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Morocco!
My fiancé and I recently returned from an amazing visit to Morocco. This was our first visit to Northern African and after visiting a few European cities, we loved the cultural shock!
Before going I did a bit of research on what to expect as a photographer and also as a general tourist. I got them impression that it would be similar to travelling in Vietnam in terms of personal safety, being bugged to buy things/having to pay to take photos etc. etc.
I'm pleased to say that it wasn't as bad as we expected. I was careful and tried not to draw undue attention to myself by waiving large zoom lenses about - this gave me a chance to use my smaller kit lenses which don't get much use nowdays. I think they did a very capable job. For those interested, the full album is over here http://sun-and-snow.smugmug.com/Africa/Morocco/15837633_mELDT
We spent three days staying in the Medina (old town) of Marrakech - about five minutes walk from the main square, the Jemaa Ela Fna Place. This place is amazing, looking down on it from above is like looking at a Where's Wally scene!
1.
When you look a bit closer though, you can find pockets of quietness
2.
I did give the performers below 10 dirhams (just over $US1) to take some shots but found that they then left me in peace to take quite a few photos.
3.
It's at night time that this place really comes alive with food sellers popping up everywhere - the first two photos below were taken while my camera was casually resting on the table.
4.
5.
6.
We spent many hours exploring the Marrakech souks and came away with a few special purchases. The two photos below were shot from the hip as we were walking by - this was the first time I have used this technique and while I did get quite a few shots of the sky or the ground, the two photos below have encouraged me to keep trying with this method.
7.
8.
After the hectic pace of Marrakech we then retreated to the coastal town of Essaouira for a few days. This place was so relaxed and we could have definitely spent more time here. I'd love to return one day and learn to windsurf. The old part of this town is characterised by it's white washed walls and blue doors/window frames.
9.
The photo below is probably my favourite from the whole trip - despite not really screaming 'Morocco'.
10.
While staying in Essaouira, we travelled to a horse and camel ranch just outside of the town where we were treated to a great camel walk along the beach followed by an amazing homecooked chicken tagine! I couldn't help but finish off with this shot of 'Aram' the camel.
11.
Thanks for looking!
Before going I did a bit of research on what to expect as a photographer and also as a general tourist. I got them impression that it would be similar to travelling in Vietnam in terms of personal safety, being bugged to buy things/having to pay to take photos etc. etc.
I'm pleased to say that it wasn't as bad as we expected. I was careful and tried not to draw undue attention to myself by waiving large zoom lenses about - this gave me a chance to use my smaller kit lenses which don't get much use nowdays. I think they did a very capable job. For those interested, the full album is over here http://sun-and-snow.smugmug.com/Africa/Morocco/15837633_mELDT
We spent three days staying in the Medina (old town) of Marrakech - about five minutes walk from the main square, the Jemaa Ela Fna Place. This place is amazing, looking down on it from above is like looking at a Where's Wally scene!
1.
When you look a bit closer though, you can find pockets of quietness
2.
I did give the performers below 10 dirhams (just over $US1) to take some shots but found that they then left me in peace to take quite a few photos.
3.
It's at night time that this place really comes alive with food sellers popping up everywhere - the first two photos below were taken while my camera was casually resting on the table.
4.
5.
6.
We spent many hours exploring the Marrakech souks and came away with a few special purchases. The two photos below were shot from the hip as we were walking by - this was the first time I have used this technique and while I did get quite a few shots of the sky or the ground, the two photos below have encouraged me to keep trying with this method.
7.
8.
After the hectic pace of Marrakech we then retreated to the coastal town of Essaouira for a few days. This place was so relaxed and we could have definitely spent more time here. I'd love to return one day and learn to windsurf. The old part of this town is characterised by it's white washed walls and blue doors/window frames.
9.
The photo below is probably my favourite from the whole trip - despite not really screaming 'Morocco'.
10.
While staying in Essaouira, we travelled to a horse and camel ranch just outside of the town where we were treated to a great camel walk along the beach followed by an amazing homecooked chicken tagine! I couldn't help but finish off with this shot of 'Aram' the camel.
11.
Thanks for looking!
Website: http://www.acceleratedlightphotography.com/
Blog: http://acceleratedlightphotography.blogspot.com.au/
Blog: http://acceleratedlightphotography.blogspot.com.au/
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Canon 50D, 30D and Digital Rebel (plus some old friends - FTB and AE1)
Long-time amateur.....wishing for more time to play
Autocross and Track junkie
tonyp.smugmug.com
Thanks so much for taking the time to look and for your kind comments!
Blog: http://acceleratedlightphotography.blogspot.com.au/
Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8 VC
Tamron 70-300mm F/4-5.6 VC
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
Nexto eXtreme Image backup device 160GB
glad you enjoyed them!
Blog: http://acceleratedlightphotography.blogspot.com.au/
did you use the tripod for any of the night images?
http://choudhrysaab.smugmug.com
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My tripod didn't even make it to Morocco - we flew there on Ryanair and while they have cheap flights, they hit you with cost of each piece of luggage. We therefore only checked in one piece and I was keen to save some room for shopping!
The photo looking down on the square (number 6) was taken by resting the camera on the railing of the cafe we were in. The other night shots were just taken with the camera was sitting on the table.
Blog: http://acceleratedlightphotography.blogspot.com.au/
Wonderful stills.
Marrakesh appears no different from when I was there in 1999.
Here is a YouTube clip of the square from then:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yybOMmENqQ
Dave
Love #2 especially! Just wondering if you would consider removing the garbage from within the pictures! I know sometimes these elements add to pictures of this kind, but I think a clean picture would be much more appealing in this case!
Just My Opinion! - You may not want to spend the time to do it as well.
All are great shots! You have a great eye for composition!
Brady:D
Looking at #2 again, I can see how removing the garbage would improve it - might try and give it a go in the next few days. Thanks very much for your advice and kind comments.
Blog: http://acceleratedlightphotography.blogspot.com.au/
Blog: http://acceleratedlightphotography.blogspot.com.au/
Even though there is a vast open space the subject now get even more attention which is the focus of this shot. You can always find fault, and say it's to bad you could not have found a different point of perspective, but in defense he may have moved by then!
Great Shot ! Cover Magazine Worthy!
Brady:D
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