Looking for a wedding photographer at Bab Al Shams in Dubai?
Salt Studio photographs real weddings, intimate celebrations and newlywed portraits at this distinctive desert resort.
The photographs on this page tell the story of a couple who legally married in Abu Dhabi, then travelled to Bab Al Shams for their first night as newlyweds. There was no ceremony or reception at the hotel. Instead, they chose to mark the day with a private wedding photoshoot, and we were there to photograph it.
A wedding day without a guest list
Not every wedding needs a ballroom, a long schedule or a crowd. After their marriage registration in Abu Dhabi, this couple arrived at Bab Al Shams together, carrying all the excitement of the day into a quieter celebration of their own.
She wore a simple wedding dress without a veil and carried a bridal bouquet. He wore a boutonniere. The details were unmistakably bridal, but the mood was personal and relaxed. Their photographs are a reminder that a wedding album can begin with two people, a meaningful location and time to enjoy being newly married.
Wedding portraits shaped by Bab Al Shams
Bab Al Shams offers more than a desert backdrop. Its arches, shaded passages, warm-toned walls and distinctive architectural details create different settings within one resort. In this gallery, the surroundings become part of the composition without taking attention away from the couple.
We moved between wider architectural frames and closer portraits: reflections near the pool, corridors with lanterns, views through arches and foliage, the bouquet, and the small expressions that make the images feel like theirs. Some frames are carefully composed; others preserve a smile or an unplanned moment. Together, they tell one coherent story rather than a series of unrelated poses.
Why choose Salt Studio for your Bab Al Shams wedding photos?
A beautiful resort is only part of the picture. What makes your wedding photographs personal is the person behind the camera: someone who can put you at ease, notice the small moments and make thoughtful decisions as the light and your plans change. Here is what you can expect when you book Salt Studio.
1. Experience you can see, not just read about
Salt Studio is led by Olga Leonova, a photographer with more than 20 years of professional experience and over a decade working in the UAE. T
he wedding images on this page were photographed by our team at Bab Al Shams. You can judge the work for yourself: the light, the composition, the skin tones and the expressions.
2. You do not need to know how to pose
Most couples are not professional models, and they should not have to act like them. We guide you into flattering light and comfortable positions, then give you room to move, laugh and enjoy each other.
The result is a mix of considered portraits and genuine moments, not two hours of stiff instructions.
3. We plan the shoot around your day
We help you decide how much time to book, which photographs matter most and how to organise the session without rushing. At Bab Al Shams, moving between spaces and changing clothes takes time, and the hotel controls access to its locations.
We make a practical photography plan, while you arrange the required hotel permission directly.
4. Natural photographs, with retouching only if you want it
The images in this gallery have Lightroom colour and tonal correction, with no Photoshop retouching or AI changes to the couple's appearance.
That is the standard of natural photography we are happy to show. If you later want detailed retouching on selected images, it is available as an extra, not something we push you to buy in advance.
5. One clear proposal, with no charge per guest
Our photography fee is based on the time booked, not the number of people in front of the camera. Tell us your date, location, plans and whether you would also like video.
We will recommend a relevant package and explain the costs before you book, rather than leave you guessing which extras you need.
Your wedding day does not have to look like anyone else's. Whether it is an intimate celebration for two or a larger event, our role is to photograph it with care, clarity and an eye for the details you will want to remember.
Planning an intimate wedding photoshoot at Bab Al Shams
You can book wedding portraits at Bab Al Shams even if your marriage ceremony took place elsewhere. Some couples want photographs immediately after signing their marriage documents; others prefer a quieter session later in the day or during their stay. The right approach depends on your plans, your clothing and the images you want to create.
Tell us your preferred date, the number of people to be photographed, whether you would like photography only or photography with video, and any portraits that matter most to you. Our photography rate is based on booked shooting time, not a per-person charge. We can recommend a suitable duration once we understand the scope.
Photography permission from Bab Al Shams is not included in Salt Studio's package, and we do not arrange it. We can explain how to approach the hotel about permission, but approval must be confirmed directly with the resort before the shoot.
WhatsApp us to receive the full wardrobe catalogue of rental flying dresses in PDF format
How Much Does a Dubai Flying Dress Photoshoot Cost - Packages & Prices
Classic Package:
Photographer: Any Salt Studio photographer Session duration: From 1 hour Location: Sharjah/Dubai Equipment: Basic set (one camera) Lighting: Flash (if needed) Delivery: Up to 10 business days Output: Unlimited high-resolution images, approx. 50/hour Editing: Lightroom colour correction only Online gallery: Available for 1 month after the shoot Publication: Permitted
Photographer: Main photographer, Olga Leonova Session duration: From 1 hour Location: Sharjah/Dubai Equipment:Advanced set (2 cameras 5D Mark 4, 2-3 lenses) Lighting: Flash (if needed) Delivery: Up to 5 business days Output: Unlimited high-resolution images, approx. 100/hour Editing: Lightroom colour correction only Online gallery: Available for 6 months after the shoot Publication: Permitted
Transportation: Buggy transfers to dune tops for comfort
Photographer: Main photographer, Olga Leonova Session duration: Frrom 1 hour Location: Any location in the UAE Equipment: Advanced set (2 cameras 5D Mark 4, 2-3 lenses) Lighting: Flash, mobile LED lighting (if needed) Delivery: Up to 3 business days Output: Unlimited high-resolution images, approx. 100/hour Editing: Lightroom colour correction only+5 Photoshop retouched images per each hour of shooting Online gallery: Available for 12 months after the shoot Publication:Restricted
Transportation: Buggy transfers to dune tops for comfort
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About the Author
Olga Leonova is a professional fashion photographer and founder of Salt Studio Dubai. With more than a decade of experience in fashion and editorial photography, she works with designers, brands, and models across the UAE and the Middle East.
Olga specialises in luxury fashion imagery, model portfolios, and jewellery photography. Her work focuses on refined lighting, carefully designed studio environments, and elegant visual storytelling.
At Salt Studio Dubai, Olga leads the creative process from concept development to final image production, helping brands create high-end fashion campaigns and editorial photography.
