In an industry where trust, precision and professionalism matter as much as creativity, Little Thea Photography has become one of the region’s most recognised studios for newborn, maternity, baby and family portraits. Founded by Hala Tamim, the studio operates in both Dubai and Beirut and is known for its careful approach to safety, technical skill, and consistently high standards.
Over the past decade, Hala has developed a distinct visual style and a structured process that puts parents at ease while ensuring newborns are handled with expertise. Her work focuses on documenting real family connections through simple, refined compositions rather than trends or heavy staging.
In this interview, she discusses how Little Thea Photography began, the techniques behind working with newborns, the differences between her Dubai and Beirut studios, and why professional documentation of early family life has lasting value.
What first inspired you to create Little Thea Photography and specialise in newborn and family portraits?
I started Little Thea Photography 10 years ago, when I was first pregnant with my daughter, Thea. Since I was young, I always enjoyed being around babies and kids and worked in many community services for kids and I had a never-ending passion for photography. I therefore decided to combine two passions of mine photography and babies and hence created Little Thea Photography.
That moment completely shifted my perspective on time, memory, and how fleeting the early days truly are. What began as a personal journey quickly turned into a passion for documenting connection, love, and the beauty of family life. Newborn and family photography felt natural to me, because it allows parents to hold on to memories that pass in the blink of an eye. I wanted to create images that are full of love and life and families would return to years later and feel the same love all over again.
Your work captures such tenderness and emotion. How do you approach photographing newborns who can be unpredictable, delicate, and sometimes fussy?
Patience, intuition, and safety guide in every session. Newborns lead the pace—we never rush or force poses. We allow time for feeding, soothing, and cuddles and we work with natural movements. Safety is our top priority. Years of experience allow us to read each baby’s needs, creating a calm environment where genuine, beautiful moments naturally unfold.
You operate studios in both Dubai and Beirut, two very different markets. What unique qualities does each city bring to your work and your clients?
Beirut brings warmth, soul, and emotional depth, while Dubai offers diversity, elegance, and a refined international aesthetic. Working between the two cities allows me to blend emotion with sophistication and continually evolve creatively while serving different cultures and expectations.
Maternity photography has become one of your signature styles. What do you love most about capturing moms-to-be during such a transformative time?
Maternity is such a powerful, and vulnerable time. I love showing women how strong and radiant they truly are, even when they may not feel it themselves. It’s about celebrating femininity, life, and the beauty of becoming.
Many parents feel nervous during their baby’s first photo session. How do you create a calm, safe, and welcoming environment for both parents and newborns?
We slow everything down. From a warm, quiet studio environment to gentle guidance throughout the session, parents are reassured every step of the way. Our team is trained not just in photography, but in newborn handling and care. Trust and safety are at the heart of everything we do.
Your photos have a very distinctive aesthetic, soft, warm, and intimate. How would you describe your artistic vision, and how has it evolved over the years?
My vision is intimate, emotion-driven and timeless. I aim for images that feel intimate and emotional rather than overly posed or trendy. I focus on connection, light, and storytelling rather than trends. Over the years, my style has become more minimal and refined, allowing real emotion to take centre stage.
Working with families means developing trust and connection. What do you feel is the most rewarding part of capturing these personal moments?
Knowing these images become family heirlooms. When families return years later with another baby or even with grown children and tell me how meaningful those photos have become, it reminds me why I do this. I’m not just taking photos; I’m preserving memories that will outlive us.
Can you walk us through a typical newborn session? What happens behind the scenes that clients may not realise?
A newborn session usually lasts several hours, even though clients may not realize it. There’s a lot of preparation – setting the temperature, sanitizing everything, preparing outfits and setups. We move slowly, adjusting to the baby’s rhythm. Sometimes the most beautiful image comes from an unplanned moment: a stretch, a yawn, a cuddle with mom.
Running a creative business across two countries requires strong leadership. What have been your biggest challenges as a business owner, and how have you overcome them?
Consistency and team management across borders are challenging. Each market has its own pace and expectations. I’ve overcome this by building strong teams, setting clear standards, and staying deeply involved creatively and operationally. Passion and structure have to work together.
Social media plays a huge role in the photography world today. How has Instagram or online presence influenced your brand and helped you reach new families?
Social media has allowed us to share not just finished images, but the heart behind our work. It has been an incredible storytelling platform for us. We were able to share the emotion behind each session – the quiet moments, the care, and the intention that goes into every image. It has helped us connect with families worldwide and build trust before they even walk into the studio. In many ways, it has helped humanize the brand, turning Little Thea Photography into a community rather than just a studio.
What trends are you currently seeing in newborn and maternity photography, and how do you maintain originality while meeting client expectations?
There’s a shift toward more natural, lifestyle-inspired imagery and less heavy styling. While trends come and go, I stay grounded in what feels authentic to my brand. Originality comes from staying true to your vision while listening to your clients – not copying what everyone else is doing.
Finally, what message would you like to share with new parents about the importance of documenting these early, fleeting moments?
These moments pass faster than you ever imagine. Sleepless nights fade, tiny fingers grow, and one day you’ll wish you could pause time. Photography gives you the chance to pause time, to remember how it felt, not just how it looked. Years from now, these images will be a reminder of where your story began, and that is truly priceless. Those memories are priceless.
By Lea Nouhra
