Is my Gear Good Enough?
Yes, it is. Even if you pack along a smartphone like the Nokia 1020 or a point and shoot camera, we’ll be able to help show you how to shoot some incredible images, and take you to the location where it’s impossible to take a bad photo. That being said, if you want to get the best out of your trip, I’d recommend taking gear you’re comfortable with. Also, think about the limitations your gear might have. Also, on a travel photography workshop like this, there is going to be a wide variety of different gear used by different people. So, you will get a chance to see how some of the other equipment works.
What Camera Should I Bring?
Obviously, that’s up to you. We know well enough it’s possible to take great photos even on a point and shoot. However, to get the most out of the trip we recommend bringing along a DSLR or a mirrorless camera with interchanging lenses.
What Lenses Should I Bring?
Again, that’s up to you. Morocco is a diverse place meaning you’ll probably run through a lot of different focal lengths. Our guess is that you’d want at least a wide angle zoom and a telephoto zoom. For example, if you were to pack a 24-70mm and a 70-200mm you’d be set in most situations. A set like a 16-35mm, 50mm, and 70-200mm would also be great. If you are considering bringing a 300mm lens or longer, you might be packing a bit too much lens for this trip.
What Photo Accessories Should I Bring?
As with basically all the questions so far, that’s up to you. What you definitely should bring, though – no matter whether you’re shooting a smartphone or a DSLR – is a sturdy tripod. We’ll be shooting a lot of long exposures and low light situations, where the extra stabilization is simply necessary. Additionally, you will likely want a couple filters to make the most out of the landscapes and a gradient ND filter, and a polarizer will definitely come in handy. If you love taking portraits, I’d recommend a flash and a reflector.
Can I Rent Photography Gear?
From us, no. However, we can recommend that you rent lenses or camera bodies from Borrowlenses.com. If you’re worried about renting a piece of equipment and not being familiar with it, don’t worry. We’re professionals and are here to guide you through the process of not only taking cool photos but also making sure you know how to work your gear.
Should I Bring a Laptop?
That all depends on how much editing you want to do on the road. Remember that we’re offering photo editing sessions and critiques along the way. Thus, if you want some help during those sessions, it really helps if you have your own laptop as well as a photo editing software like Lightroom or Photoshop installed on it. Moreover, having a laptop is a good thing to have when it comes to backing up your images.
How Fit Should I be?
This is a fairly minimum activity level tour. This tour has been done with passengers of all fitness levels, they all get by. That said, to really enjoy the tour you should at least be prepared for a bit of hiking and some long walks around the medinas.
Do I Need Travel Insurance?
Yes. If you do not have travel insurance you will not be able to join the tour. Your travel insurance details will be verified at the start of the tour.
Will there be any 1-on-1 Sessions?
Yes. On 3 occasions we’ll be offering 1-on-1 photo editing and critique sessions with participants. Moreover, out in the field we won’t be giving full instruction to the entire group, although a pre-shoot discussion will take place. Instead, once we get out in the field, we’ll be available to help photographers in a 1-on-1 capacity with any questions they might be having.
What’s the Type of Accommodation?
Our accommodation in Morocco is of the 3-star variety, we may also be staying in a local Riad on one occasion. The one exception will be in the Sahara where you’ll have the option of staying out at a desert camp.
What Type of Transportation?
For the tour we have our own private transport along with an English-Speaking driver. This will give us the freedom of being able to stop and shoot photography where and when we like. It also means that we won’t have to worry too much about our gear when we’re out and about taking pictures.
What is the Food like?
Moroccan food is fantastic. And, there are plenty of options for people of different desires. For example, if you’re a vegetarian, there are plenty of options for you. Traditional dishes are things like a tajine, which is a sort of stew.
What Meals are Included?
Over the 13 days of the trip, you’ll have a total of 24 meals included. There will be 12 included breakfasts, and 12 included dinners as well. You’ll have to cover your own lunches, and snacks.
How Big is the Group Size?
Our maximum group size is 12 people. Since there are two instructors along the tour, we will often break into 2 groups of 6, if necessary, to keep out of each others way.
The minimum group size is 4 people.
What Languages are Instructions Available in?
Together, we speak 3 different languages fluently. Thus, we can give instructions in English, French, and Spanish. However, the primary language of instruction is going to be English.
Will There be a Language Barrier?
Maybe, a little bit. But, when we’re in the cities we’ll have a local guide with us bridging the culture gap. Moreover, we can communicate in French and a lot of Moroccans still speak French. Also, English is pretty widely spoken in Morocco. You certainly wont be stuck.
What Medication do I Need?
We are not doctors, so we can’t advise you on this matter. Our recommendation is that you visit your travel doctor before going on this trip. Based on personal experience in Morocco, you’ll likely want to carry something to fend off a potential stomach bug. But, as we mentioned, consult your travel doctor.
Can you Arrange our Flights?
Yes, this can be done. Please refer to the sales page. To make this happen, we’d require full payment for the tour upfront. Then, we’ll be in contact with you via email to work out optional services such as flight booking and pre-tour bookings. If you want us to book a flight for you we’d find the cheapest available fare for you from your destination and quote you that price plus a $50 booking charge.
Can I Pay for an Upgrade?
Upfront, no. We simply can’t have our group scattered all over the place. We’ve decided on 3-star accommodation because it offers extremely comfortable accommodation while still meaning that the trip is affordable to a wide range of people.
What is the Single Supplement?
Our prices are based on the idea that everyone will be sharing a double room. Thus, as a single traveller, you’ll be paired with another participant, if possible, for the accommodation during the trip. However, if you are a single traveller and want to ensure private accommodation for the trip, you’ll need to pay the single supplement cost, which for this tour is $600. The option for the single supplement will be given in our information given once the tour is booked.
Who will I be Paired with as a Single Traveller?
If you’re a single traveller, we will only pair you with a member of your same sex. We’ll never ask for a solo male and solo female traveller to pair up.
Morocco Tipping Policy
In Morocco, tipping is expected in restaurants. Generally a fair tip is between 5-15% depending on the service. There is no need to tip taxi drivers as most prices are negotiated anyways. Tour guides do receive tips. However, the tour leader will cover their tips.
Can I Book Pre/Post-Tour Accommodation?
Absolutely, if you’d like us to take care of this we can do this for you. Just give us fair warning about your dates and we’ll arrange it for you.
The Tour is Full, is There a Wait List?
Yes, the wait list is available. To place yourself on it, please email brendanvanson@gmail.com with your desire to be listed on the wait list.
What is the Refund Policy
We require a $300 non-refundable deposit to hold your space on the tour. Then, full payment is required by 60 days before the start of the tour. If the full payment has been made, and you cancel more than 60 days in advance, you’ll get a full refund minus the deposit. If you cancel 30-60 days before the start of the tour, you’ll receive a 50% refund. If you cancel within 30 days prior to the start of the tour, you will forfeit your full payment. The tour is transferable if you are no longer able to join.
How do I book?
Visit the Booking Page Here.