March 2023 brought about an unforgettable experience as I embarked on an epic photo shoot for the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAK TDA). For five exhilarating days, I had the privilege of capturing awe-inspiring photos with professional models set against the backdrop of Ras Al Khaimah’s stunning locations – across the mountain, desert and sea. The purpose of the photo shoot was to capture ‘gram-friendly content for the UAE’s most northernmost Emirate’s Instagram page. “And if we get some epic billboard-worthy hero shots along the way – even better,” said the destination management organization’s marketing team. And oh boy, did we capture some hero shots out there!
From the majestic dunes that stretch endlessly across the landscape to the majestic peaks of the mountains, we ventured to diverse and captivating spots. Each location presented a unique charm, allowing me to showcase the natural beauty and architectural marvels of Ras Al Khaimah.
Our journey took us from the luxurious hotels set on the shores of the pristine white sandy beaches that kissed the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf, to some of the most famous landmarks of Ras Al Khaimah – amongst them Al Jazeera Al Hamra – the UAE’s oldest village what once served as a bustling pearl diving hub. With every click of the camera, I endeavored to immortalize the allure and essence of Ras Al Khaimah, creating a visual narrative that would captivate the hearts and minds of viewers.
4:30am call time
I remember so vividly how the alarm clock rang on a Monday morning, at 4:30am sharp. Our call time at the iconic Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah was for 6:00am. I stayed at a hotel near-by on the man-made Al Marjan Island and it really wasn’t longer than a mere 10-minute drive to the location, but it takes some time for me to get up during the wee-hours of the morning and start shooting – non-stop for the next 12 hours. Hence the 1,5hour buffer.
When we arrived at the hotel lobby, all the models – looking as if they’d stepped out of a Vogue cover – were already waiting at the lobby along with the production team – each responsible for the extensive wardrobe, make-up, hair and other nitty-gritty details of the 6-strong model crew.
There were quite a bit of challenging parts during the first day. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a complainer at heart, and as a ‘cold Estonian’ I’m more the ‘bring it on and we do it’ kind of a guy, but when you’ve literally got a 15-minute window to capture a model standing underneath a 25-metre arch at the hotel driveway at 7am in the morning with 10C temperature – you’ve got to act fast. Or you simply won’t be able to capture the shot.
One of the last shots at the Waldorf Astoria took place by the hotel’s family pool, where I was literally belly down on a double-layered towel, GoPro in one hand, and a white rose in another – trying to capture that ‘Insta-perfect’ shot whereby the waves are gently lapping on the GoPro cover shell, and you’re getting that perfect under-the-water-above-the-water image.
From the iconic Waldorf Astoria, we were headed to the Cove Rotana – a huge beachfront resort located on a hilltop, featuring several villas and a huge beach stretch. The shot list in there comprised of: couple enjoying a massage in the beach cabana; girls laughing in the alley; group of friends chattering whilst overlooking a river, and some more… Capturing hotel rooms as such was never the plan at any of the locations – it was really all about showcasing the coolest angles at each Instagrammable setting.
The next day was dedicated for Banan Beach – a glamping-style accommodation with chalets and smaller triangle-sized tents – a really cool venue that gives you that ‘old Santorini’ vibe. Every single corner there was instagrammable, but to our huge dismay – we only managed to get half through the shot list till a huge thunderstorm struck. Never did I imagine, I’d see such rain and thunder in the United Arab Emirates.
Expect the unexpected
As our shoot was supposed to carry on for 5 days straight, looking at the weather forecast gave us a sanity check and we quickly realized that we’re forced to postpone the shoot till next week. As we had still ‘mountain day’ and some more hotel locations coming up – heavy winds (I’m talking 30kmph )and gray skies were not an option. So, a decision to continue the shoot next week was taken.
When we had regrouped for the remaining 3 days next week – the weather was incredible. During the ‘mountain day’ at the UAE’s highest mountain peak Jebel Jais, we were exposed to some of the most incredibly sights – lush green grass fields with mountain goats munching away on the straws and leaves, with a backdrop of lush palm trees and towering mountainscapes. The sky was sunny and the photos we captured during the ‘mountain picnic’ were vibrant, full of joy and really one of a kind.
The shoot concluded at Camp 1770 – the UAE’s highest camp, where we captured the group of friends roasting marshmallows by the campfire.
Conclusion
Collaborating with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority was an absolute honor. Their unwavering support and attention to detail ensured that every aspect of the photoshoot was meticulously planned and executed, resulting in a seamless and remarkable experience.
As I reflect upon this unforgettable journey, I am truly grateful for the opportunity. The photographs captured during this epic adventure serve as a reminder of the region’s charm and allure, encouraging travelers from around the world to explore and discover the hidden gems that await them in this mesmerizing destination.
Tell us about your thoughtsWrite message