Morocco Photography tips

[Reinhard Lenicker]

Hi ekkemu,

I was in Morocco last March and took several hundred photos. The trip lasted the whole month and covered some 8000km over tarmac and piste.

I also have a Nikon D80 but my main lens is an 18-135mm lens, which is quite versitile. I did carry a tripod, but don't think I actually used it. The night photos that I took were limited to the Djemma el Fna in Marrakesh, and these were hand held.

I was travelling in a landcruiser so cannot comment on tank bags. The camera used to travel in the cubby box between the two front seats. Dust is a big problem when out in the desert. In the end I used to wrap the camera in a clean Tshirt to keep the dust off it.

In cities, as always, you have to keep your wits about you. I tend to carry my equipment in a backpack. It the area is very crowded I am likely to carry it on the front. The camera, though, I tend to carry round my neck and in the open - where I can reach it easily and quickly. tbh I never felt threatened because I carried the equipment openly. I guess the question is, are you prepared to risk the camera versus having it to hand for photo opportunities.

People react differently to being photographed. In el Fna, there are a lot of performers and snake charmers who want to be paid for photographs - and the asking price can be as high as 10euro - which is way over the top. In rural areas, in particular the women folk, dislike their photo being taken, although you can sometimes come to some arrangement. I don't think there were issues taking photos of buildings but obviouly avoid anything remotely military.

My photos are here:

http://s439.photobucket.com/albums/qq118/SpinDrift/Morocco%20April%202009/?albumview=slideshow

regards

Reinhard