When I first entered the center of Marrakesh, I had the impression that all of the city was breathing over my head. The stench of cumin and cinnamon filled the air and in the distance a drum was stamping out the beat of conversation. I had my camera, however, this trip was not all about shooting, I knew it right at that moment, this was about capturing my feelings on film. Starting point: Jemaa el-Fnaa the chaotic colorful square to the quiet serene beauty of the imlil valley each step had a story.

Jemaa el-Fnaa is not an ordinary place that is crowded, it is alive so one cannot describe it unless he or she has been there. There is a snake charmer in the corner, a man with oranges balancing on his head in the other and in the middle of it is the aroma of fresh bread that inexorably draws you to a food stall. It was later that night that I had gone with one of the morocco photo tours and it had now transformed the way I gaze into the lens. I waited, instead of rushing, and allowed the square to go about me till I located the shot that felt good.

The following morning I shook off the clatter. What was once uphill as the road wound its way to the Atlas Mountains dragged me into an entirely new Morocco. Villages melted into the hills, and with each turn of the road a new scene was opened. By the time we got to the Scenic Valley of Imlil the place was so quiet we could hear the river without even getting out of the car. the mountains were covered with a sprinkling of snow and the sun was shining over the terraced fields as it had had been doing since time immemorial.

Jemaa el-Fnaa Through My Lens

Evenings in Jemaa el-Fnaa are something else. The heat of the day fades, and the whole square seems to glow. Lanterns swing gently above food stalls, and every plate that passes is a photo waiting to happen. You can hear five conversations in five different languages without moving an inch.

I learned quickly that you can’t just shove a camera in someone’s face here. Watch first, smile, maybe share a cup of mint tea, and then lift the lens. That’s when you get the real shots—the ones that feel like you were part of the moment instead of just stealing it.

The Calm Heart of Imlil Valley

Imlil Valley is a comfy breath after long race. The mornings are cool still and the mist is hung to the mountain ridges. The donkeys bring baskets all along the stone-worn paths and the fields have a hint of thyme and wild rosemary.

This is all about patience when you are taking photographs here. The wide shots draw you into the magnitudes of the mountains, but it is in the close-ups that the quiet stories are told; the hands being used to weave a basket or the crack in a teapot being warmed in a fire, or the child poking its head out of a doorway.

City Noise, Mountain Silence

These two places couldn’t be more different, yet they belong on the same trip. Jemaa el-Fnaa teaches you to be quick, to trust your instincts, and to react to movement before it’s gone. Imlil Valley teaches you to slow down and notice the details you might otherwise walk past.

When I look back at my photos, I can still hear the noise of the square and feel the calm of the valley. That’s the gift Morocco gave me.

• Soak it in first – The moment feels different when you’ve lived it before snapping.
  
  

• Shoot to the pace of the place – Fast in the city, slow in the mountains.
  
  

• People matter most – A good conversation can lead to the best photograph.
  
  

Some Faqs

1. What quarter is the best time of the year to photograph things in Jemaa el-Fnaa?

The best time is in the evenings. The lighting is brightened and the coloring is brought out, the squares are filled with food stalls and music.

2. Should I wear special equipment when Imlil Valley?

Sufficient is a camera having a wide angle lens. To take the sunrise or sunset photos, the tripod will be useful, but not obligatory.

3. Can we take photos around Jemaa el-Fnaa?

Sure, but tastefully. Other performers may require close- up shots receive a little tip so it is best to ask first.

4. What is the distance between Marrakech and Imlil Valley?

It takes approximately an hour and a half or 2 hours by car. It can be made into a day trip, however by staying the night you will get the morning light.

5. Is this type of place where a novice can take great photos?

Definitely. Both destinations are packed with scenes and colors that one cannot get a bad shot.

6. Is there a guided photography tour?

Yes. Other guides are photographers themselves and hence, they know where to go and when is the best time to take photos.