#projectsharm | a desert pre-wedding shoot by Tasneem Alsultan

Two more posts to go on #projectsharm this week, the week when I’ve finally launched my wedding planning services in Sharm el Sheikh. It’s been a long but exciting few days, providing you with lots of details, from a breakdown of my services, to the answer to some frequently asked questions, to wedding inspiration.

Today it’s finally time to show you ‘the real-deal’ – a pre-wedding shoot in the desert from a neighbouring Middle Eastern country. So it’s a pleasure to introduce you to Dubai-based wedding photographer Tasneem Alsultan, and to show you this dreamy shoot of Nada and Leo, a Chinese couple living in Bahrain, who had their pre-wedding images shot by Tasneem in Dubai.

Tasneem has been a source of inspiration for me over the past few months and has also given me invaluable support in the weeks leading up to the launch, giving me tips & advice, and enlightening me on the local culture. Because of her background (read more in her interview below) she has an in depth knowledge and first-hand experience of local traditions and at the same time of the European/overseas culture too, so she’s without a doubt a great asset to have on your wedding day, whether you are couple from an Arab country or not.

I interviewed Tasneem to get to know her better…

♥ Who is Tasneem Alsultan and how did you start your career in photography?

Tasneem is a lady who will speak in 3rd person for the purpose of this answer…She is born to Saudi parents in the US and was brought up between the States and England. Although she doesn’t have any British accent, she still uses the word “pram” and “curtains” in an American accent. Her passion for photography was apparent as a child, but she only took it seriously three years ago. At the time, she was a lecturer in English Literature in Bahrain and was enjoying shooting children and family portraits as a weekend hobby. It was only after she shot her first wedding that she understood how difficult it was. Consequently, the adrenaline rush of capturing the right moment at the right time, and the running around is what attracted her to shoot weddings as a full time job and quit her teaching. She moved to Dubai and now shoots weddings internationally.

♥ What services do you offer and what regions do you currently cover?

I offer wedding photography, engagements, pre-weddings, post-weddings, honeymoon destination shoots, and anything where two people in love want to have fun and have that captured in photos. Because I’m Saudi and living in Dubai, I typically shoot weddings close to those to countries such as Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait. However, I’ve shot weddings in Egypt, Seychelles, England, France, Lebanon, and Indonesia. I love traveling so I’m always happy to shoot weddings anywhere.

♥ Who is the typical Tasneem Alsultan couple?

Perfectionist, calm, nervous, wise, young, fun, shy, adventurous, romantic …I’ve shot many weddings and as much as I try to think of a typical couple, one thing they all share in common is trust. They all trust that I will give their wedding my full attention to every detail and moment.

♥ How would you describe your style?

I’m still unsure of how to word my style. Sometimes the word documentary sounds too boring, and artistic sounds a little pretentious. So I’ll leave it to emotionally true and artistically clean?

♥ What part of a wedding day do you enjoy shooting the most?

The ones that have the most emotion, and dancing because you have to be on your feet anticipating.

♥ What or who inspires you and your work?

What: Music, art, fashion, travel. Who: Susana Barbera, Ben and Erin Chrisman, and Susan Stripling are a few of a long list of inspirational wedding photographers I enjoy looking through their work.

♥ Tell us something crazy, inspiring or interesting about you?

Crazy: I’m a sucker for pretty and uncomfortable shoes, I love to read tragic novels and then cry about them for days, and I get creeped out when watching or listening to actors or musicians that are dead.

♥ What is Tasneem doing when she’s not shooting weddings?

If it’s something not related to photography, then it’s probably reading or swimming.

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Thank you Tasneem! Brides, do get in touch with Tasneem if you’d like to know more about her services and don’t forget that regardless of where you’re based, Tasneem travels!

And here is her fabulous pre-wedding shoot. Enjoy it!