How to Take (Culturally Sensitive) Photos in Morocco

Morocco is a photographer's dream country - awe-inspiring snow-capped mountains, endless rolling mounds of Saharan sand, luscious green valleys filled with ripe dates; cities brimming with ancient monuments, glorious green-tiled mosques, and city squares filled with vivacious children, women offering henna, and men hawking freshly squeezed orange juice. Because of this, one might imagine that with the spectacular landscapes and local vibrancy, all one has to do is take out the digital camera, 'click' - and voila, out comes a perfect photo!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Camera (SLR or Digital)
• Cultural Sensitivity
• Fun Attitude

1. Perhaps you can get a few interesting photos this way, but in order to return from your Morocco adventure with some truly amazing shots, there are a few tricks of the trade that are worth learning before entering this North African paradise. Whether you want to focus on photographing mountain landscapes or children playing in villages, learning these few simple tips ahead of time will serve you well in the Maghreb.

2. 
    
   Moroccan Girl

   Photographing People
   
   Morocco, as I am sure you know now if you are planning a Moroccan trip, is a Muslim country, and it is quite common in Muslim countries for people to not want their picture taken. Islam does not permit representations of people or animals; as such, Moroccans may take offense to you simply pointing your camera at them and clicking away. Not only will this result in you ending up with a number of pictures of scowling, annoyed Moroccans, you will risk becoming an offensive intruder into one of the most hospitable countries in the world.

3. 
    
   Nonchalant Shots

   How to avoid this cultural faux-pas? There are a number of solutions. First, learn how to say in Moroccan Arabic, "May I take your picture?"--"Wash bgheetee n tsowrik (zhowreek)?" Asking politely may earn you the right to take the picture, and may even allow you to strike up a conversation with a local. Moroccans are some of the friendliest peoples on the planet, and showing a respect for their cultural sensitivities with earn you a returned respect that will make your Moroccan travels immensely more fulfilling.

4. 
    
   Marrakech Man

   Even if you politely ask, some Moroccans may be averse to having their photos taken. This is understandable, and should certainly be respected. However, there are a few ways to include people in photographs without offending the local population.
   
   The easiest way to photograph people without offending their sense of propriety is to choose to shoot scenes that do not center on people, but do have people within them. For example, focus in on a beautiful city gate with a young boy playing marbles beneath it; the young boy need not be the center of the photo, and by shooting the gate, you will not cause offense. However, you will end up with a lovely photograph that captures both stunning Moroccan architecture as well as the young child playing underneath. When people are shot within the context of their environment (and when they themselves are not the central focus of the photo), you can end up with some spectacular photos that capture the essence of the Moroccan people as well as the majestic environments in which they live.

5. 
    
   The Powerful Images Here

   Photographing Landscapes
   
   Photographing the stunning landscapes you will undoubtedly encounter in Morocco requires a bit of preparation; while not involving as much cultural astuteness as photographing people, preparation and knowledge is indeed required in order to capture luminous Moroccan geographical highlights such as the Rif Mountains, Sahara Desert, Todra Gorge, High Atlas Mountains and the M'Goun Valley.

6. 
    
   Sahara Almighty

   First, even if it takes some extra space, bring a tripod. A small, fold-up tripod will both travel well and will increase the clarity of your photos tremendously. Particularly if you are using a camera that allows you to adjust your shutter speed, tripods will be absolutely necessary. On particularly sunny days (which occur quite frequently in this warm North African country), a low shutter speed will be essential. You don't want shaky hands to ruin an otherwise gorgeous photo-op in the High Atlas Mountains!

7. Second, avoid shooting photographs at mid-day. While it may be tempting during your High Atlas trek to shoot off a round of photos during your lunch break, think about the effects of the mid-day light on your composition.
   
   Often the glaring light of mid-day offers harsh lighting and unattractive shadows. Consider instead shooting in the early morning (where you can capture the fresh morning mist rising up from a mountain lake) or late afternoon (when the setting sun against the rocky mountains creates a stunning mélange of organs and reds).

8. 
    
   The Blueness of It All

   Finally, consider the composition of your photographs. While one wants to instinctively shoot every gorgeous landscape one comes across in Morocco, remember that taking a few moments to organize the composition of the photo can lead to spectacular photographic results. Always have something in the foreground, middle and background of the picture, leading to an even, eye-pleasing combination.

Tips & Warnings

• Remembering these simple tips on photographing people and landscapes in Morocco will lead you to a plethora of photographing opportunities while traveling through this stunning country - whether you visit the cities or countryside, you will return from your journey with spectacular photographs that will always keep Morocco close to your heart long after the journey is over.
• Be Sensitive
• The farther you go south, it seems, the less people here liked to be photographed
• Be careful not to overdo it with pictures. Enjoy the journey through "memory shots" too

Resources

• Morocco Tours
• Morocco Guide