Holiday itinerary
Learn the true art of photography on this photographic holiday based in Essaouira, the heart of Morocco, famous for its history, maze of Souks, rich culture, stunning landscapes and bright North African colours and flavours.
As well as learning the fundamentals of photography, this holiday is a real opportunity to explore your creative side and the fascinating Moroccan culture, a chance to quietly study and absorb the richness of this enchanting town, allowing you to produce photographs that go far beyond the usual holiday snaps.
During this memorable photography holiday your attentive host will be on hand to organise many elements of your week, inviting you to relax, visit Hammans, soak in a baths of milk and even learn the secrets of the traditional Gnawa music.
After your evening meals you can take time to enjoy the incredible views from the roof terrace of your traditional Riad and perhaps photograph the warm evening sun setting over the Atlantic.
Get more from your Digital SLR camera, learn photography in Morocco, enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals and take home images from this beautiful area to treasure for a lifetime.
Suitability
- Suitable for all levels from beginners to advanced
- The aim of this holiday for beginners is to learn more about their cameras and how to take better photographs
- The aim of this holiday for more experienced photographers is to have the chance to see fascinating and vibrant locations in a country that needs some inside knowledge and guiding with the help of tutor Darren
- Minimum age 18 (younger students welcome if accompanied by an adult, please e-mail for availability)
- Courses have a maximum of 6 people in each group, singles are very welcome and you'll meet others with a passion for photography
- The course is mainly focused on digital SLR photography and we strongly recommend you bring your own Digital SLR camera with you
- If you do not have a DSLR, there is a digital SLR with a 18-250mm lens available at the school for hire which costs £60 for the week (to be paid locally) - please contact us in advance of booking to check availability to reserve hire of the school’s camera
- If you would like advice on which DSLR camera to buy before your holiday, your tutor will be happy to advise once the holiday has been confirmed
Photography Holiday Start Days
- Photography courses start on set Fridays or Saturdays throughout the year
Typical Photography Holiday Itinerary
The itinerary is for guidance only and is subject to change depending on the group’s needs and wishes, but all activities will take place during the week still. The itinerary is typically as follows:
Day 1 Arrival And Pick Up
- You’ll be collected from Marrakech airport and transferred to your accommodation in Essaouira (around 2 hours 15 mins drive)
- You will have time to settle into your charming Moroccan Riad and soak up the creative atmosphere, in the evening you will enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal and mint tea
Day 2
- Your course starts at 10am after breakfast with a wander around the beautiful town of Essaouira, the home of your photography tutor and famous the world over
- Essaouira has stunning architecture, fishing ports and labyrinths of souks and bustling markets
- In your first day you’ll have 2 workshops on camera fundamentals (camera controls, exposure - ISO, shutter speed, aperture and histograms)
- Before the evening meal (a la carte) you will have the chance to review and get feedback on your initial images as a group with your tutor and shoot some sunset photography.
Day 3
- Your course starts early after breakfast
- The focus of today’s tuition will be on 2 abstract workshops in the medina and port, focussing mostly on using depth of field.
- You will also benefit from brief one-to-one feedback during the day to assess your progress, providing feedback on your images and taking your understanding a step further
- After lunch you will have the afternoon free to explore, relax, visit the beach or practise your photography independently or you can take part in optional afternoon activities (extra charges may apply)
- Before the evening group meal at a different restaurant (a la carte) you will have a chance to review the images of the day with your tutor in a group
Day 4
- Your portrait photography course starts early at 10 after breakfast
- Your host will take you to see Essaouira‘s traditional workers who you can practice your portrait photography skills on
- Enjoy some free time this afternoon to practice your new found skills or if you prefer, head to the beach or to the souks for some shopping or if there is anything you wish to focus on in the remaining photography sessions.
- In the early evening you will jabe a tutor led sunset photography session, a chance to get some good shots of camel and horse riders in the dusk.
- After this there will be an evening group meal ( a la carte)
Day 5
- Today will be given to exploring and photographing the Berber people at their weekly market and photographing Argan women workers at a countryside Argan co-operative.
- A group meal of traditional Moroccan food is planned for the evening at a stunning restaurant
- You can retire to the roof of the Riad with your fellow students to enjoy the sunset and a sweet mint tea
Day 6
- Following breakfast your photography tuition will start at the Riad, with a review of the previous day's images followed by today’s workshop will be based on documentary style photography with a guided tutor led tour of the port.
- You will finalise your personal project for the remaining part of the course.
- The afternoon is free to explore, relax, visit the beach or practise your photography independently or you can take part in an optional afternoon activity (extra charges may apply)
- As on previous days you will enjoy a group dinner (a la carte)
Day 7
- You will also have free time to practice your photography before lunch (lunch is at an extra cost)
- You will have the afternoon to photograph or relax independently and your tutor Darren has a host of suggestions of what to do in your free time
- Depending on how much energy you have you can perhaps try kitesurfing, a spot of shopping, visit a hamman and more or if you prefer, just relax on the beach
- In the evening it will be time for your finale dinner where you will all eat together in the restaurant of your beautiful Moroccan Riad or other restaurant and take time to select your favourite images and create a memorable slide show
Day 8 - Departure:
- After breakfast you will check out of the Riad in time to be taken to the airport for your return flight
What Will I Learn?
- As you are learning in a small group of no more than 6 people, you’ll have expert guidance and tuition will be adapted to your own individual needs whether it be getting to grips with your DSLR camera or taking your existing skills to the next level
- The aim of this holiday for beginners is to learn more about their cameras and how to take better photographs
- The aim of this holiday for more experienced photographers is to have the chance to see fascinating and vibrant locations in a country that needs some inside knowledge with gentle guidance and technique pointers from Darren
- You will get to know the basics such as composition
- You will develop your understanding of depth of field, lens choice, exposure- ISO, shutter speed and aperture and more
- The one on one and workshops will help to develop your awareness of different photography styles as well as developing your feel and instinct for light and situation
- As you progress through the week you will find yourself thinking more thematically and conceptually
- You will also have a chance to explore Landscape, Seascapes, People, Abstract, Documentary and Architectural Photography
Your Photography Tutor
- Passionate about photography, your British photography tutor Darren has been a photographer and filmmaker for over 25 years
- With over 25 years experience working as a professional photographer, Darren has taught photography at all levels from City and Guilds to degree level with a masters in photography and filmmaking himself
- He completed his own film on Essaouira based on Gnawa music and the international music festival and has been visiting Essaouira since the early 90s
- Your tutor now lives in Morocco and is best placed to fulfil your expectations for getting the most out of the area
Accommodation and Meals
- Situated just 300 metres from the sea right in the heart of the medina, you will find your beautiful 18th Century Riad lovingly restored into a boutique residential hotel
- Positioned in the heart of the pedestrianised Old City the 18th century Riad is now charmingly renovated in Moorish style offering 8 rooms on a mezzanine floor
- The Riad boasts 4 twin/double suites and 4 quadruple suites
- The rooms all open onto a light-filled interior patio with traditional Moroccan tiling
- All rooms are en-suite with lounge area and furnished in traditional Moroccan style
- The Riad has a sunny roof terrace with views of the sea and the roof of the Mellah (walled Jewish quarter)
- Moroccan meals are served on request in the traditional restaurant
- Friendly and hospitable staff add to the charm and the character of the Riad
- All breakfast and evening meals are included in the price of your course, except for one night when you will have the opportunity to dine at the restaurant of your choice) at an extra cost
- Lunches are not included but are typically inexpensive in Morocco
- PLEASE NOTE: If this Riad is fully booked we have a second Riad also set in the heart of the Medina and only 20 metres from the original Riad:
- It features two beautiful roof terraces and a cafe/restaurant
- Friendly and personal in style with just 7 rooms in total
- Wi-fi is available in the downstairs lounge
Transfers and Transport
- A pick up from Marrakech airport with a transfer to your hotel is included in the price (a supplement applies for arrivals and departures outside of 3pm to 8pm)
- You will be out and about for most of the day and all transport will be included
Weather Conditions And Itinerary
- Your photography tutor will alter the itinerary accordingly if the weather doesn’t offer the best conditions for photographing the area
What To Bring
- Bring your own digital camera, manual, charger, memory cards, tripod, filters and flash if you have them (we strongly recommend a digital SLR camera to get the most out of the course)
- Point and shoot camera if you have one
- You may be able to borrow the digital SLR at the school but please enquire about availability before you book
- Please bring suitable footwear for walking as you will be spending a lot of time exploring the different areas and also a sun hat
Be inspired by the smells, colours and flavours of Morocco, for a truly unforgettable experience. Learn photography in Morocco and take your skills to a new level on this photography holiday with a difference.