island residents with access to the beach there are no additional charges. For all other clients if you wish to have a beach session you need to consider photography permit fee of 500AED as well as beach entrace fee of 125AED per person.

Abu Dhabi Desert

Photo session in the desert seems to be an obvious choice whether you are an expat living in UAE or a tourist spending your holidays in the capital. Al Qudra desert was my favourite location for family photo session in Dubai. That’s is why I tried to find similar spot somewhere close to Abu Dhabi and I found it. Al Khatim desert is simply spectacular.

Desert is never a bad choice for all types of sessions from a romantic couple photo shoot to a joyful family session. Remove your shoes and be prepared for lots of walking, running and sand everywhere especially if you plan photo session with kids. Fun guaranteed!

Similar to beach photo session we plan desert photo shoot one hour before the sunset when the sun is soft and warm. I love to shoot during “golden hour” and if you want to catch some sun flares on your photographs that’s the best time to do that.

If you do start your day very early I will be happy to arrange your session at the sunrise. Having photo session when the Sun appears on the horizon is an incredible experience and I am sure you will not regret waking up early.

Before the session I will share the exact coordinates where we will meet. Please consider it is around 50 minutes drive depending where you stay in Abu Dhabi. No worries no need for 4x4 to reach it!

Umm Al Emarat Park

In case you prefer green environment then Umm Al Emarat Park is a great alternative for your next photo shoot location. The Shade House is a place where I usually start off and later I continue in Botanic Garden. It is a home to unique species of plants and I am absolutely in love with its structure. This place gives endless opportunity of creating frames with beautiful light and shadow play. And after the session you can have ice cream with your little one!

If you choose this location most probably we will meet during weekdays. I am more flexible with timing in this location as it offers lots of shadows so we can meet earlier during the day.

I hope this has given you some ideas and helped you find perfect location for your next couple or family photo session. There are many beautiful locations in Abu Dhabi where you could have your photoshoot and some of them might require obtaining permission for taking photographs. If you have any meaningful location where you would like your photos to be taken I will be happy to discuss details.

Curious what are my favorite photo shoot locations in Dubai, please have a look at my blog post:

Choosing a perfect location for your photo session in Dubai | Dubai Family Photographer