With a creative eye and a flair for the whimsical, Tasneem Alsultan’s photography style can be described as clean, modern, and romantic; capturing passionate, joyful and classic moments that tell the story of the wedding through beautiful photographs.

Tasneem’s unique upbringing – she was born to Saudi parents in the United States but grew up in the United Kingdom – has gifted her with a perspective that combines elements from both East and West. That experience allows her to artfully balance extravagance with simplicity, something not easy to find but greatly appealing to many. With an obsession for details (right down to her extensive couture shoe collection) and a soft spot for classic films from the 1930s (“Where characters wore beautiful clothes and jewelry with such expressive subtlety” says Tasneem) her fine-tuned aesthetic promises to be as elegant, magical, and unforgettable as your special day. Ready to meet Tasneem? Trust us, you’ll adore her…

{THE BRIDAL CIRCLE}:  GIVE US AN INTRODUCTION INTO YOUR BACKGROUND AND HERITAGE.

{TASNEEM ALSULTAN}:  My parents are Saudi, but I was born in the States and lived there till a few years ago moving to Dubai. Having grown up in a multicultural background, I love the merge of traditions, and how it plays a large role in how we express our emotions. Oddly enough, we all share the same way of expressing happiness.

WHEN AND WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER?

I’ve always been interested in art in one way or another. Painting, sketching, anything with color and light. Photography was a desperate attempt to save moments of family and get to print and hang them on the wall.

WHAT EXPERIENCE CAN A BRIDE EXPECT WHEN WORKING WITH YOU?

I ask my brides to be themselves and remember that it’s about them. That all the small details and all the cherished moments are covered by me on the day, so they should just relax and have fun.

WHAT THREE WORDS BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE?

Colorful, romantic, documentary.

WHAT ARE THE TOP QUESTIONS A BRIDE OR COUPLE, SHOULD ASK DURING HER/THEIR RESEARCH IN SELECTING A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?

“How can we tell the difference between a professional photographer and an amateur?”

“Why should we invest in you over another photographer in the area?”

“Can you work in any light setting?”

“I never feel photogenic, and all your brides are stunning, it’s not photoshop, is it?”

ARE YOU AVAILABLE TO BRIDES OUTSIDE OF THE MIDDLE EAST?

Yes! I love to travel! I’ve had the chance to shoot weddings in the United Kingdom and the Seychelles, and I’m  looking forward to shooting a wedding in France soon. I’d be more than happy to travel if I can.

HOW MANY WEDDINGS DO YOU SHOOT A YEAR?

Last year I was fortunate enough to shoot around 40 weddings. I’ve slightly started to become a little more selective in having my
brides understand why they want a photographer and not because they’re out of choices. I want them to select me for my art, but not overbook myself either.

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATIONAL IDEAS?

Shooting a wedding, I’m inspired by the couples’ story, the light available, the event design, the timing and schedule to the day. Each wedding has to be different even if it happens to be at the same venue.

HOW DO YOU MAKE THE BRIDE AND GROOM AS WELL AS THEIR BRIDAL PARTY AND FAMILIES FEEL COMFORTABLE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA?

Be invisible until you’re asked to direct the group shots and portraits. I’m petit so I usually get lost in the crowd and I’m happy to not get noticed as disappearing into the fray let’s me get those amazing emotional, candid shots. Otherwise, I try to be helpful and cheerful and not get in the way of the day itself. I just let it unfold before me and document as I go without too much direction.

WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED AS YOU HAVE PHOTOGRAPHED WEDDINGS OVER THE YEARS?

It’s never about the quantity of images I get after the wedding, it’s about the emotions and story I’ve captured. I want the couple to re-live that day through their wedding album for years to come. It doesn’t take thousands of photos to tell the story. It takes the right photos caught at the right time.

WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A COUPLE ABOUT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY?

Choose and invest wisely in photography as all the other wedding elements you have paid for won’t matter beyond the day. If you choose the best venue, amazing dress, etc. only a great photographer can really show that off and document it for generations to come.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ELEMENTS TO SHOOT DURING THE WEDDING?

Reflection and emotion that comes in quiet, still moments and joyous movement.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RECENT PHOTO YOU’VE TAKEN, WHAT WAS THE CREATON PROCESS BEHIND IT AND WHAT MOVED YOU ABOUT THE IMAGE?

I last shot a cute couple from China that had come to Dubai. There was a major sand storm followed by dramatic, intense rain, but we managed to get beautiful images that the couple really wanted. Sometimes, when we’re out of our comfort zone, we create surprisingly powerful things we would have doubted possible initially.

WHAT WORDS OF WISDOM WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEWLY ENGAGED BRIDE ABOUT MARRIAGE?

Choose to be with a person you love with full understanding and acceptance of their flaws, rather than focusing on their perceived perfection.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE OR MANTRA?

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” – Dr. Seuss

IF NOT IN YOUR PROFESSION AS A PHOTOGRAPHER WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING?

Teaching English at university, which was my previous job for four years and I loved it.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT NOBODY WOULD EVER GUESS.

I used to tell my high school teachers that I would be a professional belly dancer when I grew up so I didn’t need to attend any math or science classes.

WHERE ARE YOUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO TRAVEL?

I love nature. Anywhere with fresh air and open sky is the place for me.

WHAT ARE YOUR MUST HAVES, CAN’T LIVE WITHOUTS, WHEN YOU TRAVEL?

I don’t travel without my camera bag, flip flops, and something bright and colorful to wear.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE INDULGENCE?

Shoes! Shoes, and more shoes!

IF YOU COULD PICK ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD TO SHOOT, WHERE WOULD IT BE?

I’m dreaming of visiting Santorini soon, haven’t been yet but it’s on my list and my camera is anxious to go.

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