Morocco Photography Guide: Best Spots for Desert and Medina Shots

A visit to Morocco is nothing but a dream to photographers. The golden dunes of the Sahara Desert and the maze-like alleys of the ancient Medinas all present a frame-worthy moment. This Morocco Photography Guide will assist travelers and photography lovers to know the best places to take beautiful landscape of the desert, colorful souks and the Moroccan traditional culture. Go Kite Tours allows you to combine travel and photography in the most seamless manner as you explore the magic of Morocco.

Why Morocco is a Photographer’s Paradise

Morocco is a country of coexistence of tradition and modernity. The land is an impartation of color, drama, market-filled, and expansive deserts. The cities have their stories and each region has its opportunities to the photographers. You could be seeking the ideal sunrise in the Sahara, the effects of sunlight on the walls of the Medina or the art of Moroccan tiles, the possibilities are limitless.

This Morocco Photography Guide will be dedicated to the most attractive places of the desert and the hotspots of Medina, so you are not going to miss the chance to capture the iconic shots during the journey.

Here are the Best Spots for Desert and Medina Shots

1. Sahara Desert – Golden Dunes at Sunrise and Sunset

No journey to the Morocco is complete without the Sahara Desert. The dunes of Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga give a spectacular composition. The glowing orange color of sunrise and the dramatic shadows of sunset are the reasons why photographers flock here.

Tips for capturing the desert:

• Time: Get there early to enjoy the light in the morning or go late to enjoy the sunset.

• Angles: Low-angle shots stress the height of dunes.

• Props: You can add camels or tents of the nomads to your frames to add some culture.

The desert provides simple, but very effective shots that characterize the crude beauty of Morocco.

2. Chefchaouen – The Blue Pearl

Chefchaouen is situated in the Rif Mountains and is famous because of blue-washed streets in Medina. To photographers, it is a visual delight where all the alleys are painted in turquoise, cobalt and sky blue.

Best shots to capture:

• Slim alleyways and doorways and staircases with bright blues.

• Artisans in their shops.

• The city is observed through Spanish Mosque occupying panoramic views.

This picturesque town is the highlight in any Morocco Photography Guide since it offers an endless palette of colours and textures.

3. Marrakech Medina – A Photographer’s Playground

The Medina of Marrakech is a cluttered and interesting place. It is a best destination when it comes to street photography due to its souks, mosques, and palaces. This is the power that cannot be compared with any other, as vendors, spices, carpets, and the traditional Moroccan lamps occupy the frame.

Photography highlights:

• Jemaa el-Fnaa Square at the golden hour in which the market is alive.

• The intricately designed Bahia Palace and Ben Youssef Madrasa.

• Souk stalls showcasing lanterns, leather goods, and textiles.

Photographers need to take time to walk slowly, noticing everyday life. The Medina is best explored with patience to capture candid and authentic moments.

4. Fes – The Heart of Moroccan Tradition

Fes is one of the oldest cities in Morocco and one of the centers of culture and tradition. Its Medina is a World Heritage Site, so it's a must for photographers.

Top photography spots in Fes:

• The tanneries, where workers dye leather in vibrant pools.

• Narrow and winding alleys and crowded markets.

• The old Al-Qarawiyyin University.

Fes is a necessary addition to this Morocco Photography Guide because of both its history and artistry.

5. Ait Benhaddou – A Cinematic Landscape

A fortified village located in the old caravan route, Ait Benhaddou is well known as a movie set of several films including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. It has its earthen clay structures before the desert landscape that is the source of dramatic compositions.

Best shots to capture:

• Sunrise scenes of the whole ksar on the other side of the river.

• Specifications of conventional mud-brick houses.

• Portraits of locals in traditional attire.

For photographers who love architecture and cinematic scenes, this is a must-visit location.

6. Essaouira – Coastal Charm

Whereas Morocco is the land of deserts and Medinas, Essaouira adds a twist of the coast. The Atlantic waves, blue fishing boats and whitewashed walls will offer a refreshing change to the photographers.

Photography highlights:

• The busy fishing-port at sunrise.

• Seagulls flying over the city walls.

• Street art and colorful market scenes.

Essaouira provides a beachy, seaside counterpoint to your Moroccan photography trip.

Photography Tips for Morocco

In order to get the best out of your Morocco Photography Guide, the following points should be remembered:

• Golden Hour Magic-Mornings and evenings are the most flattering hours.

• Respect Local Culture - NEVER take photographs of people without permission, particularly in Medinas.

• Travel Light - This is a general purpose lens (24-70mm) which is used in street photography and landscape photography.

• Colors & Contrasts – Take advantage of the natural contrasts of blues, reds and golds in Morocco that make your photos vibrant.

• Document Everyday Life- In addition to scenery, record artisans, workers, and street performers.

  
  

Why Travel with Go Kite Tours

Go Kite Tours realizes that photography is not only about making pictures but about living in the moment in a very profound way. Our led tours in Morocco would make sure you arrive at the most photographic places at the appropriate time of the day. It can be a sunrise camel ride in the Sahara or a guided tour of the Medina in Marrakech, we assist in creating the possibilities of memorable shots.

Conclusion

Photographers will always be inspired by Morocco. The deserts are golden, the Medinas are colorful, the towns on the coastline, the mountain villages all come together to form the photographers dream. This Morocco Photography Guide has been able to address the best desert and Medina locations to make sure that you do not miss out any iconic photographs in your trip.

When you are planning your trip to Morocco, then Go Kite Tours will make you experience the trip and every turn has a story that can be photographed. Ready to frame your Moroccan adventure? Click here to start planning your photography-focused escape today.