Through The Lens Of Innovation:Aleksandra Kaute’s Tale OfRedefining Photography In Dubai
Step into the enchanting world of Aleksandra Kaute, a visionary photographer based in the vibrant city of Dubai. With a passion for capturing moments that transcend the ordinary, Aleksandra’s journey in the photography industry is nothing short of inspiring. Specialising in creating magical photo shoots featuring flying dresses, she has carved a niche for herself in the bustling Dubai scene.
In this exclusive interview, Aleksandra shares her captivating story, from her humble beginnings to becoming a sought-after entrepreneur. Join us as we delve into her creative process, aspirations for the future, and the passion that drives her to achieve unprecedented success..
- Can you tell us about your journey as an entrepreneur in the photography industry in Dubai? What inspired you to start your own business?
Since I can remember, I’ve been really into taking pictures. Whenever I went on trips, I loved capturing the beauty of the places I visited through photos and videos. About five years ago, I came to the United Arab Emirates with my sister. We explored Ras al Khaimah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, and I instantly fell in love with this area. I thought it would be amazing to live here someday. Fast forward two years, I landed a job as a flight attendant and moved to Dubai to start my new life.
While I was settling in, I started thinking about what I wanted to do next. Even though being a flight attendant was a fantastic experience, I knew it was something I wanted to do for only a few years. The idea of starting my own small business came to me during a vacation in Santorini. I saw these stunning photos of people wearing long, flowing dresses that perfectly corresponded to the beautiful surroundings of the island. Flying dresses were all the rage there.
I wanted to do a photo shoot like that for myself, but then I had an idea: why not make my own flying dress? And that’s how everything began. I created the first two dresses and took some lovely pictures wearing them in Santorini, and the rest is history.
- What challenges did you face when starting your photography business, and how did you overcome them?
The hardest part was getting started. I didn’t know how to sew the dresses or how to make the whole business run smoothly. It took me some time to find skilled tailors and the right materials to use for making the dresses. I wasn’t sure which fabric would work best for the flying effect, or how long the dress’s tail should be. It was a lot of trial and error – not all the dresses I made were suitable for this type of photoshoot.
It took me a while to learn, but now I have a collection of over 50 gowns. For each dress, I find the materials and oversee the tailoring process. The quality of the dresses is crucial, as it shows in the photos later on. I also teamed up with Asif Ali, an amazing and experienced photographer here in Dubai. He’s mainly responsible for taking the pictures, while I assist him with photography and take charge of creating and editing videos and reels. I also make sure the dress is perfectly prepared for the shoot. Additionally, I focus on marketing our services through social media.
- Considering the competitive market in Dubai, how do you differentiate your photography business from others?
These days, many photographers in Dubai offer photoshoots with flying dresses, but we stand out because of the quality of our pictures and dresses. We have the experience, professional equipment, and skills needed to create beautiful images. We know the best locations and always choose deserts with clear, unobstructed dunes. It takes us almost an hour to drive to the desert to ensure that the pictures will turn out perfectly.
We offer a variety of dresses with different designs, including basic, hijabi, and modest gowns. I also make dresses for kids and pregnant women. Our Cinderella collection is very popular, as it makes ladies feel like Disney princesses. The dress is always included in the photography service, so our clients can feel like royalty during their shoot.
- On the flip side, what achievements or milestones are you most proud of since starting your business?
When I first began my photography journey, I never imagined that I would have so many happy and satisfied clients who would recommend us to others and share positive feedback about Endless Dresses. I make sure to treat each person individually to ensure that everyone has a great experience and is happy with the outcome. I enjoy creating memories for people who visit Dubai from all around the world for their vacations. Some couples even come specifically to do pre-wedding photoshoots, which is quite common in the Indian community, for example. Tourists see beautiful pictures from the city or desert and want to have similar ones for themselves.
- Building a brand is crucial for any business. How have you established and cultivated your brand identity in the photography industry?
As time goes on, more people hear about us and recommend our services if they’re happy with them. Every month, more people from Poland recognize my brand, which is great. For them, it’s convenient to do a photoshoot with a Polish lady because there’s no language barrier if someone doesn’t speak English. Dubai is one of the most popular vacation destinations for Polish tourists. If you go to Warsaw city centre, You’ll see a huge billboard, promoting Dubai vacation. Many airlines now offer flights from Poland to the UAE.
I’m also from Poland, and I can say we love the vibe of this city, the warm weather, the white sandy beaches, and the magical desert. People in the UAE are very polite and helpful, and Dubai, like the whole country, is an amazing, safe, and family-friendly place. I always recommend to my friends in Poland that if they’re looking for a travel destination, they should choose the UAE because it has so much to offer. I’m happy that this country gives people like me the chance to have a dream and start a small business.
- Balancing creativity with business operations can be challenging. How do you manage both aspects effectively in your photography business?
Finding new ideas all the time can be a bit challenging, but having dresses that already grab attention makes it easier to think of creative picture ideas. When ladies see our photos on social media, they often want similar pictures for themselves. This helps me know what to prioritise when planning the photoshoot.
- What are your future goals and aspirations for your photography business, both in Dubai and potentially beyond?
In the coming months, I plan to make a few more dresses in various designs to offer ladies a wider selection for their photoshoots. I’m also planning a photoshoot with a new collection in the Hatta mountains. Looking ahead, I need to concentrate more on promoting my business on social media, especially on TikTok, as my account there isn’t as developed as my Instagram account.
- What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the photography or creative industry in Dubai?
My advice is simple: If you love what you’re doing and put your heart into it, you’ll succeed. I’ve always believed in the idea of flying dress photoshoots, and I pour all my passion into them. During every photoshoot, We go every mile to ensure that the ladies have unforgettable memories. I want them to look back at the pictures and remember the wonderful experience they had in Dubai.