morocco

Hi Lucian,
I was in Morocco at the beginning of April for a week. I visited Casablanca, Marrakesh and the desert area near Merzouga. I can say that I didn’t encounter any problem photographing around and the people was pretty nice to me. Casablanca wasn’t that nice, Marrakesh was better and the road to the desert from there is beautiful. Hope I was of help and write back if you have some other question, ciao,
S.

Hi Lucian,
I travelled Morocco by car in 2004 – drove from Lisbon – for just under 3 weeks. I didn’t feel as much at ease photographing there as I do in Asia – most people don’t like to be photographed (but I seldom use a tele) and in some places I felt I had to watch out for my stuff. Try this for info link text
Asilah – touristy, picturesque seaside village/fortress, nice to hang about but not much ‘life’ in it
Larache – seaside village, not so touristy, more interesting
El-Jadida – Cité Portuguaise/old fortified village is touristy but interesting, the city is uninspiring but alive
Essaouira – wonderful to hang about, half of the Medina is for tourists – picturesque -, the other for local, thriving fishing port
Marrakech – I’d say it’s become a bit too touristy but still very much alive if you move away from tourist hang outs
Atlas/Djebel Toubkal – barren mountain landscape, wonderful villages and people, great place for a trek
Ait Benhaddou – picturesque but interesting nonetheless, though very much dead
Todra and Dades Canyons – beautiful landscape, palm oasis, nomad sheperds, troglodites, ksars and mountain villages
Erg Chebbi – huge sand dune (the only one in Morocco) in the middle of the stone desert
Fez – the Medina is very much alive though somewhat touristy in the centre
Meknes – little tourism though less photogenic setting
Food is really good and very affordable
Hope this helped.
Regards,
Ricardo

I spent almost two weeks there last fall. and it is a photographers delight. Sort of like India in that respect, but not quite as vibrant (or crowded).

Do remember that this is a Muslim nation and photography of people - even as accessories to a scene - is not always welcomed, especially in the rural areas. Ricardo’s characterizations of the places listed are accurate (I went to most of the places he listed, and also to Rabat, where my wife had some business, and I wish we had stayed there a little longer).

This is one country where, like the SW US, the geography/geology/land texture and the light alone are a treat for photographers.

Do try, as he suggests, to get away from the tourist places. Spend some time with the people, one-on-one (or two-on-two). They absolutely carry forward the Arab/Muslim tradition of welcoming the stranger who comes in peace. The train is a good way to travel between the cities in the north, but otherwise all trains start and end in Casa.