How Much Does a Professional Photoshoot Cost in Dubai? Pricing Breakdown

While Dubai boasts an impressive pool of creative professionals, we've noticed that photoshoot quotes can vary widely, often without context. Our answer is simple: clear, all-inclusive packages. Every detail is itemized, so you can budget with confidence and avoid unexpected upsells later.

In this blog, we'll detail the costs so you know what to expect when planning your professional photoshoot.

Why Dubai Photography Costs What It Does

Let's be real. Dubai isn't known for being budget-friendly and photography is no exception. But if you zoom in, you'll spot a few good reasons why prices are sticker-shocked compared to what you'd pay in your hometown or just across the border.

For starters, many photographers here are expats who moved to Dubai specifically because it's a hub for creative work. They've got international experience, often working with big brands and celebrities before setting up shop here. That experience costs money.

Then there's the overhead. Studio space in areas like DIFC or JBR doesn't come cheap. Plus, most photographers here invest heavily in top-end equipment because their clients expect that level of quality.

And honestly? Dubai clients are willing to pay for quality. Whether it's a family from the local Emirati community wanting traditional portraits or a multinational corporation needing executive headshots, people here understand that good photography is an investment.

Personal and Portrait Sessions Cost

Let's start with the basics, individual portraits. We've worked with countless clients who come to us after shopping around and experiencing sticker shock elsewhere.

You're looking at around AED 800 to AED 1,500 for a decent one-hour session with a solid photographer. This usually gets you the shoot itself, some basic editing and about 10-15 final images in high resolution. Want more photos edited? Most photographers charge between AED 50-100 per additional shot.

Now, if you want to go high-end and trust us, some of these photographers have worked with actual royalty; you could be paying AED 2,000 to AED 5,000. But you're not just paying for photos. These sessions often include professional makeup, styling advice and access to some pretty amazing locations around the city.

Family shoots cost a bit more because, well, kids don't always cooperate. We've handled countless family sessions where the youngest member decides to have a meltdown right when we're getting the perfect shot. Most family photographers charge between AED 1,200 to AED 2,500 and we've earned every dirham of it.

Business and Corporate Photography Cost

Dubai's business scene is massive, so there's tons of demand for corporate photography. We've shot headshots for everyone from startup founders to C-suite executives at major corporations.

Corporate Headshots

For basic executive headshots, you're looking at AED 300 to AED 800 per person. We typically set up our mobile studio in your office, shoot everyone who needs photos and deliver them within a week. It's efficient and professional.

Corporate Events

Corporate events are where things get pricier. Our event management clients usually budget AED 2,000 to AED 4,000 for a full day of event coverage. This covers everything from the setup shots to networking moments to keynote presentations.

The really high-end corporate photographers (the ones who shoot for Emirates or DP World) can charge AED 5,000 to AED 10,000 per day. But these are basically artists who happen to specialize in corporate work.

Wedding Photography Reality Check

Wedding photography in Dubai is its own beast. We've shot weddings representing every culture you can imagine and the photography costs vary wildly.

Basic Wedding Packages

At the lower end, you might find photographers charging AED 5,000 to AED 8,000 for basic wedding coverage. This typically means one photographer shooting the main ceremony and reception for about 6-8 hours. You'll get your photos in 4-6 weeks.

Premium Wedding Coverage

Most couples we work with end up investing AED 10,000 to AED 20,000 in wedding photography. For that money, you usually get two photographers (important for big weddings), an engagement session and more comprehensive coverage of the entire day.

Luxury Wedding Photography

But here's where Dubai gets crazy – luxury weddings. We've shot weddings at Atlantis where the photography alone costs AED 40,000. These projects include multiple photographers, drone coverage and even underwater shots at the aquarium. It's mind-blowing, but not everybody's cup of tea.

Commercial and Specialized Work

Dubai's all about business and that keeps our phones ringing for product shots, fashion pics and jaw-dropping real estate images.

Product Photography

A half-day of product shots for an online store kicks off at AED 1,500. You get styling adjustments, lighting tweaks and 20 to 30 items looking their absolute best, all edited. We know several small business owners who book quarterly shoots with us to keep their websites fresh.

Fashion Photography

Fashion photography is where things get interesting. Local fashion brands might pay AED 3,000 to AED 8,000 for a day's shoot, but international brands working with top photographers can spend AED 15,000 to AED 30,000 easily.

Real Estate Photography

Real estate photography has exploded here. With Dubai's property market constantly evolving, good property photos are essential. Most real estate photographers charge AED 800 to AED 2,000 per property, depending on size and location.

The Hidden Costs Nobody Tells You About

Here's what catches many of our clients off guard when they first hire photographers in Dubai – the extras add up fast.

Location Permits

Location permits are a big one. Want to shoot at Dubai Frame or in front of Burj Khalifa? You'll need permits and they're not cheap. Even some hotel lobbies require special permissions for commercial photography. We always factor these costs into our quotes upfront.

Professional Hair and Makeup

Professional makeup and hair can easily add AED 800 to AED 2,000 to your bill. We work with specific makeup artists who understand our lighting and style, so we always discuss this with our clients during the planning phase.

Travel and Transportation

Getting around Dubai is pretty easy, but if you're hoping to shoot in other emirates or in certain desert spots, the ride to those places can add extra costs to your project.

How Much Will a Pro Photoshoot Cost? Let's Spend Smart

The real question isn't just how much you'll spend, but how to make sure you're getting value for that money. Here's what we always tell our clients:

Review Portfolios Thoroughly

First, look at portfolios carefully. Don't just check Instagram – ask to see full wedding albums or complete corporate shoots. Anyone can post their best five photos online. We're always happy to show potential clients our complete work.

Check References

Talk to previous clients if possible. We're always happy to provide references, especially for big investments like wedding photography. Most good photographers should be willing to do the same.

Consider Timing

Consider timing. Summer shoots (when it's brutally hot) and weekday sessions often cost less. If you're flexible, you can save money without compromising quality. We offer special rates during off-peak times.

Understand Usage Rights

Double-check usage rights before you hit "confirm" on that shoot. A handful of photographers bundle rights for every single file in the base fee, yet many others reserve certain images for for-fee licensing, fees that can skyrocket for commercial campaigns or oversized prints. Our contracts spell out every detail so you can see upfront what you’re paying for and why you’re paying for it.

Shop Around

Also, keep in mind the Dubai market is super competitive, which means you have lots of choices. A big price tag doesn't always match big talent. Some rising stars are building their portfolios and offering fantastic quality for way less.

So, how much does a professional photoshoot cost in Dubai? Professional photography here ranges from affordable to astronomical, but there are good options at every price point. We believe in doing your homework, asking the right questions and working with professional photographers like Wild Camel, who value building long-term relationships with their clients.