Visual storytelling rooted in the landscapes, traditions, and everyday life of the UAE

Led by photographer and creative director Yiannis Roussakis, the studio's work is a long-term exploration of how heritage and contemporary ideas coexist. From the quiet edges of the desert to the structured geometry of the city, each image is a study of place and permanence.

Our photography is more than an archive; it’s a living document of cultural memory. It’s about understanding how spaces hold meaning, how rituals endure, and how life unfolds against the backdrop of change. Through exhibitions, curated projects, and installations, these stories are brought to life not as nostalgia, but as vivid, current expressions of place and identity.

Yiannis's work has been widely recognized in media like The National and CNN, acknowledging its authenticity and contribution to visual culture in the UAE. For us, photography is not about capturing moments - it’s about witnessing them with clarity and respect.

Cultural Heritage Photography: Stories of Places and People

At Firstimage.ae heritage photography is about presence. It’s about being where things happen, understanding the rhythm of life, and capturing the moments that define it. For over a decade, our work has focused on the landscapes, traditions, and people of the UAE — documenting not just the visible, but the felt.

We look for the ordinary that endures: the architecture that still holds its shape, the gatherings that repeat year after year, the spaces where history and daily life intersect. There’s no spectacle in this — just life as it is, grounded and real. Our goal is simple: to create images that resonate with truth and carry the weight of place.

Our photography is used by cultural institutions, developers, and collectors who value work that is specific, unembellished, and rooted in context.

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