Photographing Morocco: Medina Streets, Crafts and Respectful Travel

Choose a subject beyond the obvious view

A photograph can be about a large city panorama or a small relationship between light, texture and colour. In Fes, you might focus on repeating patterns or the scale of streets; in Chefchaouen, look beyond collecting similar images of blue doorways. Decide what interests you before setting out. A simple theme can make a short walk more satisfying and reduce the urge to rush between distant viewpoints.

Reference for destination context: Moroccan National Tourism Office: Responsible tourism. The itinerary suggestions are our editorial recommendations.

Ask permission and respect the answer

When a person is the subject, ask clearly and accept a refusal without negotiating. Be especially considerate around children and private routines. Buying something is not automatic permission to photograph the maker or their workplace. Ask whether there are areas or processes they prefer you not to record. If photography is offered as part of a paid arrangement, agree the conditions first instead of discovering a misunderstanding afterwards.

Keep the street working while you take the picture

Step aside before stopping to frame a shot, leave doorways accessible and avoid arranging a group across a busy passage. Look behind you before stepping backwards. A narrow lane is not a studio, and a shop display is part of someone’s working day. If you want extra time in a particular place, ask your guide how to do that without disrupting the route or other visitors.

Use a workshop to understand the subject

A Zouaka session can give you a closer appreciation of pattern and painted decoration than photographing a finished object alone. Ask the host when photography is appropriate and when attention should stay on the task. In a medina visit, request a craft focus if that is your interest. Understanding a process can improve the questions you ask and the details you notice, even if you take fewer images.

Book the pace you actually want

Tell the team if you want a photography-oriented walk with longer pauses. A public excursion may not allow extended stops, while a private proposal can discuss them within the available time. For Chefchaouen, consider whether a day visit gives you the pace you want or whether you should enquire about an overnight route. Keep any special equipment or location request explicit, and follow the rules of each site you visit.

Questions answered

Can I photograph people in the medina?

Ask their permission first and respect a refusal. Avoid treating access to a street or shop as consent to photograph the people there.

Can a tour be adapted for photography?

Mention that priority before booking and ask what pauses are possible. A shared excursion may have less flexibility than a private arrangement.

Do I need to visit more places to get better photographs?

Not necessarily. More time in fewer places lets you notice light, patterns and details while keeping the visit considerate.

Continue planning

• Chefchaouen from Fes: Day Trip or Overnight Stay?
• Zouaka Painting in Fes: A Hands-On Moroccan Craft Experience

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