Photography Holidays and Photography Tours in Morocco: Welcome

Blue skies through the winter.

SiteOwner — Sun, 06 May 2012 09:25:32 +0000

Since the last blog it’s been a busy time with photography courses in Essaouira, alongside cooking weeks and the launch of a new tour off the back of trip to Morocco’s south east…John and Clare Simmons came out and each enjoyed their own activity, John with a week’s cooking with Naima and Clare with myself and Shimona who’d booked through Goleranto for a week’s photography holiday. An extremely cool head in the kitchen John breezed through the week’s recipes.

Also in March, Eva, Jane, Emma, James all arrived independently and enjoyed mostly cloud free days. The rains this year failed to materialise at the crucial time and there was only a splatter in late March, not enough to encourage the wheat. A photography holiday without rain is a given and we’re very lucky in Essaouira in that the few rainy days we have are confined to mostly overnight showers. ’March 5′s’ galleries can be seen here.

Caroline and Lucy, our first guest from Hong Kong, took advantage of mid April’s fine weather and produced some memorable galleries of photos. The waterfalls as Sidi M’bark have seen a better flow of water in the past but nonetheless the local boys and shepherds still took advantage of its natural beauty and grazing potential. Blue skies and an assortment of rich earthy colours typify the geology of this area south of Essaouira. Gazing at Morocco’s map will tell you that the Atlas mountains start in this region.

May has now arrived and bookings are coming in for October and beyond. Available dates are published on the Essaouira page so get in touch to reserve your week’s holiday.

A sneak peek at the new Photography Tour photos.

SiteOwner — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 07:48:51 +0000

Get the complete set of images here.

Travel Photography and landscape photography in the Anti-Atlas.

SiteOwner — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 12:05:07 +0000

with a mixture of landscape photography, people, abstract and interiors, Peter, Val and Jason enjoyed some lovely scenery from the comfort of a Toyoto Landcruiser 4×4, hopping out to take photos at various locations. We had some fine weather for landscape photography; sunny days with some light clouds offering depth to the skies. Polarisers earned their corn on the trip and the kit was all Nikon, with Val and Brian committed enthusiasts from the Macclesfield Camera Club and Jason a previous course attendee here in Essaouira. Adding to their travel photography portfolios amidst a little bit of walking and the odd Hammam seemed the name of the game and the sun of course was a constant battle to avoid;-).

We stayed at two new hotels this time: We’ve found a new Riad in Marrakesh, Riad Amskal, which we’re pleased with and the Hotel Palais Salam in Taraoudant which is a good 4 star splurge and has one essential advantage: it’s easy to find embedded into the medina wall next to a key entrance. Taradouant is one of those towns with its one-way system that seems to confuse. Nevertheless the medina wall in the the late afternoon and early morning light is Taraoudant’s stellar star.

By day 3 we were at Tafraoute which is a lovely place. It’s a small town, clean and quiet with few tourists and a great base for trips around the region. In the campsites that line the Tiznit road, set against a backdrop of boulders are the French Foreign Legion in the their camper vans; it’s a beautiful area. Photographically the rock surrounding Tafraoute are very absorbing. It’s easy to spend a whole day at two sites which we nearly did. South of Tafraoute and worthy of a one-day adventure by 4×4 is the Mansour series of gorges scored by near empty villages that offer the chance to photograph Berber houses without satelitte dishes.

Strangely the route of the amelns just north of Tafraoute was absent of almond trees, characteristically in full blossom this time of year; a strange quirk for this year perhaps but one that could do with revising. 50km from Tafraoute is Kasbah Tizourgane, another glorious stopping off point. The time of day feels critical here but it’s not always to arrive at morning or evening light. Still it’s a stunning example of fortification. Landscape photography workshops as part of a tour covering travel photography are available in February and October each year. This month’s galleries of images can be seen here and the Tafraoute page for details of the next trip.

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 Feb. 2012

A busy January – Times winners & Pastilla par excellence.

SiteOwner — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 13:40:42 +0000

Amongst 3 photography weeks during January and early February, Leigh arrived from Wales armed with some really decent kit. Both an experienced veteren of camera club and international competitions Leigh was extremely able with his a Canon 1DS and 17-40 and EF70-200 lenses, (the latter perhaps the sharpest lens Canon has produced to date). With people photography high on his list, Leigh had a ball both engaging with locals and shooting more covertly. His incisive crisp focusing and control of depth of field really marks his images out as the best people photography to date here in Essaouira. Leigh’s galleries can be seen here.

Cooking became a big feature in January and it’s part of an ongoing plan to offer more activities for couples and singles. Gerry and Lesley came for a week’s cooking holiday with my wife Naima. Each day there was a different combination of starter and main course and the results by lunch time were quite exceptional. I can vouch for that! Pastillas are in no way fast food but Lesley and Gerry really came to grips with the technique of this quintessential recipe. Courses in Moroccan cuisine start at £695 pp. for the week inclusive of evening meals, 4 lunches, accommodation and transfers. Enquire for a week’s rate for couples.

Finally Yvette and Peter claimed their prize of a week’s photography holiday winning the Times competition, spending 8 days in sunny Essaouria with me and here’s what Peter had to say about his creative photography holiday:

“…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…” Their galleries can be seen here.

December’s souks are a bazaar. Photography Holidays for beginners.

SiteOwner — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 10:44:40 +0000

On a Photography Holiday for beginners, there’s little doubt that a visit to one of the local souks is a feast for the eyes. Souk Had Draa offers quite a spectacle: camels reluctantly being loaded onto trucks for their journey south into the Moroccan Sahara, an assortment of meat sellers, vegetable stalls and the ubiquitous cooking dens spouting charcoal smoke. Taking photos is a challenge but one that really tests the senses and the 3 guys and 4 ladies who visited during December really enjoyed seeing something exceptionally vivid that will live long in the memory. Photographically, Sarah’s abundance of high quality images of the regions’ menfolk takes some beating and is the best collection of photographs from the souk to date. Her Nikon D700 and superb Nikon 24-70 offer an unrivaled clarity for the price. A selection of her photos can be seen here.

Meanwhile December also offered a chance to explore the geology around Sidi M’Bark, part of our Photography Tour on Wednesdays. Successful landscape photography in these parts requires attention to texture and form. Foreground interest and the juxtaposition with distance scenes offers the viewer something more than a wide view where it’s difficult to pick out detail. Wide angle lenses whilst seemingly ideal for landscape work can produce photos that look a little like snaps. If using one, it’s much better to get close to your first subject and create a large depth of field. Above all seek out texture and form within your landscape and also think about using telephotos and shooting with the portrait format. Stephen, Guy and Himal all capitialised on the abstract possibilities offered on the beach at M’ Bark. Their complete galleries can be seen here. If you’re choosing a photographic holiday with any supplier always look to find examples of course participants work to give you some idea of what you can achieve with a week’s learning.

The charge of Fantasia

SiteOwner — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 11:04:13 +0000

A Fantasia is a team of competing horses with groups of riders, wearing traditional clothes charging in line before firing their old gunpowder guns, the Moukahla into the sky. Fantasia is a perfect example Moroccan folklore and its well groomed Barb a show of pride amongst Moroccan’s wealthy village elders and landowners.

The performance is inspired from historical wartime attacks of Berber and desert knights. The difficulty of the performance is synchronization during the acceleration and especially during firing so that one single shot is heard.

This colorful display of horsemanship begins with a procession made up of women from the Zayaan tribe on horseback. First in line are the virgin women of the Zayaan tribe; behind them are the village men.

The performance reflects the strong relationship between man and horse as is perceived in Islam. While each region in Morocco has one or several fantasia groups, called serba. There is a Berber saying that “only men and virgin women are allowed to ride these magnificent animals,” because non-virgins may cause the stallion to loose its power and speed.

You can also experience the Fantasia near Essaouira at the end of the first week of May. To book your place for a week’s holiday starting on the 4th or 5th of May contact:

darren@photomaroc.co.uk

Holidays in Morocco: Photography, Cooking and a Balloon ride.

SiteOwner — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:28:56 +0000

Holidays in Morocco have never been as enticing. With low cost airlines offering routes into Marrakesh and Agadir there’s a wealth of opportunities for a week of culture, adventure, sun and relaxation. We specialise in photography and cooking holidays in Morocco from our base in the historic port town of Essaouira. Unlike other holiday companies we’re located here so we like to think we can provide the best up to date information to make your holiday a fantastic experience.

The Sutton’s recently chose to take a Morocco Holiday here in the relaxing Atlantic port town of Essaouira to celebrate an anniversary. They immersed themselves in a week of different activities including photography workshops, cooking classes, music lessons as well as a balloon ride. They stayed in the Riad Maison du Sud, which is our chosen accommodation in Essaouira, a splendid authentically restored 18th Century house in the heart of the medina and each night they dined at a different restaurant offering a range of culinary experiences.

Photography Workshops

Learn how to take photographs that really capture the essence of a place. We specialise in photography workshops for beginners that focus on how to use your DSLR.

Moroccan Cooking

Take classes in the intricacies of Moroccan cuisine and learn how to make wonderful Tagines which includes a spice market tour and some spices to take home.

Horse Riding

Explore the dunes of Essaouira. It’s magical approaching sunset on Essaouira’s vast sandy beaches. Suitable for beginners and experienced riders.

You can also choose to get into the groove with our very own music maestro, Abdellah who teaches how to start playing the bongos. He’ll jam along of course so you can miss the occasional beat.

You can also round off your holiday with a balloon ride in the valley of the Atlas Mountains. For a holiday in Morocco, choose your own personalised itinerary for the week with price starting at £805pp. Email info@photomaroc.co.uk to make your reservation.

Landscape Photography Tour Morocco Oct. 2011

SiteOwner — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 20:20:41 +0000

In a diversion from the Essaouira based photography holidays the year’s first Morocco photography tour kicked off with Mike & Colin arriving in Morocco in early October to grab some great photos of Morocco’s Anti-Atlas. Both carrying Nikon kit Colin, Mike, Ali, Naima and myself set off in the Toyoto Prado 4×4 after a night in Marrakesh(and celebrations amongst the local ladies after Morocco’s victory in football) and headed for the Atlas mountains and Tiz’n’Test pass where we enjoyed a superb Berber omelette in one of the remotest but beautifully situated cafés you’ll ever find. Late afternoon we arrived in Taraoudant and quickly set to work in the setting afternoon sun hunting the light and finding it warmly glowing against the town’s impressive medina wall. Both Mike and Colin had some solid photographic holiday experience behind them but this photography tour Morocco bound was a chance to take advantage of the golden hour of light most landscape photographers set their clocks to. A few shots in the bag were supplemented by some very comfortable rooms at the guesthouse in Taraoudant. The next day after an excellent breakfast we drove about 4 hours to Tata stopping en-route at a village where we were befriended by a local chap who guided us via his moped at rapid speed around the village. It was hugely entertaining and both M & C got some portraits of local women. The route to Tata is impressive offering the emergence of Morocco’s desert. Tata itself made an impression on us for its remoteness and look of the people who are much darker than further north but it’s a town that could really do with a makeover. Still the landscape feels Saharan although there is not quite the dunes found in Merzouga further east. Rattling through the late afternoon light, down tracks in the 4×4 took us to a one wonderful spot overlooking a valley. M & C made great use of the fading light on a ridge looking down on to the desert.

The next day Tafraoute beckoned and the landscape changed once again. Huge boulders and rugged mountains envelope the town. It’s a wonderful spot, with very little tourism but yet is relaxed, friendly with good hotels to match. The oasis villages a short drive from Tafraoute also offer superb opportunities for landscape photography. In all the 6 day trip was a stimulating holiday and I think produced two excellent galleries of images(from the hundreds of photos taken) which really show Mike’s and Colin’s different approaches to composition. Their respective galleries can be viewed here. The next tour is in February so to be one of three photographers on the holiday reserve your seat now.

Bring on the Night – photography workshops after sunset

SiteOwner — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 10:41:17 +0000

Photography is all about finding the light and here in Essaouira it’s usually in abundance but on a photographic holiday you want to explore the range of photographic opportunities. Night time photography offers something completely different when street lighting is the only source of illumination. Both Jackie and Ciaran were keen in the last week of September to take some photos of Essaouira’s atmospheric backstreets and alleys. The old fortifications combined with the night time sea air are suggestive of a town unchanging and of course this is part of Essaouira’s charm. The main challenge of night time imagery is firstly to be able to see what one is doing so at the very least always take a small penlight with you. Most DSLRs have an illuminated LCD screen but that can be tricky to see when your camera is positioned at head height so a torch will help you see the camera’s screen at the back. Of course you’ll also be using a tripod and this helps both steady the camera for slow shutter speeds and also slows down your working processes which can help you think about better compositions.

Many photographers always work with a tripod. It’s a much more Zen way of working. Whilst a tripod steadies the camera you’ll also need to use your self timer setting which also helps to eradicate image blurring as your finger is not engaged in pressing the button which can transmit vibrations. Secondly you may also have the option of mirror lock-up which can further prevent camera shake. In terms of exposure, cameras are set to give you an average reading so a dark subject will appear slightly lighter and a bright subject vice versa. To get naturalism and often the desired moodiness at night time, under-expose by a stop or so to see the shadows fall nicely into shade. Jackie and Ciaran came at for a photography holiday in the last week of September flying with Easyjet. Their galleries can be seen here.

The Spice of Life

SiteOwner — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 10:27:17 +0000

Negotiating the local customs and craziness is all part of the creative photography holiday experience and surely it beats any photography course in the UK for a shot in the arm…

Cat and Linda were out this week and as far as activity holidays for ladies go this one surely provided no end of entertainment. Linda, well travelled had yet to visit Morocco and she enjoyed herself immensely, quite the adventurer that she is what with over zealous Hammans with the buckets of water and the kind-hearted attention of the local shopkeepers, her 7 days were full of spice. The two ladies experienced a Henna tattoo each plus some beach photography in some of the strongest winds I’ve experienced here. Linda also started her week with a cooking class.

Rather fittingly Cat was rather keen on the local moggies who aside from sleeping and receiving their generous fishy titbits are numerous in the streets of Essaouira. She also took a shine to Mika at Cafe SidiM’Bark. The cat calendar, which I keep threatening to subject past course attendees to, is nearing its best 10 images of feline dispositions within Essaouira. Cat is currently studying for a degree in art at Bolton University and the galleries here specialising in African art perfectly complemented her emerging photography.

The night with the Gnawa at the Malak Restaurant was one of the week’s highlights with the girls dancing their way into the memories of the staff followed closely by Cat being led astray at the Wednesday country market by one man intent of selling her a necklace. In a case of bad cop even worse cop, the man’s accomplice – he claimed his wife – was more persuasive shall we say. However Cat’s bargaining tools were a match and she snatched a good price for some local silver. 100DH (about £8). Linda and Cat flew BMI and Easyjet respectively and stayed at the Maison du Sud as featured in the Times in August.

Both their galleries can been viewed here.