Morocco is one of these countries that is very prejudicial towards photography. From one side it is amazingly photogenic, from another, because of the cultural aspect you might face some difficulties photographing there. With all that, it is one of my favorite photography destinations in the world, and I do yearly photography workshops to Morocco.
Everyone warned me about photographing there! They said people get aggressive towards tourists with cameras, you might have to pay them off, or even get into trouble.
Well, guess what? I spent three months in that very country anyway, and here I am to tell the story! While the warnings had some truth to them, I found a few ways to work around it and still come back with some amazing photos.
Now, let's dive into my Morocco photography tips and ideas!
TIPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHING PEOPLE IN MOROCCO
One of the easiest tips is to photograph un-intrusively. I've written a full article about photographing people un-intrusively, but let me guide you through it anyway.
Don't get too close: make the person part of the scene. No one can come to you and say, "Hey, why are you photographing me?" You are there, photographing the scene. The fact that the person walked into your scene is not your fault. It works best with a wider lens, the person most likely won't even be aware they're in the frame.
Shoot from a low angle: when people see you shooting from a very low angle, they won't think you want to include them in the frame.
Use a telephoto lens: personally, I prefer shooting with short focal lengths, but in Morocco it might be a good idea to distance yourself a bit with a telephoto lens.
Photograph people who are engaged in some activity: working, busy people have their minds occupied and couldn't care less about photographers.
Genuinely connect: that's a photography rule that works in other places of the world as well. Just have the human connection first, and only then engage in photography.
PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR TIPS FOR MOROCCO
In general, I'd recommend a zoom lens like 24-70mm for capturing shots in alleys and a range of wide to medium compositions. Additionally, a longer telephoto lens such as 70-200mm, coupled with a wide-aperture lens like f/1.4 or similar for low light scenes, can be beneficial.
If you plan to go to the desert and do some landscape photography, a tripod is recommended.
For many years, my personal full-frame camera kit included:
- 24-70mm f/2.8 lens
- 50mm f/1.2 lens
- 135mm f/2 lens
More recently, as I've leaned toward street photography, I use a crop body with the following lenses:
- 18mm f/1.4
- 33mm f/1.4
- 18-50mm f/2.8
- 90mm f/2
Personal tip: I often choose a single lens and stick with it for the entire session. This approach helps me stay more focused and engaged in the present moment. I intentionally disregard other focal lengths and concentrate on what I can create, rather than what I could potentially achieve.
IDEAS FOR PHOTOGRAPHY IN MOROCCO
Unrelated to which city you're in, I have found that the best places to photograph are the older areas of the cities, the so-called medinas. There are several reasons for that:
Tip 1, the photogenic textures: there is nothing else like the old walls and their texture to take me back to medieval times. The place is so authentic, I can't think of another place like it. You don't even need to chase people, you can build all your photography in Morocco around that.
Tip 2, plenty of early morning activity: there is always a lot more activity in the old cities in the morning than in the normal residential areas. Right before sunrise you can start capturing people and movement, and early in the morning, people care less about photographers, they have their own agenda and don't really care about you.
Tip 3, photogenic narrow alleys in the medina: the narrow alleys in the old Moroccan cities provide great opportunities for a photographer. Because the walls are quite high, I would get into these at about 9am when the sun finds its way inside, and start looking for visuals. Once I find one, I would stay there for a few minutes and wait for a person to enter my frame. In popular street photography terms, it's called fishing.
Tip 4, look for light in the old cities: the old cities are a treasure box of interesting light spots. I could spend hours looking for these.
Tip 5, the leather tanneries in Fes and Marrakech: these are the most touristic spots in both cities. While culturally interesting, you might find yourself almost pressured to go there by random local guys on the streets. My best photography tip for the tanneries would be to go as early as you can, that will help you avoid the crowds and the sticky, so-called tour guides on the streets.
Tip 6, the food markets: they're always busy and culturally interesting, I'd recommend them for any photography trip to any country. Just go there and see how the locals live and shop.
Tip 7, the old shops: especially the light and rug shops. They are so vibrant and interesting that you just can't pass by them. Another good thing is that owners usually have no problem if you photograph the shops, you're a potential buyer after all.
Tip 8, the doors in the old cities: this is a 100% Morocco photography tip. This place is full of beautiful carved doors, and if you're a doors lover, you have the potential to come back home with hundreds of photographs of doors.
Tip 9, the walls in the old cities: I'm a big fan of photographing the city walls in Morocco, their colors, textures, and shapes are truly magnificent, and if you're lucky to find a cool shadow on them, you can create truly special images.
Tip 10, views from the roofs: if you can get yourself up on a roof or high point in an old city, just do it. Moroccan cities are no less interesting to photograph from above than from below.
Tip 11, photographing cemeteries: might sound creepy, but hey, we're here to get tips on where to photograph, and this is another one of mine.
MOST PHOTOGENIC CITIES TO PHOTOGRAPH IN MOROCCO
I spent three months in Morocco, and I can't say I even covered half of what I initially planned. The reason for that was that Morocco is so interesting and photogenic, every place I went, I just spent longer than I initially planned.
MARRAKECH, THE PINK CITY
You can't skip that one! If I had to choose one city to photograph in Morocco, it would be Marrakech. You can easily spend a week there, getting lost in the small alleys or chasing light on the city wall. This city is amazing! It is real and extremely photogenic.
This is also one of the cities where I run a full seven-day photography workshop, simply because it has the most to offer for a photographer.
Spend at least 2-3 days there, but if you can, spend 5 or more.
FES, THE CULTURAL CAPITAL OF MOROCCO
Fes is one of Morocco's oldest and most culturally rich cities. It offers photographers a wealth of fascinating subjects to capture, from the leather tanneries to the roofs with stunning views over the city. I would allocate at least 3 days to explore the city.
RABAT, THE CAPITAL CITY OF MOROCCO
For me, Rabat was a surprise, I didn't expect much from it from a photography point of view, but was met with beautiful city walls and an interesting white and blue colored old city.
I visited during COVID so attractions like Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V were closed, but I know that they are very photogenic, so you should add these to your list of things to photograph.
If I were to go back, I would allocate at least 2 days there.
ESSAOUIRA
Essaouira is much smaller than I anticipated and yet packed with charm and photographic opportunities.
Spend at least one early morning and late afternoon at the port, and the rest of the time, explore the small streets of the old city.
This is the place where I captured more than 100 different doors, it is door heaven in Morocco.
Spend at least 2 days there.
EL JADIDA
Another small city that deserves at least a one-day stop, my photographic focus would be the old city and beachside area.
TIZNIT
A small town with a beautiful old city, definitely worth a one-day stop.
THE DESERT: MERZOUGA
Morocco has magnificent dunes in the Merzouga area, if it's on your way, don't hesitate to spend a night there. Go out early in the morning and you will find a majestic play of light and shape on the sand, they photograph so well! Just be very careful with the sand, don't change lenses out in the open, because you can easily find your sensor covered with sand. I had to scrupulously clean all my photography gear after visiting there, sand managed to get its way through to the most unimaginable places.
THE BLUE CITY: CHEFCHAOUEN
Although mostly overrun by group tourism, it is still a beautiful and special destination to photograph in Morocco.
Good for 2-3 days of photography.
TETOUAN, THE WHITE CITY
If you have some extra time, make your way up to the north and visit this magnificent place. All the old part of the city is snow white, which is absolutely beautiful. And since there is almost no tourism there, you will find yourself having this photogenic city just for yourself.
I'd recommend taking at least 2 days to explore.
AÏT BENHADDOU, THE GLADIATOR SHOOTING LOCATION
Aït Benhaddou is mostly famous for its appearance in the movie Gladiator, where Maximus gets sold into slavery. It's more of an "on the way" destination. You can swing by while traveling elsewhere, or stay for a night to photograph the golden light washing over the palace early in the morning.
This list isn't exhaustive! There are many other amazing places I haven't included yet. I just haven't spent enough time in those spots to form a solid photographic opinion and offer the best tips.
Which ones are your favorite places for photography in Morocco?