Marrakech: Rue Mouassine
Inspiration: I am in Marrakech this week. I have been looking forward to this trip for a while, especially from a photographic point of view. In that regard, however, I am not sure that I am doing this city justice. The pace in the souks rivals that of New York. Moreover, it has taken us a while to figure out where we are going, so I haven't had much time to "see" photographic moments. Instead, I've been trying to "see" indications of street signs or markers. Additionally, if you have never been to Marrakech, the first time is visually overwhelming - especially in the souks. There are so many things being sold and so many sellers trying to lure you into their shops that the experience is almost stressful. The last hurdle that I have encountered when taking photographs here is that for the most part, people do not want to be photographed. One of my guidebooks mentioned something about a notion that the camera will steal one's soul. That's not quite it. Apparently, it is against Islamic law to take photographs or to create drawings of living things. If I am not mistaken, though, the sin of doing so lies with the photographer and not the person in the photograph. While there are a few people who don't care and some who actually pose (for a few dirhams), most people, upon spying my camera, walk away or put their hands up and smile. So, if you see people in my photos, it's because I caught them by accident or I was permitted to take the photograph.
Inspiration: As I could not take many photos with people in them, I found myself taking shots of walls, doors, windows and such.
Marrakech: Rue Mouassine
Inspiration: The wares on the street make for incredibly colorful walks.
Marrakech: Rue Sidi El Yamani
Inspiration: The Medina is teeming with people on mopeds, donkeys bearing all kinds of goods on their backs, horses pulling buggies, salesmen pulling tourists into stores, tourists picking up trinkets and bumping into salesmen, and kids playing footie. So, I was surprised to see this quiet little spot on one of the main streets.
Marrakech: In the Souks
Inspiration: Here's one of the few people who allowed me to take his photo (for a small fee of course). Not so different from some of the folks in my city who charge for photos.
Ah, the colours are gorgeous!
Posted by: Elise | November 24, 2009 at 07:52 PM
magnificant pictures...hopefully one day I can go there too.
Posted by: Ayu | November 24, 2009 at 08:04 PM
these pictures are beautiful..
i've just recently discovered your blog and i love your work.. i also love that you don't shoot just one specific thing all the time so i never know exactly what I'm going to find, but i love seeing the world from your eyes b/c you have a great eye!
i can't wait to see more of your trip..have fun!
Posted by: Ljubica | November 24, 2009 at 10:21 PM
Good thing you had your vacation and decided to spend it in Morocco. Well, it's the same thing in any Muslim country you have to ask for permission especially for the locals.
Nice set, i love the colors.
Posted by: ferdie | November 24, 2009 at 11:01 PM
haha, you're finallu there, i didn't know you were planning to go.
so is it how you thought it would be ?
i made myself a post about Marrakech "being away".
check it out.
x, A.
http://picturesupdated.blogspot.com
Posted by: Aurore | November 25, 2009 at 01:26 AM
Thanks everyone. Ferdie - I've only been to one other Muslim country, where the rules weren't as strict - Turkey. But I am getting used to things here. It's just that candid shots are not as easy to take.
Posted by: The Photodiarist | November 25, 2009 at 02:27 AM
you know this resembles so much to some areas in india!! the colors are fascinating.. u'd find a LOT to photgraph here too ;)
great pictures
Posted by: spardha | November 25, 2009 at 03:58 AM
Wow! I am so jealous! That said, enjoy your trip, and I look forward to whatever photos, as well as words you bring back!
Be careful, too..2 of my friends were robbed there at knifepoint.
Regards from LA,
KOTH
Posted by: Kingofthehill | November 25, 2009 at 06:49 AM
marrakech....
coincidence, My post for tomorow is about Marrakech!
I especially recomend you to go to Essaouira, sidi kaouki and all the beaches along the ocean..........
and if you go to the desert & Rissani, I can recomend you a nice hotel and even a good & honest guide...
so much memories........
Posted by: sofiasophie | November 25, 2009 at 03:51 PM
sofiasophie - we just came back from Essaouira! Will post some pics from there. Tomorrow, we head into the mountains.
Posted by: The Photodiarist | November 25, 2009 at 04:32 PM
AHHHHHHdud you are so so so amazing! Enjoy the mountains!!!
Posted by: Cristi | November 25, 2009 at 10:19 PM
Oh Diarist these are LOOOVVEEELLLY!!!! Have a wonderful time!
http://loveyourfabulousself.blogspot.com/
Posted by: lolitta | November 27, 2009 at 06:49 PM