Marrakech Medina: Photography Course & Walking Tour with Local

Summary

Learn camera skills in Marrakech’s maze of colors and life

You’ll walk Marrakech’s medina with your camera in hand, learning new tricks from a local guide as you photograph mosques, souks, and hidden corners. Expect laughter over mint tea breaks, small surprises in every alleyway, and a sense that you’re seeing the city through new eyes by day’s end.

What’s the experience like?

I opened my eyes to the city before sunrise, but Marrakech was already humming. Our guide — Youssef, who greeted us with a grin and a gentle “salaam” — led us through the first narrow alley. The air smelled like dust and oranges. I fumbled with my camera strap, still half-asleep, and Youssef just nodded at the light hitting the Koutoubia Mosque. “Now,” he said quietly, “see how it glows?” I tried to capture it, but my settings were off (again). He didn’t mind — just showed me how to adjust for the ochre walls. It felt more like wandering with a patient friend than a lesson.

We ducked into the kasbah district next, where kids darted past on their way to school and an old man sold mint tea by the corner. Youssef explained manual exposure while we watched shadows crawl across tiled doorways. I’ll admit I got distracted by a cat sleeping on a scooter — snapped about ten photos of that cat before realizing everyone else had moved on. There was no rush, though. Even in the Jewish quarter, with its faded blues and chipped paint, he encouraged us to experiment. I tried fiddling with white balance; half my shots came out weirdly pink but somehow that felt right for this place.

By midday we reached Jemâa el Fna square — all noise and color and smoke from food stalls. My hands smelled faintly of cinnamon from some pastry Youssef insisted we try (I can’t remember the name; Li laughed when I tried to say it in Arabic). The private photography course wasn’t just about settings or lenses; it was about noticing things: gestures between shopkeepers, sunlight bouncing off brass lamps in the souk, how even silence has texture here if you listen long enough. We ended up lost in those maze alleys for a while — not lost-lost, but you know what I mean — and honestly that’s where some of my favorite shots happened.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Photography course in Marrakech medina

• Learn camera settings and techniques
• Visit Koutoubia Mosque
• Explore Kasbah district
• Photograph Jewish quarter "mellah"
• Visit Place Jemâa el fna and souks
• Walk through maze alleys and arcades
• Create portfolio-worthy images

Top questions

Is this photography course suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s ideal for complete beginners as well as experienced photographers.

Which places will we visit during the course?

You’ll visit Koutoubia Mosque, kasbah district, Jewish quarter (mellah), Jemâa el Fna square and souks, plus maze-like alleys and arcades.

Is there any food or drink included?

Coffee or tea is included during your walk.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas are wheelchair accessible and transportation options are available.

How long does the photography course last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect several hours covering multiple neighborhoods on foot.

Can infants or small children join?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Will we have guidance on using our cameras?

Your guide will teach you step-by-step based on your experience level including manual settings and creative effects.

What’s included

Your day includes hands-on guidance from a local photographer through Marrakech’s medina districts with stops for coffee or tea along the way; all routes are wheelchair accessible so everyone can join comfortably as you explore iconic sites like Koutoubia Mosque and Jemâa el Fna together.