Morocco is a photographer’s dream, offering an endless array of stunning locations and unique photo opportunities. This guide will help you capture the perfect shots while respecting local customs and maximizing the best light conditions.
Photography Etiquette in Morocco
Cultural Considerations
- Always ask permission before photographing people
- Respect privacy, especially around mosques
- Offer small tips (10-20 MAD) if taking portraits
- Be mindful during prayer times
- Avoid photographing military/government buildings
Best Times for Photography
- Golden Hour: 1 hour after sunrise and before sunset
- Blue Hour: 30 minutes before sunrise and after sunset
- Early morning for empty medina shots
- Late afternoon for desert photography
Top Photography Locations
1. Chefchaouen: The Blue Pearl
Best Spots:
- Spanish Mosque Hill (Sunrise)
- Time: 6:00-8:00 AM
- Location: 15-minute hike from medina
- Perfect for city panoramas
- Blue Staircase
- Location: Near Place Outa el Hammam
- Best time: Early morning
- Famous Instagram spot
- Winding Blue Alleys
- Time: 10:00 AM (best light)
- Multiple locations throughout medina
- Look for colorful pots and doors
Photography Tips:
- Use wide-angle lens for narrow streets
- Include people for scale
- Look for color contrasts (yellow/orange against blue)
- Shoot during golden hour for warm light on blue walls
2. Marrakech Medina
Prime Locations:
- Djemaa el-Fna
- Sunset from rooftop cafes
- Night food stalls
- Street performers (with permission)
- Ben Youssef Madrasa
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Best light: Mid-morning
- Focus on architectural details
- Majorelle Gardens
- Opening: 8:00 AM
- Go early to avoid crowds
- Famous blue walls and cacti
Technical Tips:
- High aperture for architectural shots
- Fast shutter speed for market scenes
- Use HDR for high contrast situations
- Tripod needed for low-light shots
3. Sahara Desert
Key Photo Opportunities:
- Erg Chebbi Dunes
- Sunrise camel treks
- Sunset from high dunes
- Night sky photography
- Desert Camps
- Golden hour tent shots
- Campfire scenes
- Star trails at night
Camera Settings:
- Use lens hood for sun flare
- Fast shutter speed for sand in wind
- ISO 1600+ for night shots
- Wide aperture for stars
4. Fes Medina
Must-Capture Locations:
- Leather Tanneries
- Morning light best
- Shoot from leather shops
- Use telephoto lens
- Al Quaraouiyine Mosque
- External shots only
- Best light: Early morning
- Architectural details
- Spice Markets
- Mid-morning light
- Close-ups of spice piles
- Ask permission from vendors
Technical Advice:
- High ISO in covered souks
- Stabilization for low light
- Wide angle for narrow streets
- Macro for detail shots
5. Essaouira
Photo Spots:
- Ramparts
- Sunset shots
- Ocean views
- Seabird photography
- Fishing Port
- Blue boats at dawn
- Fishermen at work
- Morning fish market
- Medina Walls
- Golden hour light
- Architectural details
- Street scenes
Shooting Tips:
- Weather-seal camera for sea spray
- Polarizing filter for water shots
- Fast shutter for seabirds
- Wide angle for ramparts
Camera Gear Recommendations
Essential Equipment
- Weather-sealed camera body
- Wide-angle lens (16-35mm)
- Standard zoom (24-70mm)
- Polarizing filter
- Lens cleaning kit
- Dust protection
Optional Gear
- Telephoto lens (70-200mm)
- Tripod for night/architecture
- ND filters for bright days
- External flash
- Backup batteries
Post-Processing Tips
Color Enhancement
- Boost blues for Chefchaouen
- Warm tones for desert
- Contrast for architecture
- Vibrance for markets
Recommended Presets
- Warm Morocco
- Desert Tones
- Medina Mood
- Blue City
Smartphone Photography
Best Apps
- Snapseed for editing
- VSCO for filters
- Lightroom Mobile
- ProCam for manual control
Phone Camera Tips
- Use HDR mode
- Clean lens frequently
- Use grid lines
- Tap to focus
- Use burst mode for action
Seasonal Photography Tips
Spring (March-May)
- Wildflowers in Atlas Mountains
- Green landscapes
- Clear skies
- Perfect temperatures
Summer (June-August)
- Harsh light mid-day
- Beach scenes
- Early morning shoots
- Late evening sessions
Fall (September-November)
- Golden desert light
- Comfortable temperatures
- Harvest scenes
- Clear skies
Winter (December-February)
- Snow in Atlas Mountains
- Dramatic clouds
- Quieter tourist sites
- Soft light
Instagram Spots by City
Marrakech
- Royal Mansour Gardens
- La Mamounia
- El Badi Palace
- Riad Courtyards
- Souk Spice Displays
Fes
- Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate)
- Rooftop Views
- Leather Tanneries
- Ceramic Factories
- Traditional Fountains
Tangier
- Caves of Hercules
- Kasbah Views
- Cape Spartel
- Café Hafa
- Mediterranean Views
Safety Tips for Photographers
Equipment Safety
- Use camera strap
- Secure camera bag
- Keep backup memory cards
- Insurance for gear
- Regular cleaning
Personal Safety
- Know your surroundings
- Keep valuables concealed
- Use official guides
- Avoid night shooting alone
- Keep copies of photos
Conclusion
Morocco offers endless opportunities for stunning photography, from ancient medinas to vast deserts. Remember to balance getting the perfect shot with experiencing the moment, and always respect local customs and privacy.
Need help planning your photography adventure in Morocco? Our photo tours provide expert guidance and access to the best shooting locations.
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