Photography

Marrakech is a city that was made to be photographed and lives up to its nickname of ‘The Red City’ with its soft peach buildings, ancient middle eastern architecture, and bright medina. It is an overwhelming adventure for your senses. With its colorful corners, symmetrical architecture, and lively vibe, it’s not only a destination full of exciting opportunities but also most of the Instagramable ones. Whether you are a professional photographer or an amateur who wants to capture magical images for your own memory, the vibrance and visual contrast of Marrakech Photography is something that every photographer dreams about.

Marrakech Photography Rules

While Marrakech is a photographer’s dream city, it can also be a difficult one to photograph. Moroccan people do not like to be photographed, and it is not uncommon for a shop owner to firmly tell you not to take pictures even from a distance.

Whenever you choose to take photographs of local people it is always best to ask their permission first. You also want to reconsider just how much camera equipment you bring with you since blending in as a photographer in Marrakech is ideal for getting the photos you want without standing too much and annoying local people. Some I-phones are nowadays very suitable for taking beautiful pictures and are more low profile than professional equipment.

Best time to photograph

You will find that the best times to photograph Marrakech will be in the early morning and at sunset when the sun allows for softer streams of light, and the locations are also less crowded. But medina pictures with the crowds are also very memorable, which is usually in the late afternoon.

Best photography locations

Le Jardin Secret Garden

Le Jardin Secret Garden is located within the old town of Marrakech. The garden is absolutely stunning with features and pavilions throughout, making for some great picture opportunities. Read more about Le Jardin Secret here.

 

Souks

A visit to Marrakech isn’t complete without getting lost amongst the maze of the medina and its souks. They are the bustling heart of Marrakech and the city’s main market. Overwhelmingly amazing and bewildering bazaar places, and along their sheer endless alleys and passageways you get to generate the finest photographs for yourselves.

Old City Medina

The old city medina will be one of your favorites and also the most difficult to take a photograph. There is always something happening everywhere you look which makes it a chaotic environment. You will find beautiful alleyways, doorways, and an endless array of market stalls that make for a stunning photograph.

Ben Youssef Madrasa

Ben Youssef is located within Marrakech and is one of the most stunning works of Moroccan architecture you will witness while in Marrakech. Nestled near the museum of Marrakech, this is an unexpected marvel to photograph. You can also get creative with the angles and shadows in your photographs. Check out all Marrakech monuments here.

Koutoubia Mosque

This mosque is hard to miss as it is the tallest mosque you see while exploring Marrakech. The mosque’s minaret stands at 77m tall and you’ll find it quickly becomes your compass while traveling. This beautiful structure acts as the focal point of any photo and becomes an exquisite background for any of your street photographs. Read more about the Koutoubia Mosque here.

El Badi Palace

The El Badii Palace is an excavated palace that is absolutely worth visiting to get a sense for what an ancient Moroccan palace looks like. Now looking a lot less triumphant compared to its golden days, it still remains an amazing place to photograph amongst the palace walls, inner court, and below the tunnels. Read more about the El Badi Palace here.

If you want to learn more about Marrakech Photography, you can check in for our annual Marrakech Photography trip. Guided by Hans Zeegers, a well-known Dutch photographer who has published in many renowned magazines like Vogue / Playboy and National Geographic.

We are curious what your favourite photo spot in Marrakech is!