Morocco is a photographer's paradise with vibrant colors, dramatic landscapes, ancient architecture, and rich cultural scenes. From blue doors of Chefchaouen to golden Sahara dunes, bustling medina souks to serene mountain valleys, Morocco offers endless photogenic subjects.

This guide covers best photo locations, optimal lighting conditions, camera settings for different scenarios, cultural photography etiquette, and practical tips for capturing Morocco's magic.

Key Takeaways

  • Always ask permission before photographing people—very important
  • Golden hour (sunrise/sunset) transforms ordinary scenes into magic
  • Protect gear from desert sand and medina dust
  • Some locations charge photography fees (10-20 MAD)
  • Best light in Morocco: early morning and late afternoon

Table of Contents

Best Photo Locations in Morocco

Marrakech Photography Spots

  • Jemaa el-Fna at Sunset: Magical evening atmosphere, food stalls, performers. Shoot from rooftop cafes for overview.
  • Bahia Palace: Intricate tilework, painted ceilings, courtyard symmetry. Morning light best.
  • Majorelle Garden: Vibrant cobalt blue walls, exotic plants. Photography permit required (150 MAD).
  • Souks: Colorful spices, hanging lanterns, leather tanneries. Watch for low light.
  • Ben Youssef Madrasa: Stunning Islamic architecture, geometric patterns.
  • Koutoubia Mosque at Sunset: Iconic minaret with golden hour glow.
  • Colorful Doors: Famous Moroccan doors throughout medina.

Sahara Desert Photography

  • Erg Chebbi Dunes (Merzouga): Classic Sahara sand dunes, sunrise/sunset spectacular
  • Agafay Desert: Rocky desert 45 minutes from Marrakech, different aesthetic
  • Camel Treks: Silhouettes at sunset, caravan scenes
  • Starry Nights: Milky Way photography—minimal light pollution
  • Berber Camps: Traditional tents, campfire scenes

See: Desert tours guide

Atlas Mountains

  • Imlil Valley: Mountain villages with snow-capped peaks backdrop
  • Berber Villages: Traditional stone architecture, terraced farming
  • Mountain Roads: Dramatic switchbacks, valley views
  • Ouzoud Waterfalls: 110m cascades, rainbows, Barbary apes

See: Atlas Mountains guide

Blue City - Chefchaouen

  • Blue-Painted Streets: Every corner photogenic
  • Plaza Uta el-Hammam: Central square with mosque
  • Ras El Maa Waterfall: Women washing clothes—cultural scene
  • Spanish Mosque Viewpoint: Sunset over blue city

Coastal Morocco

  • Essaouira: Blue boats, white-and-blue medina, Atlantic waves, windsurfers
  • Asilah: Street art murals, Portuguese fortifications

Other Iconic Locations

  • Fes Tanneries: Colorful dyeing vats (prepare for smell!)
  • Ait Benhaddou: UNESCO fortified kasbah, film location (Gladiator, Game of Thrones)
  • Casablanca Hassan II Mosque: Oceanfront mosque, partially open to tourists

Camera Settings & Technical Tips

Desert Photography Settings

Sahara Sand Dunes:

  • Sunrise/Sunset: ISO 100-400, f/8-f/16, 1/125-1/500s, shoot in RAW
  • Exposure compensation: +1/3 to +2/3 EV (sand reflects light)
  • White balance: Cloudy/shade for warmer tones
  • Focus: Hyperfocal distance for sharp foreground to infinity

Night Sky/Milky Way:

  • Settings: ISO 3200-6400, f/1.4-f/2.8, 15-30s exposure
  • Use: Wide-angle lens, tripod essential, remote shutter
  • Focus: Manual focus on bright star, infinity

Medina & Architecture

Dark Souks:

  • ISO: 800-3200 (necessary for handheld)
  • Aperture: f/2.8-f/5.6 (let in more light)
  • Shutter: 1/60s minimum handheld
  • Consider: Fast prime lens (50mm f/1.8) for low light

Courtyards & Palaces:

  • Settings: ISO 100-400, f/8-f/11, variable shutter
  • High dynamic range: Bracket exposures for details in shadows and highlights
  • Symmetry: Center compositions, use leading lines

People & Street Photography

  • Settings: ISO 400-1600, f/2.8-f/5.6, 1/125-1/500s
  • Mode: Aperture priority (Av) for quick shooting
  • Focus: Continuous AF for moving subjects
  • Lens: 35mm or 50mm for natural perspective

Harsh Midday Sun

Morocco's sun is intense 11 AM - 3 PM. Harsh shadows, blown highlights challenge photography. Solutions: shoot in shade, use fill flash, embrace high contrast for dramatic effect, or better yet—rest during midday and shoot golden hours.

Capture Morocco's Beauty

Book photo-friendly tours with stops at iconic locations during golden hour.

Plan Your Trip

Photography Etiquette & Cultural Respect

ALWAYS Ask Permission to Photograph People

This is the #1 rule in Morocco. Many Moroccans don't want to be photographed, especially:

  • Older conservative people
  • Women (particularly in rural areas)
  • Religious individuals
  • People in vulnerable situations

How to Ask for Photos

  • Make eye contact and smile
  • Hold up camera and point: "Photo?" or "Soora?" (Arabic for photo)
  • Accept "no" graciously—don't insist or get offended
  • Show them the photo after—people appreciate seeing result
  • Small tip appreciated: 10-20 MAD for posed portraits

When Payment is Expected

Some people make living from tourist photos:

  • Snake charmers in Jemaa el-Fna (20-50 MAD)
  • Henna women (they'll want you to get henna—20-50 MAD photo only)
  • Water sellers in traditional dress (20 MAD)
  • Monkey handlers (avoid—animal welfare concerns)

Important: Agree on price BEFORE taking photo to avoid arguments.

Where Not to Photograph

  • Inside mosques: Generally not allowed (except Hassan II)
  • Police, military: Never photograph security forces or installations
  • Government buildings: Usually prohibited
  • Private homes: Without explicit permission
  • Hammams: Absolutely forbidden

Cultural Sensitivity

  • Don't photograph women without permission—serious cultural offense
  • Respect prayer times—don't photograph people praying
  • Be discreet in poor neighborhoods—poverty isn't a photo opportunity
  • Don't treat people like exotic subjects—they're humans deserving respect
  • Learn basic Arabic/French phrases—shows respect

Scam Warning

In Jemaa el-Fna, some people will jump into your frame, then demand payment. Others will claim you photographed them and demand money. Solutions: be very obvious when raising camera, shoot from a distance, or pay small fee to avoid hassle if confronted (20 MAD usually ends situation).

Lighting & Best Times to Shoot

Golden Hour Magic

Morocco's golden hour is extraordinary—warm, glowing light transforms scenes.

  • Sunrise: 6:00-7:30 AM (varies by season). Cooler light, fewer people, peaceful atmosphere
  • Sunset: 5:30-7:00 PM (varies by season). Warmer light, evening activity begins

Best Times by Location

Desert:

  • Sunrise for soft light on dunes, long shadows creating texture
  • Sunset for warm golden tones, camel silhouettes
  • Blue hour (just after sunset) for twilight desert scenes

Medinas & Cities:

  • Early morning (7-9 AM): Empty streets, soft light, locals starting day
  • Late afternoon (4-6 PM): Golden light on buildings, markets active
  • Evening (7-9 PM): Artificial lights, atmospheric food stalls

Mountains:

  • Early morning for mist in valleys, snow-capped peaks glowing
  • Afternoon for clear skies, good contrast

Coastal Areas:

  • Sunrise/sunset for dramatic skies over ocean
  • Midday for vibrant blues of Atlantic (if shooting water)

Seasonal Light Considerations

See seasonal guide for best photography seasons.

  • Spring (March-May): Clear skies, blooming flowers, ideal light
  • Summer (June-August): Harsh light, intense heat haze, best for coastal photography
  • Fall (September-November): Perfect light, clear atmosphere, warm tones
  • Winter (December-February): Softer light, possibility of snow in Atlas Mountains, shorter days

Essential Gear & Protection

Camera & Lenses

Recommended Kit:

  • Camera: DSLR or mirrorless with good low-light performance
  • Wide-angle (16-35mm): Architecture, landscapes, desert
  • Standard zoom (24-70mm): Versatile all-around
  • Fast prime (35mm or 50mm f/1.8): Low light in medinas
  • Telephoto (70-200mm): Optional—candid shots, distance subjects

Phone Photography: Modern smartphones work excellently for Morocco. Use HDR mode for high contrast scenes.

Essential Accessories

  • Sturdy tripod: For long exposures, night sky, low light
  • Extra batteries: Cold desert nights drain batteries fast
  • Multiple memory cards: Backup storage crucial
  • Polarizing filter: Reduces glare, enhances blue skies
  • ND filter: For long exposures in bright conditions
  • Lens cleaning kit: Dust is everywhere
  • Camera bag: Secure, dust-resistant

Protecting Gear from Sand & Dust

Morocco's biggest photography challenge: sand and dust everywhere.

  • Keep gear covered when not shooting
  • Change lenses inside bags or sheltered areas only
  • Use rain cover in sandstorms (yes, really)
  • Clean sensor regularly with rocket blower
  • Bring extra lens cloths and microfiber cleaning supplies
  • Seal camera bag properly—sand finds every opening
  • Avoid changing lenses in desert—use zoom if possible

Gear Security

  • Use inconspicuous camera bag (not obviously expensive)
  • Keep cameras close in crowded medinas
  • Use camera strap always—prevents drops and theft
  • Store expensive gear in riad safe when not using
  • Get travel insurance covering camera equipment

Desert Tour Photography

On desert tours, protect cameras in sealed bags during transport. Bring only essential gear to camps. Plastic bags protect equipment from sand at night. Sunrise dune shoots require waking early—worth it for magical light!

Composition Tips for Morocco

Architectural Photography

  • Symmetry: Moroccan architecture is inherently symmetrical—center your compositions
  • Patterns: Focus on geometric zellige tilework, carved plaster details
  • Leading lines: Archways, corridors lead eye through frame
  • Negative space: Use clean walls and sky to emphasize subjects

Desert Compositions

  • Footprints: Add scale and leading lines to dunes
  • Silhouettes: People, camels against sunrise/sunset
  • Ripple patterns: Close-ups of sand textures
  • Minimalism: Simple dune curves against sky
  • Foreground interest: Desert plants, rocks anchor compositions

Street & Market Photography

  • Color contrasts: Spice pyramids, hanging carpets, painted doors
  • Layers: Foreground, middle, background depth in busy souks
  • Candid moments: Artisans at work, daily life scenes
  • Close-ups: Hands working, food preparation, craft details

Portrait Tips

  • Natural light from courtyard openings creates beautiful soft light
  • Use colorful Moroccan backgrounds (doors, tiles, carpets)
  • Capture genuine expressions—conversation creates authenticity
  • Include environmental context—shows culture, not just face

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take photos in Morocco?

Yes! Morocco is very photogenic and photography is welcomed—with important cultural caveats. Always ask permission before photographing people, avoid photographing police/military, respect mosque rules, and be sensitive in conservative areas. Landscapes, architecture, markets (with discretion) are generally fine.

Do I need permission to photograph people in Morocco?

Absolutely yes. Always ask permission before photographing Moroccans, especially women, elderly, and in rural areas. Make eye contact, smile, point to camera, and say "Photo?" Accept refusals gracefully. Some people expect small payment (10-20 MAD). Photographing without permission is culturally offensive and can cause confrontations.

What's the best camera for Morocco?

Any camera works—from smartphones to professional DSLRs. Recommendations: Good low-light performance for dark medinas, weather sealing helps with dust, wide-angle lens for architecture, fast prime for street photography. Modern smartphones (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy) produce excellent results. Most important: camera you'll actually carry and use.

How do I protect my camera from sand in the desert?

Keep camera covered when not shooting, change lenses only in sheltered areas or inside bags, use rocket blower frequently, bring rain cover for sandstorms, seal camera bag properly, minimize lens changes (use zoom), clean sensor regularly. Sand is inevitable—protective measures minimize damage.

What time is best for photography in Morocco?

Golden hour (sunrise and sunset) provides the most beautiful light. Sunrise: 6:00-7:30 AM—softer light, fewer crowds. Sunset: 5:30-7:00 PM—warmer light, evening activity. Avoid harsh midday sun (11 AM - 3 PM) unless shooting in shade or embracing high contrast. Early morning and late afternoon are ideal.

Can I use a drone in Morocco?

Drone regulations in Morocco are strict and inconsistently enforced. Technically requires permits from aviation authority (DGAC), but many tourists fly without issues in remote areas. Avoid: cities, airports, government buildings, military installations, crowds. Risk: confiscation. If bringing drone, research current regulations and fly discretely in unpopulated areas.

Are there places where I cannot photograph in Morocco?

Yes. Forbidden: Inside most mosques (except Hassan II in Casablanca), police/military personnel and installations, government buildings, hammams, inside people's homes without permission. Use discretion photographing poverty, vulnerable people. When uncertain, ask permission or skip the shot.

Should I bring a tripod to Morocco?

Yes, if serious about photography. Essential for: night sky/Milky Way in desert, long exposures, architecture in low light, self-portraits. Bring lightweight travel tripod—easier to carry through medinas. Some locations (like Majorelle Garden) may restrict tripod use. Check individual site policies.

What are the best Instagram spots in Marrakech?

Top Instagram locations: Bahia Palace courtyards, Majorelle Garden's cobalt blue walls, YSL Museum, colorful medina doors, Jemaa el-Fna at sunset from rooftop cafes, El Badi Palace ruins, Le Jardin restaurant, riad courtyards, souk spice stalls, and Koutoubia Mosque at golden hour. Early morning offers fewer crowds for clean shots.

How do I get good photos in dark medina souks?

Dark souks challenge cameras. Solutions: Use high ISO (1600-3200), wide aperture (f/1.8-f/2.8), fast prime lens (50mm f/1.8 affordable option), embrace shadows for atmospheric shots, shoot near doorways/openings for natural light, use available light creatively. Avoid flash—harsh and disturbs vendors. Modern cameras handle high ISO well.

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