Travel Photographers Guide To Morocco.

Nov 19

Introduction
- My journey began in Sydney, where I boarded a flight to Barcelona to meet up with my daughter Bella, a gifted photographer. We spent some time capturing coastal and street scenes around the local area before attending a Henri Cartier-Bresson exhibition nearby to spark our creativity. This was the perfect prelude to our next adventure in Morocco—a country bursting with culture, color, and incredible photo opportunities.
Setting the Scene
- After Barcelona, we headed to Morocco, where we traveled in a circuit, starting in Fez and making our way through Chefchaouen, the Sahara Desert, Skoura, and finally ending in Marrakech. Morocco’s streets are a photographer’s dream, with every corner offering a new subject and story to capture. From the tranquil blue walls of Chefchaouen to the vibrant energy of the Jemaa el-Fnaa square in Marrakech, Morocco never failed to surprise and inspire.
- Along the way, I captured everything from candid street portraits to the awe-inspiring architecture and landscapes. These experiences and images are what I’ll share in this post, hoping they will inspire you to pick up your camera and start your own adventure.
Photographic Moments
- Chefchaouen, the "Blue Pearl" of Morocco. While walking through the narrow, cobbled streets, I encountered an elderly woman sitting peacefully on her doorstep, dressed in blue. Her calm expression and the backdrop of matching blue walls created a scene I’ll never forget.
- One of the most unforgettable experiences was in the Sahara Desert. We spent hours walking up and down the vast sand dunes, especially during the early morning and late afternoon. At these times, the light and shadows play across the dunes, bringing out incredible details and depth in the landscape. The golden hues of the sand shift with the changing light, making each moment feel like a new scene waiting to be captured.
- The camel trains were another striking feature of the desert, and I made sure to capture their journey across the endless expanse of sand. In some of my images, you can really get a sense of how immense and overwhelming the desert is. The camels, small against the vastness of the dunes, help tell the story of this endless and awe-inspiring landscape.
Equipment I Took to Morocco
- Weather Considerations: With Morocco’s coastal heat and the cold of the Atlas Mountains, packing light and being prepared for the climate was essential. I chose a weatherproof, small backpack to carry my gear safely and comfortably.
- Camera Gear: I packed two camera bodies, one of which stayed in the hotel for backup. Zoom lenses proved the most useful for travel, allowing me to be flexible with my shots. Here’s a rundown of the gear I took:
  - Lenses: Canon 24-70mm and 70-200mm
  - 2 full-frame Canon camera bodies
  - 4 memory cards and 4 batteries (extra power is essential for long shooting days)
  - A small off-camera LED light for low-light situations
  - A compact tripod for steady shots
- Backup and Storage: I always travel with my laptop and two hard drives. One stays at the hotel, while the other is with me for backups. If possible, I also upload to the cloud each night. This helps keep my photos safe and lets me reflect on the day’s work to get inspired for the next one!
Tips for Street Photography in Morocco
- Ask for Permission: Whether you’re photographing street performers or locals, always ask for permission, especially when it comes to portraits. I also recommend carrying a small amount of local currency for tips.
- Shooting Vertically & Horizontally: Changing your perspective can drastically alter the shot. I often switch between portrait and landscape orientation, especially when photographing people or intricate architectural details.
Challenges and How You Overcame Them
- Dealing with Crowds: Morocco’s markets, particularly in Marrakech, can be overwhelming. I found that early mornings or later in the day were the best times to capture scenes with fewer people.
- Cultural Sensitivity: While Moroccans are generally friendly, respect for privacy is important. I always tried to gauge the mood of a scene and ask for permission when photographing individuals, particularly in more rural areas.
Conclusion
- My time in Morocco was an eye-opening experience, not just as a photographer but as a traveler. The country’s diverse landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant street life provided endless inspiration. I’ve included a selection of images and videos from the trip in hopes they will inspire you to travel with a camera in hand. The world is full of beauty, and the people you meet along the way will leave a lasting impression. So, grab your camera, get out there, and start capturing the stories of the world around you!

Gear i used for this trip - Canon 5d mk4, Canon 70-200mm L IS F4 zoom lens, Canon 24-70mm L F2.8, Second backup Canon body 5d mk3, 4 x 64gb cards, 2 X 1 TB hard drives, 4 Canon batteries, all captures raw and processed in Capture one Pro with some editing in Photoshop. Forgot to say do take your Iphone and grab some BTS video and stills to add to your adventure footage, it just makes so much more interesting and also each image and video has your location within the data.