Morocco

[pollyplopkins]

Hi there!

I am planning to go backpacking around Morocco for the summer and I am beginning to worry about the safety of my camera. I have been told so many "horror stories" about the crime and muggings etc over there... and although i dont believe everything I have been told, I was wondering if anyone had any advise on keeping me and my camera safe?

I really want to get some documentary style shots of the markets and busy streets, but I am worried that 1) my camera could get stolen and 2) I could land myself in trouble for taking photographs and 3) that the photographs that I take wont seem genuine- as people tend to freeze up, stare, or pose as soon as they see a camera-which is not what I am going for.
Has anyone got any tips on photographing "discreetly"???

Many Thanks!

 

[photo-em]

2) I could land myself in trouble for taking photographs

I know some friends who went there years ago, weren't pros at photography but were traveling so they did take a fair few pictures. They explained the locals would often ask for payment usually food or something personal in return for their picture.

It really depends where you go, I have also heard similar stories of the pick pockets and being sneaky might be the wrong way?

I'd make sure you get it insured before you go!

 

[David Holden]

I have been to Morocco 8 or 9 times and never had any trouble. Indeed people have gone out of their way to be helpful. I could spend hours describing the many positive incidents.

The main cause of stress is people trying to sell you stuff, so remember you are a massively rich westerner in a third world country. Its an Arab country and people will stand close to you than is normal in the West, this may seem aggressive but generally isn’t, but you will probably get stressed and not be sure why.

It’s a Muslim country and some people, especially women, do not want to be photographed at all.
Others (e.g. water sellers) make a living from photography and will expect to be paid.

You need to be really careful about photographing officials, police, official buildings, ports, military installations, etc.

Any attempt to be secretive will be seen, and probably cause concern or offence. Be open and honest, if somebody objects listen and find another subject. Smiling and talking to people will help. Keep a sense of humour. Many are Moroccans are multilingual, and humorous, and may well make fun of you, I get people gently mocking my bald head, my beard (Ali Ba Ba), race T shirts, etc. Laugh with them.

Enjoy the experience.

 

[MisterE]

It's hard to give universal advice that will get you through every situation. It is an acquired art, and you will have to develop nerves of steel at times. Crowded areas are usually easier because people won't feel that you're 'picking' on them. Also it can sometines help if you park yourself in a your chosen spot and wait. The initial attention you have attracted will eventually wane and people will get on with things.

You will have many encounters where people will want you to take their pictures. This obviously gives a posed situation, but beggars can't be choosers. But they can also produce some excellent pictures, not only with genuinely happy smiles, but some seriously stern faces that they may deliberately adopt. They all love having a look at their pictures on the lcd screen, so make sure you show them. Totally impractical, but there have been many times when I wished I could have had the most highly portable battery operated printer to give them a photo on the spot.

As far as security of your stuff is concerned, I have a wire mesh enclosure to put my whole camera bag in when in dodgy hotels, long train journeys etc. It prevents the bag being opened, and can be padlocked to something secure. Take a look here http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php You may find other security items of interest here too