Photography holiday

Morocco • The South West • Taroudant

Markets and mountains
A week that offers contrasts from the busy bustle of the souks, the relaxed calm of the cafes in the square to the deep peace of a mountain village.

Some of our days

Arrival day

Leaving Marrakech we arrive in Taroudant in time for a quiet wander around the local streets before dinner.

Getting in the mood

We spend the morning in the hotel gardens practising portrait photography. Making the most of candid opportunities in Morocco is a skill and practising on each other in the calm of the gardens is ideal. We will have lunch in the square, another great place for people spotting.

At home with the local villagers

After a morning photographing in the markets, we drive to the village of Tiout where we photograph village scenes around Fateema's house while she prepares home cooked specialities for our lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the hotel, built into the city walls, before returning to the streets for larger scale views from the ramparts – a great opportunity to consider the importance of timing in your shots.

Souks and tanneries

We start the day with a guided tour of the souk and Berber market. Later we return to our favourite café in the square from where we can continue to capture images of people and city life. After lunch, we visit the fascinating and historical tanneries, where the smell is highly memorable!

Free day

You can visit the coastal town of Agadir, but bartering in Taroudant market or relaxing in the gardens are probably better options.

Mint tea at Aziz's

Starting in the Atlas village of Riad we explore and photograph local scenes around Aziz's house while his wife prepares mint tea. Later we enjoy a picnic lunch in a nearby shady oasis by the village of Tameloukt. The evening provides another chance for low-angled light shots around the city wall.

The slow road over the mountains

After breakfast we climb the Atlas mountains, stopping at Tinmal mosque. At the Tizi n Test pass we take mint tea and then go on to the idyllic La Bergerie for the rest of the day and overnight.

Departure day

A short transfer to Marrakech airport.