Photo secrets of Marrakech: How to shoot the Red City
Major new museum of Marrakech
The Marrakech Museum for Photography and Visual Art
Once a haven for painters seduced by its rich colors, Marrakech is back on track to become a world-leading destination for photographers thanks to the arrival of a major new museum.
Major photography museum on the way
The city's photography scene is likely to explode over the next few years as it prepares for the 2016 arrival of the Marrakech Museum for Photography and Visual Arts.
The museum already has a temporary home inside the ancient walls of Marrakech's el Badi Palace and has hosted exhibitions including one by five photographers from the Magnum agency: Mikhael Subotzky, Jim Goldberg, Susan Meiselas, Abbas and Mark Power.
Small is best
The bigger the equipment is, the more noticeable the photographer.
Walking through narrow streets of the old medina with a bulky professional camera, a tripod and a bag full of lenses is the easiest way to spook potential subjects.
Modern compact cameras are lighter, more discreet and can often do a better job with street photography.
Being bold gets results
Then I just wait for this perfect moment when they forget I'm there and get the photograph I want without disturbing anyone.In Marrakech, I sometimes ask people for permission to take their photo, explaining that it's more an artistic approach than a journalistic one.
So does staying hidden
The complete opposite of the previous tip, but sometimes stolen moments are the most natural and the best.
It's not always possible to avoid being spotted by the people being photographed, but a polite attitude and a smile can work wonders.
Follow the light
In addition to Marrakech's countless attractions, weather is one of the main reasons tourists visit the Red City -- and it's definitely a plus for photographers.
There are clear skies almost daily, meaning that when the sun is at its zenith, walks through the alleys of the old medina will be beautifully lit.
Not to mention the sunsets.
The best spots
Whether the subject is a person a group or beautiful landscape, location is everything.
It's easy to get close to people in the main square, Jemaa el Fna, but photographers shouldn't be surprised if they get asked for money in exchange of their masterpiece -- this mostly applies to snake charmers and monkey trainers.
The rooftops of cafes and restaurants surrounding this square offer commanding views of the marketplace and glorious sunsets.
And finally ...
One note of caution: taking photographs of government buildings is forbidden and can result in arrest.
article source: http://edition.cnn.com/
