Tag Archives: Morocco

آيت بن حدّو

Posted on June 14, 2013 | 4 comments

The views are stunning. Climbing to the top of an ancient Kasbah allows a panoramic that provides a look back in time. Aït Benhaddou, is located along the historic caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. On the edge of the High Atlas Range, this desert oasis is the perfect place to observe the beauty of earthen Moroccan architecture. The snow capped peaks in the distance display an amazing end to the supine foreground. I highly recommend this locale for those trekking though Morocco.

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Doors of Chefchaouen

Posted on May 24, 2013 | 19 comments

Chefchaouen’s alleys are lined with unique doors and frames. Walking this small hamlet in the Rif Mountains is almost a religious experience. Northern Africa in a pellucid form.

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عرق الشبي

Posted on April 4, 2013 | 13 comments

The Erg Chebbi in pictures. Staying in a Berber tent after a camel trek is a visual treat. Morocco affords many types of unique terrain and hospitality. Watching the sun come up at 5AM is quite a sight. Shredding some fresh powder on the dunes was pretty cool as well. Photogs get to the desert ASAP.

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A Berber tribe called the Miknasa

Posted on March 16, 2013 | 7 comments

Originally the capital of Morocco was under the control of Moulay Ismail, a quiet city that sits near the Atlas Mountains. Meknes is the most personable city I have had the privilege of exploring in Morocco. The medina has the right touch of authentic character and raw living confines.  If I substitute Meknes in for Lake Wobegon in Garrison Keillor’s timeless quote, it would accurately read- “Welcome to Meknes, where all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average.”

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The Chefchaouen Blues

Posted on March 10, 2013 | 16 comments

Spain returned Chefchaouen after Morocco gained her independence in 1956. Today the small town that sits in the middle of the Rif Mountains is a relaxing place to experiment with a few snaps. The quaint medina is dotted with mosques and peddlers selling wool garments, local goat cheese and original art work.

“Photography is a reality so subtle that it becomes more real than reality.” ―Alfred Stieglitz

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Madrasa Bou Inania

Posted on February 24, 2013 | 9 comments

Bou Inania Madrasa was founded around 1351 AD. Today it is a spectacular sight that combines beautiful zellij and cedar carvings. This is also the only madrasa in Fes that has a minaret.

For photography purposes, Bou Inania Madras is about as pure as it gets. The detailed verses of the Koran that move in a counter clockwork direction around the courtyard add to the mystique. A must stop for any traveler who gets to Fes.

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Volubilis

Posted on February 17, 2013 | 9 comments

Partly excavated and 100% historic. The Roman city of Volubilis is a superb area to photograph. The 99 acre site was built in the 3rd century BC and is located near Meknes, Morocco. Today it looks similar to what it would have after French colonial excavation.

What is amazing about Volubilis is that it feels so authentic. Part of this is the almost total lack of tourists. The beautiful mosaics on the ground sit undisturbed. When only part of a city is left standing, it is up to the observer to re-create the missing pieces. Only when something is removed…can we fill in the gaps with our own creation.

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Reflections: Portuguese Cistern

Posted on January 17, 2013 | 7 comments

Built in 1514, the Portuguese cistern in El Jadida, Morocco offers a simple environment to experiment with lighting. The underground space is constructed of five rows of five stone pillars. It measures  a perfect 34 meters by 34 meters. The water that covers the floor offers several variations and angles at unique captures.

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Alleys in Essaouira

Posted on November 18, 2012 | 8 comments

Cities are made by alleys,

Alleys are made by cities.

Streets and boulevards are planned,

Alleys are spontaneous.

When we take a look,

An alley never portrays the same to us.

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Essential Essaouira

Posted on November 11, 2012 | 20 comments

One of the windiest cities in Africa sits on the Atlantic coast. Essaouira is a beautiful fortified town that has enough untaken photographs to fill a portfolio.

The smell of fresh, filleted fish linger in the narrow, damp, alleys. Spices, paintings and traditional Moroccan items are for sale as owners yell out their prices. The artsy feel reminds a bit of Ubud, Bali on certain levels.

Jimmy Hendrix stayed in Essaouira for a few days in July of 1969. However, local legend has it that his famous song, “Castles Made of Sand” was inspired by the beach castle ruins (pictured above) in Essaouira but he wrote the song two years prior.

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