I’ve only just arrived in Morocco and internet here is fairly spotty, with upload speeds slow enough that I’ve been unable to update the blog thus far. For a first post, I wanted to highlight some photos from what has struck me since I set foot into this colourful, mystical country – the details. From the ornate carvings on the walls of mosques and madrassas to the bags upon bags of spices and grains, each piled almost casually atop the other but forming a beautiful symmetry as a whole, to the doorknobs and brass statues I’ve seen thus far.
There are plenty of traditionally compelling photos from this country, and I’m sure I’ll post more of those later. But for the moment what stands out above all else is the craftsmanship and detailing in the myriad of parts that make up the whole, even those details that we see in nature as we wind our way through the country. And I really like the fact that is the aggregate of all those small, special things thatmade the biggest first impression overall. Given that they all stood out in my mind, I wanted to share them here with you.
Morocco Photography: Details Aplenty
A note about these photos: they are taken with my new camera, the first one I’ve bought in years. It’s an Olympus E-P3, with a pancake (aspheric) f/1.7 20mm lens. I’m still really getting used to it – I find myself focusing on the wrong things or getting far too close to the subject as I’m used to my little S90 point and shoot. But it’s been great fun to learn how the camera works and what it’s capable of. I’m very happy I chose to get a Micro 4/3ds and not a DSLR; it’s great not to have a big camera to lug through the medinas.
I’ll also be posting about my ridiculous long-haul flight to Casablanca and plenty of photos from the foods I’ve eaten on the trip. As the internet is quite unreliable, I’ll be adding pictures one by one (and more frequently) on the Legal Nomads fan page.
More to come soon!
Jodi
Beautiful shots! Naturally I am insanely jealous of anyone who actually owns and it traveling with any kind of DSLR. I may have to stop looking at travel photos altogether (until I’m able to replace my Nikon).
Enjoy Morocco!
Nice. It looks like your photography is taking off now. I agree with “it’s great not to have a big camera to lug”. We like our DSLR, but it’s a pain to lug around crowded areas where we want to get those cool photos.
These are my favorite photos you’ve ever taken! Absolutely incredible!!!
You have a great eye for the little details. Wonderful photos, Jodi!
gorgeous photos! WOW!
Jodi–These are really wonderful photos–you are obviously getting the hang of the new camera. Thanks for the post, and have a great week.
Nancy
Beautiful, Jodi! What lovely patterns… And those violet leather shoes are unbeatable. :)
Ah Fez… truly no place on the globe like it! Among the many highlights for me there, was going to a traditional hammam – I was the only westerner lass!
Great pics (esp. your skill with depth of field.)
These are beautiful! I love all the details on the mosques and similar buildings I have been to in Egypt. I am always struck by how intricate every single detail is and how symmetric many things turn out to be – even if it doesn’t seem like it at first.
As long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to go to Morocco–and your photos just brought rushing back all of that desire! It seems like such a beautiful, mysterious place–gorgeous photos, and looking forward to hearing more!
Love these pics, Jodi and awesome to see what your new camera can do. Especially like the short depth of field shots (nice that you can go f1.7!). These sort of pics tell me more about Morocco than the big picture/traditional shots, so glad you started with this set. We didn’t get a chance to talk much photography on our recent Radio Enso chat, so glad to read about your new gear. Have a great trip!
What a great themed set of photos. My favorite is the one of the brass lockets. Gives me wanderlust…
I LOVE this…especially that shot of the palace door!!
Your photos are absolutely beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
Wow!…your pictures are amazing…makes me miss Morocco even more…have a brilliant time ;)
Wow! Fabulous photos! I’d say you’re doing quite well learning your new camera!
Glad to see that camera is working out. You’ve also got a distinct eye for composition+perspective. These are beautiful shots!! Tell me when you’re in seagull country.
We’re heading to Essaouira shortly and I’ll be watching out for those gulls. I know you’ve got money riding on a 13th birdcrap ;) Glad you enjoyed!
Needless to say, I am in love with all of these and cannot wait to hear the accompanying stories. I love the tea kettle, the acorns for sale and the lockets — such telling parts of life in North Africa. Enjoy your journey!
My favourite (as much as ALL of them are great) has to be that cloud over the hills! Amazing!
Beautiful colorful shots Jodi :) Je t’applaudis!
Quite happy to see the new camera working out so well for you after all our debate as to which one you should purchase! Then again, I know that the true beauty of these images is not the camera, but the photographer behind the lens.
Just stunning Jodi!! xoxo
Thanks lady! So glad you enjoyed. Yes, the camera has been great. Thanks for all your help in narrowing down my choices.
Lovely shots. Very well done. I felt the same way when I was there. My camera couldnt escape the details!
Beautiful photos! The picture of ‘acorns’ is really one of poppies. :)
Thanks Donna! You’re right, and another reader (Liz) emailed to say the same. I’ve changed the caption and the intro- much appreciated.
Good Morning from Palm Springs! Your photos take my breath away! They are just BEAUTIFUL and I’ve already shared some with the Pinterest World. You’re so talented and you’ve truly captured the small details. Thank you!
Thank you Jennifer! I’ve never used Pinterest but glad that you found the post interesting enough to share there. Enjoy the rest of your week!
Magnifique Jodi! I love the details you picked up. Your picture of the shoes (babouches) reminded me when I was carrying Emily, 10 months old, on my back in the Marrakech souk. After walking away a few stalls, I noticed that she was chewing on a tiny blue leather babouche, “stolen” from some merchant. We still keep it as a souvenir…
Oh Isa, I can only imagine your face (and Marco’s!) when you figured out where the babouche came from. That’s hilarious. Thank you for reading and glad the photos brought back some memories.
Beautiful shots – looks like you are having fun with your new camera. I love the details, and Morroco is full of them. So many of my favorite pictures are from Morroco. I can’t wait to see and read more…
Your details are wonderfull, Jodi. :) Thank You
I really enjoyed these. I’ve always been fascinated by the calligraphy and tile patterns found in North Africa, but I haven’t been to Morocco. Your beautiful photos make me want to go even more!
Oh, thank You, but your photos are progressing from year to year too ))
Great photos! Love the tiles there and colors there.
Gorgeous shots! Can’t wait to have you in Istanbul, the Turks at the Grand Bazaar seem so lazy compared to Moroccan souks!
Beautiful photos Jodi! I especially like the one of the shoes!
Stunning photos! Beautiful details, great composition.
awesome photos!!
Micro 4/3s or Sony Nex are the travellers best friend!!
Those cottonball clouds are remarkable!!
Gorgeous, Jodi, really well done! I want to go back and melt into the colors and the scents and tastes… Wow, I love Morocco.
You are becoming quite the wonderful photographer, Jodi–these are awesome shots!
beautiful shots, truly… thank you for sharing!
These pictures are stunning Jodi. I like the theme of details and Morocco. It makes up for you not liking olives (almost!). :P
HA!
Pingback: Sensory Overload at Marrakesh's Djemaa el-Fna | Legal Nomads
I was so entranced by that very first photo of the deep cobalt blue on the vases, and in that instant was wondering what camera you use. Thanks for sharing. :)
Today a man on the street actually pulled my friend aside and suggested that she put her DSLR in her bag. So it sounds like you made a good choice to go for the smaller option. Happy clicking!
Lovely captures, Jodi! And exciting to know there are more people out there like me who aren’t enamored with the idea of lugging around a DSLR. These photos are perfect examples that it’s more about the eye of the photographer than the equipment used.
Can’t wait to see more!
Exceptional shots! I especially love the shoes, the palace doors in Fez and the wall of the mosque. Morocco is in my Top 5 Dream Destinations… *sigh*
Love your pictures. They make me want to go back to Morocco.
Pingback: It's Always Tagine O'Clock in Morocco | Legal Nomads
Gorgeous photos capturing all of the amazing crafts and colors that are so representative of Morocco…
You’ve truly have an artist’s eye for capturing the beauty of the most simple yet powerful imagery.
Thank you Dorothy. It’s the simple details that are often overlooked, and yet remain the scenes that make me smile the widest.
Thank you Dorothy. It’s the simple details that are often overlooked, and yet remain the scenes that make me smile the widest. So glad you enjoyed :)
Morocco is such a beautiful country! Jodi, you definitely captured alot of it’s beauty in your pics. I was just showing my mother in-law (who is visiting from Morocco and doesn’t have access to internet). She was amazed and very proud :). I haven’t visited the Imperial cities yet, but I definitely will now with this glimpse! I highly recommend you sample the snail soup (from street vendors) in Casablanca, it’s absolutely delicious, that is if you’re still there!
Hi Kim, thank you for the kind words and I’m thrilled to hear that your mother-in-law thought I represented her country well. I did try the snail soup (both in Casa and Marrakesh). Currently in Turkey and missing tagine!
Nice post! I just arrived in Japan to help with the disaster relief and I want to blog about my time here! I was looking up travel blogs and ran across yours. I love all the pictures in your post that tell a story of the place itself. Unfortunately, my camera is not as nice as yours. I just have a point-and-shoot digital. But maybe I can make it work :)
Hi Rachel, thanks for the comment and good luck in Japan. I used a point and shoot for all my photos on the site other than this post (and subsequent ones from Morocco) so I have no doubt you’ll do just fine with a point and shoot as well. It’s not the camera, it’s your eye as a photographer that matters in the end. The camera, while important, isn’t going to make a bad picture better :)
WOW, amazing! This is why I don’t bother taking photos. What’s the point ;)
Delicious photos
love the pictures of the spices. You can almost smell them through the computer.