Clothes can make a photoshoot or quietly ruin it. A shirt that looked fine in the mirror turns out to have tiny stripes that flicker on camera. A white dress blends into white sand. Here’s what to wear for a photoshoot in Dubai, by location and by type of shoot, with outfit changes and accessories to plan for.
General rules that work everywhere
- Choose solid colours or soft patterns. Thin stripes, small checks and big logos distract from faces.
- Pick a palette, not a uniform. For groups, choose two or three colours that go together and mix them. Everyone in white jeans and the same shirt looks dated.
- Wear things that fit. Too tight shows every crease; too loose looks shapeless.
- Think about texture. Linen, knits and flowing fabrics photograph beautifully, especially in wind.
- Bring a spare. Two outfits are enough for most sessions: one for variety and a backup for spills. They don’t have to match.
- Comfortable shoes for walking, plus nicer ones for the photos if needed.
Desert photoshoot outfits
The desert is all warm sand tones, so colours that contrast or complement it work best: deep red, burgundy, emerald, navy, mustard, terracotta, or crisp white against a blue sky. Long, flowing dresses and skirts come alive when they catch the wind. Avoid beige and tan, which disappear into the sand. Barefoot is fine on cool evening sand, but bring sandals; the dunes can be hot even late in the day. See the desert photoshoot guide.
Beach photoshoot outfits
Light, airy fabrics in soft tones: white, cream, pastel blue, blush and sage all look good with the sea. Light linen shirts and rolled-up trousers work for men. Keep swimwear for private beaches; for public beaches near landmarks, stay casual but covered.
City, Old Dubai and skyline
Against glass and steel in Downtown, DIFC or the Marina, more polished outfits look good: tailored jackets, bold single colours, smart dresses. In Old Dubai and Al Fahidi, earthy tones and natural fabrics suit the sand-coloured walls; this is also a heritage area, so cover shoulders and knees.
Family photoshoot outfits
Start with one person’s outfit, often mum’s, and build the others around it. Choose neutrals plus one or two accent colours. Kids should be comfortable enough to run and sit on the ground. Avoid characters and slogans on children’s clothes. Read more on our family photography page.
Couple photoshoot outfits
Coordinate without matching. If one of you wears a pattern, the other wears a solid. Similar levels of formality matter more than identical colours: a gown next to shorts looks odd. A flowing dress for the desert or an evening outfit for the skyline at blue hour both work well. See our couple photoshoot ideas.
Corporate headshots
Solid colours, well-pressed, in the style you’d wear to meet a client. Navy, charcoal and soft blues are safe; avoid bright white near the face and busy patterns. Bring a second top or jacket. More tips on our corporate headshots page.
Dress code to keep in mind
Dubai is relaxed, but modesty rules still apply in public. Cover shoulders and knees in heritage areas, malls and near mosques, and keep swimwear to the beach. Hotels and private venues can be more flexible. Read our guide to photography rules in Dubai.
Hair, makeup and accessories
Humidity and wind are the two enemies. Matte makeup, a little setting spray and hair styles that survive a breeze (or embrace it) work best. Bring blotting papers, sunglasses and one simple accessory such as a hat or scarf. For important shoots, a professional makeup artist is worth it; we can arrange one.
Not sure what to pick?
Send your photographer a photo of the options before the day. We do this with every client. Pick a location first with our best photoshoot locations in Dubai guide, then call +971 50 675 9534, email [email protected] or use the contact page.