Photographers have a knack for capturing other people. They do so with style, grace and a unique way of seeing the world that so few possess. Here at MADAME Arabia, we’re lucky enough to work with some of the most talented female photographers in the region – those whose work we admire on both a professional and personal level.

We were mid-conversation about our favourite creatives when inspiration struck. What if we asked the photographers to switch the narrative and take a photograph of themselves? So began the process of tasking four women, usually hidden on the other side of the camera, to take a portrait that showcases the essence of who they are and who they are becoming.

Perfect timing, you may say, with 2025 coming to an end and our feeds flooding with ‘New Year, New Me’ posts. This is what happened…

Augusta Quaynor

British-born and Dubai-based, Augusta Quaynor is a fashion film director, filmmaker and, for the last nine years, a photographer, who works internationally. Celebrated for her unique vision, the Bournemouth University Television Production graduate has been living in the UAE for the past 13 years. Her client portfolio spans global luxury brands like Chaumet, Fendi, Guerlain, Louis Vuitton, and Mall of the Emirates, to name a few. 

“This portrait is simple but not basic. A clean, well-framed image of me looking directly into the camera. I’m not performing or trying to be anything extra,” she shares. “I’m just being me. There’s nothing to decode or interpret.”

“In everyday life, I’m naturally joyful and smiley, but the moment a camera turns toward me, that joy shifts into seriousness like a light switch,” she adds. “That’s when I lock in, focus, and step into the more intentional, serious version of myself.”

“Through this portrait, I hoped to show a side of myself that is confident, composed, and quietly self-assured. When I photograph others, I focus on capturing their personality, their spontaneity, and their vibe, and that energy inspires me to take risks. But when I’m photographing myself, everything feels like it needs to be perfect and professional,” she says. “I hope they see a woman with a creative eye who can create beautiful images of herself just as confidently as she does for others. My style has always been about making women look beautiful and powerful, because that’s how I believe every woman deserves to feel.” @augusta.quaynor

Esra Sam

Esra Sam is an award-winning fashion photographer, videographer, and creative director whose German-Turkish roots and life between Europe and the UAE have shaped her distinctly global lens. Over the past decade, she has travelled the world, capturing campaigns and stories for some of the industry’s most influential names, including Prada, Chanel and Bvlgari. 

“The photograph reflects the version of me that feels most real, calm, slightly guarded, and more comfortable observing than being observed,” she notes. “I’ve always felt that the eyes give away too much, so the sunglasses became a quiet boundary. The light and shadow behind me do the rest, maybe they hold the parts of me I don’t always show.”

“I stepped in front of the camera and let the moment shape me. Self-portraits are uncomfortable for me, so whatever ended up in the frame is just what slipped through that discomfort – nothing curated, just honest presence.” @esrasam

Sandra Chidiac

Sandra Chidiac is a fashion and beauty photographer based between Dubai and Beirut. Her work has appeared in leading international titles, along with shooting for Prada, Dior, Armani, Elie Saab, as well as portraits of icons such as Magida El Roumi, Yousra, Kazem Al Saher, and Cristiano Ronaldo. She most recently saw her series on pioneering Saudi women for the Saudi Ministry of Culture featured at the World Expo in Osaka.

“I’m a photographer, a gym freak, and I naturally gravitate toward timeless, minimal looks,” she says. “I think all of that comes across in this photo. It’s me in full control, literally and metaphorically. I’m holding the camera, tethered to the laptop through that bright orange cable so I can see every frame as it happens, standing somewhere between artist and subject. The whole setup says, ‘I’m both the creator and the creation.’ It’s unapologetically direct, minimal, and a little rebellious … which feels very me.”

“Since around 2013, I’ve seen the industry shift from photographing models to photographing specific personalities. I’ve spent my career helping others embody that ‘main character energy’, but I rarely acted as one myself,” she notes. “This self-portrait was a small rebellion against that – a moment to step into the frame, on my own terms.” @sandra.chidiac

Tina Patni

Tina Patni has shaped the campaigns of some of the world’s leading luxury houses, including Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Bvlgari, Prada, Gucci, and Chanel. Her work has been featured across the world’s most influential fashion and lifestyle publications. 

“My portrait captures the essence of who I am by reflecting both strength and sensitivity, qualities that define me as an artist and person,” she shares. “The light, composition, and expression convey my connection to storytelling through images, calm yet intentional. It represents my eye for detail, love for authenticity, and the quiet confidence behind the camera. It’s not just how I look, but how I see the world – observant, creative, and deeply human. Through this image, I wanted to reveal my authentic self, both the artist and the subject.” 

“I hope people see a balance of strength and softness, the quiet curiosity that drives my art, and the layers of emotion beneath stillness,” she adds. “This photograph mirrors my inner world – reflective, passionate, connected to beauty, truth, and the stories that shape who I am.” @tinapatni