Reviews

In 2010 our creative holiday in Essaouira was featured in International Lifestyle Magazine.

Check on the page below and scroll through the online version of the magazine to read the full article.

Continue on for reviews of our Creative Holidays learning photography.

I have never been to Morocco before but Maison Du Sud certainly gave me the taste for it… The interior is amazing very traditional but still have the homely feel. The Staff were very friendly and very welcoming… they made the stay very relaxing and most enjoyable. Darren was a fantastic teacher and gave us a trip to remember taking us to places which were “hidden Gems”. I have learnt a lot from him, composition and framing has improved massively and i have regained my passion for Photography. I would recommend this trip in a heart beat. Thom, 2012 Trip Advisor Review.

I have just returned from one of the best holidays ever! Maison du Sud is perfectly situated in the centre of the busy Medina of Essaouira and yet once you step inside the riad you are greeted with a wonderfully calm and relaxed atmosphere. The hotel staff are all extremely friendly and helpful and the rooms clean, comfortable, spacious and full of character…Darren is a fantastic tutor, with seemingly endless patience and encouragement he taught me how to get the best from my camera, through both technique and composition. In addition to the photography I was lucky enough to spend 2 great days cooking traditional Moroccan dishes with Darren’s wife Naima. Darren and Naima were extremely generous hosts and both went to great lengths to ensure that my visit to Essaouira was one to remember. I can’t recommend this holiday highly enough and am hoping to return next year! Kate, 2012 Trip Advisor Review.

Carine and I would like to say thanks for a wonderful experience, the organisation was excellent, the locations fantastic and the photography lessons an inspiration. Its hard to put into words how much we learned as photography is a huge subject, but with your help and guidance you helped me significantly improve me understanding without making this vast subject too daunting. You kept it simple, pragmatic and fun & and the improvements are easy to see. Thanks to both you and Naima for a wonderful time & unforgettable holiday. Gordon & Carine April 2012

Just wanted to drop you a quick note to say thank you for all your hard work in making our first holiday in many years such an enjoyable experience, and one that we shall never forget. Terry & Bobby April 2012

Thank you so much for a great photography trip last week I had a brilliant time! It has given me inspiration and an urge to carry on taking pictures to the best of my ability! Val (Tafraoute Tour) Feb. 2012

My wife and I spent a week on a DSLR course at the photography school which is based in the Maison du Sud, a beautiful 18 th century riad with a helpful and friendly staff in the centre of the old part of Essaouira. We were both absolute beginners and at the start of the course we knew absolutely nothing about DSLR photography. At the end of the week we left not only with knowledge of camera techniques but also with an awareness of composition. Darren Lewey is an inspirational teacher and he ignited in us an enthusiasm for photography. The day after I returned from Essaouira I found myself recommending the course to a friend, a keen photographer. Peter & Yvette Feb. 2012

I thoroughly enjoyed my week in Essaouira absorbing the atmosphere of this fascinating place through a telephoto lens. Darren was a patient, helpful and constructive teacher who helped me to use my camera to much greater effect. I would recommend this course to anyone who is interested in developing their photography, regardless of their ability. I definitely learnt loads and have returned fired with enthusiasm to take even better pictures. Tricia February 2012

We went out on 4 days for the excellent cookery course run by his wife Naima and joined the photographers in the evenings and on a day trip to the countryside…We had a great time making home-cooked Moroccan food with Naima and joining Darren and the photographers for their day out into the countryside and in the evenings. Lesley & Gerry January 2012

The standard was really high on the course which forced me to a new level. I was happy with what I managed to do in a short space of time thanks to your advice Darren. Stephen December 2011.

Altogether an extremely enjoyable experience. I can say no more than that it exceeded my expectations so far as both the photography and cooking were concerned. Marian December 2011.

Having just returned from the 6 day course in Landscape photography around the Atlas mountains I want to thank Darren for a great experience. Darren is a generous host with a wealth of knowledge and experience to pass on to photographers of all levels of ability. My own photographic skills increased dramatically under Darren’s tuition and I came away with shots that I am proud to share with others. Mike Oct. 2011.

The whole experience was a very positive one on many levels and has inspired me to continue to try and develop my photography. I learnt a great deal in a ‘non-learning’ kind of way and found your approach excellent in drawing me to better ways of seeing. Colin Oct. 2011.

I admired your patience and your ability to explain complex topics in a simple manner. I really learnt from your feedback as to the importance of sharpness and good composition. The night photography class was fantastic. Ciaran Sept. 2011.

I joined others on a week’s photography course with Darren Lewey – Images in the Sun -and enjoyed one of the best week’s in a long while. Essaouira itself is very relaxed, charming, interesting, colourful, and the people are incredibly kind and welcoming. We were made to feel at home. The photography course was great, and Darren a very calm, friendly and thoughtful teacher. I learnt lots and wished I could have stayed longer to learn more; I visited places I wouldn’t have ventured to alone; and I felt encouraged, supported and challenged in terms of getting the most out of my photography. I also made some wonderful friends with whom I shall return to the shores of Morocco for yet more photography adventures I’m sure! The hotel was great – situated in the centre of the medina, the rooms were full of character and the staff were very friendly and helpful and clearly take great care and pride in their work. The course, the hotel and the town are all highly recommended. A fabulous way to get away. Rebecca August 2011 Tripadvisor

I signed up for a photography holiday with Darren Lewey and the accomodation was in this gorgeous Riad. Located in the heart of the medina and close to the port, it is in an ideal location and the staff are attentive and kind. I had a lovely rooftop terrace room which was spacious and cleaned every day. The photography course was one of the best things I have ever done. Darren is a great teacher and somehow managed to get me taking the photographs that I had always dreamed of taking but never thought I could! The town is beautiful, so relaxed and the people generous and open. I would recommend the Riad for a holiday, the photography course for anyone wishing to progress with digital photography and Essaouira itself for a releaxing break away from the rush of Marrakesh! Susanne August 2011 Tripadvisor

Essaouira is a truly magical place to visit and photograph and this was one of the best holidays I’ve had. The itinerary was perfectly paced, combining experience in a variety of photographic techniques with ample time to relax, explore and soak in the lively, exotic culture. Darren was an excellent teacher with endless patience, who managed to totally transform my technique over the course of the holiday. Maison du Sud itself a very restful, charming riad and wonderfully located. It was such a pleasure to be able to step straight out of my room onto the large, sunny roof terrace. The staff could not have been friendlier or more helpful and I felt like one of the family by the time I left. I’ll definitely be returning!  Abby June 2011

I have had a good camera for years, but while I understood how to use it, my pictures were unremittingly dull.  Darren has managed to combine the fun and relaxation of a holiday with a complete course in all the elements of the photography.  We have toured the Moroccan countryside, visited souks, stood atop waterfalls, and walked the ramparts of fortified towns.  Often we were the only Europeans in sight.  From the technical to the artistic, we have covered everything, and have done so at my pace (thanks Darren).  I left the holiday feeling that, at last, I could compose an image which would not embarrass my camera.  While the accommodation was superb, the food great, and the town lovely the real highlight was that this course did what it said on the tin – I left a much better photographer than I was when I arrived. Craig May 2011 Tripadvisor

Booked through Darren Lewey of Essaouira Images photographic holidays so didn’t know what to expect. Stayed for 11 nights in a room on the beautiful roof terrace. The riad turned out to be a delightful place, full of charm and character with very friendly and helpful staff. Felt more like home than a hotel. Took breakfast in the sun on the terrace amongst the gulls which was lovely. Found the ground floor dining area on the cool side although this would be a benefit later in the year. Martin March 2011  Tripadvisor