Morocco is among the world's great photography destinations, and the south is its most cinematic stretch — small wonder Hollywood films it constantly. Aït Ben Haddou's pisé towers, the Atlas Studios sets, the Fint Oasis, the gorge walls and the Erg Chebbi dunes give you blockbuster backdrops within an hour of Ouarzazate. Knowing where to stand, when, and how to engage respectfully makes all the difference.
In this guide
Best locations and light
The Chouara tanneries in Fes are the iconic shot — best from the terrace of a leather shop overlooking the vats, in the morning when the light falls directly into the basins. The Jemaa el-Fnaa square in Marrakech earns its reputation at sunset and in the blue hour after, when the smoke from the food stalls and the calls to prayer converge. Chefchaouen's blue-washed lanes photograph most beautifully from mid-morning before the tour buses arrive, and in the warm light of late afternoon.
For the Sahara, the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset are the canonical times — the dune shadows are long and the light is golden. The orange of Merzouga's Erg Chebbi in that light is as vivid as it appears in photographs. Aït Ben Haddou is best shot in late afternoon from the opposite (Ounila river) bank, when the low sun rakes the towers; the Fint Oasis canyon glows at sunrise, and the Tizi n'Tichka switchbacks reward a stop at the upper viewpoints when cloud is breaking over the peaks.
Medina etiquette and photographing people
The single most important rule: ask permission before photographing people, every time. A Moroccan man in a spice souk, a woman at a loom, children playing in a lane — each deserves the choice. The Arabic to use is 'mumkin sura?' (may I take a photo?). Many will say yes with pleasure; some will ask for a small fee — 5–20 MAD is fair and generous; some will decline, and that decision must be respected without argument.
Street photography in the candid western tradition sits uneasily in Morocco's medinas. Long lenses that allow unnoticed shooting of people who would decline if asked are widely considered disrespectful — and in some cases have caused real friction. The most rewarding portraits come from connection, not distance: take the time to talk, share a tea if invited, and the resulting images reflect that.
Gear and practical notes
The medinas and souks are tight spaces: a versatile zoom (24–70mm equivalent) or a mid-range prime is more useful than a long telephoto. Dust in the Sahara is pervasive — bring a sealed camera bag and lens cloths, and change lenses sparingly outdoors. A polarising filter for the desert is useful but not essential. The Moroccan sun is intense: shade your lens to avoid flare, and protect your camera from direct sun when not shooting.
- Bring extra batteries — cold desert nights drain them faster than expected.
- A small tripod or gorilla pod pays off for dawn dune shots and blue-hour medina scenes.
- Phone cameras, particularly with computational photography, perform remarkably in the Moroccan light — don't feel obliged to carry heavy gear.
- Keep your camera discreet in the Jemaa el-Fnaa area, where performers and henna artists expect payment for being photographed.
Drone rules in Morocco
Drone operation in Morocco requires authorisation from the Moroccan Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC). Flying without a permit is illegal, and drones have been confiscated at customs and in the field. The process for obtaining authorisation is bureaucratic and time-consuming. For most travellers, the advice is to leave the drone at home — Morocco's landscape is extraordinary enough at ground level, and the legal risk is not worth it.
Frequently asked
Can you take photographs in Moroccan souks?
Of goods, architecture and general scenes — yes. Of people — always ask first. The workshops (leather tanneries, carpet weavers, pottery kilns) are often best accessed through a guided tour that has established access; the guides will advise on what is permitted.
When is the best time of day to photograph Morocco?
Golden hour — the hour after sunrise and before sunset — is transformative in Morocco. The medina light in the blue hour after sunset is equally remarkable. Midday, especially in summer, is harsh and flat.
Is it safe to use a camera in the Marrakech medina?
Yes, in general. Keep it close when in crowded squares (Jemaa el-Fnaa particularly) and be aware of your surroundings. A strap worn across the body rather than over one shoulder is sensible.
Are drones allowed in Morocco?
Not without prior authorisation from the Moroccan DGAC. Drones have been confiscated at customs. Unless you have the time and connections to navigate the permit process, leave the drone at home.
What is 'mumkin sura' and when should I use it?
'Mumkin sura?' means 'may I take a photo?' in Darija (Moroccan Arabic). Use it every time before pointing your camera at a person — it takes three seconds, shows genuine respect, and usually results in a much more natural and willing subject.
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Culture
Morocco Etiquette & Customs
A little cultural awareness goes a long way in Morocco, and even further in the conservative Berber villages of the south. Dress modestly, greet warmly, ask before photographing people, use your right hand, and embrace the unhurried Amazigh pace of mint tea and conversation that governs life along the kasbah road.
Planning
The Best Time to Visit Morocco
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the best all-round windows for Morocco, and especially for the southern desert circuit around Ouarzazate — warm days over the kasbah road, cool nights in the Drâa and Dadès valleys, and dune light at its richest before the summer furnace arrives.
Itineraries
Morocco Itinerary: 10 Days
Ten days is the sweet spot for Morocco — long enough to give the southern desert circuit through Ouarzazate the time it deserves, then loop up to the imperial north, with the Atlantic coast as an optional finish.