There's something magical about Essaouira that captures every photographer's heart. During my recent 72-hour adventure in this coastal Moroccan city, I discovered why it's become a photographer's paradise. This Essaouira photography guide will take you through an incredible journey of horse photography on windswept beaches, street photography in ancient medinas, and discovering where Hollywood magic happened.
Why Essaouira is Perfect for Photography
Essaouira isn't just another Moroccan destination—it's a photographer's playground where Atlantic winds meet Berber culture. The city offers an incredible mix of dramatic coastlines, historic architecture, and vibrant street life that creates endless opportunities for stunning shots.
During my three days here, I experienced everything from sunrise horse gallops on pristine beaches to intimate coffee moments in the bustling medina. What struck me most was how this Essaouira photography guide experience showed me the perfect balance between tourist-friendly accessibility and authentic Moroccan charm.
Beach Horse Photography: The Ultimate Essaouira Experience
The Magic of Liberty Horses
One of the most spectacular experiences in Essaouira is photographing horses running free on the beach. I worked with Marta from Esso Red Dreamers, and watching horses like Redd, Rosa, Magtab, and Emo gallop at liberty against the Atlantic backdrop was breathtaking.
Essential Equipment for Horse Photography:
- 70-200mm lens (highly recommended by professionals)
- Nikon D5 or similar full-frame camera
- Fast shutter speeds for action shots
- Backup batteries (the coastal wind drains them quickly)
Timing Your Beach Shoots
The golden hours in Essaouira are absolutely stunning. During sunset, the lighthouse creates a dramatic silhouette, while sunrise offers that magical light that makes horses look ethereal as they gallop through the surf.
Pro Tips for Beach Photography:
- Book your horse photography session in advance
- Expect sessions to be weather-dependent
- Bring lens cloths—the coastal spray is real
- Consider quad bike transport to reach the best spots
Street Photography in Essaouira's Medina
Navigating the Medina with Your Camera
The medina of Essaouira is a photographer's dream, but it requires a sensitive approach. Unlike some Moroccan cities, Essaouira feels more relaxed for street photography, especially when using creative techniques.
Mirror Photography Technique:One technique I discovered was shooting through the many mirrors displayed in shop fronts. This indirect approach felt more respectful and less intrusive while creating unique, layered compositions. The mirrors reflect the bustling street life while creating artistic frames within frames.
Coffee Culture and Local Life
Starting my morning at a local café became a ritual. The pastries—especially the pan chocolate that's almost the size of your head—are surprisingly excellent. The French influence on Moroccan coffee culture is evident, and these quiet moments provide perfect opportunities for documentary-style photography.
Street Photography Ethics:
- Use longer lenses to maintain respectful distance
- Try mirror reflections for creative, non-intrusive shots
- Learn basic Arabic greetings—"Salam" opens doors
- Be patient—the best shots come to those who wait
Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Essaouira
Discovering Astapor in Morocco
Essaouira doubled as Astapor in Game of Thrones, and walking through these locations adds another layer to your photography experience. The scenes where Daenerys walks through the slave city were filmed right here, with the ramparts and cannons providing that authentic medieval backdrop.
Key Filming Locations:
- The ramparts overlooking the ocean
- Cannon positions along the fortress walls
- Ancient archways in the medina
- Castle walls with dramatic shadows
Photography Tips for Historical Architecture
The fortress walls of Essaouira create incredible opportunities for architectural photography. The interplay of light and shadow, especially in the late afternoon, transforms these 18th-century Portuguese fortifications into dramatic subjects.
Wildlife Photography: Cats Everywhere
Essaouira has an incredible cat population, and they're considered clean and welcome throughout the city. These cats have become part of the city's character, and photographing them adds a charming element to any Essaouira photography guide.
Cat Photography Tips:
- Early morning and late afternoon for best light
- Use longer lenses to avoid disturbing them
- Look for cats in architectural settings
- The "cat man" near the central square is a local character worth photographing respectfully
Practical Photography Tips for Essaouira
Camera Equipment Recommendations
Based on my experience, here's what worked best:
- Nikon D5 performed excellently in coastal conditions
- 50mm f/1.2 perfect for street photography in the medina
- 24-70mm versatile for general travel photography
- Action cameras great for quad bike adventures
Dealing with Moroccan Market Dynamics
Photography equipment attracts attention in the medina. Prices vary wildly between shops—one might charge 10 dirhams while another asks for 50 for the same item. Always negotiate, and remember that having visible camera equipment might affect initial pricing.
Weather Considerations
Essaouira's Atlantic location means:
- Strong winds that can affect camera stability
- Coastal spray that requires lens protection
- Dramatic cloud formations perfect for landscape photography
- Consistent light throughout the day due to coastal conditions
Transportation and Logistics
Getting Around for Photography
- Quad bikes are the preferred method for reaching remote beach locations
- Shared taxis work well for moving between the medina and accommodation
- Walking is best for medina photography
- Early morning offers the calmest conditions
Cultural Sensitivity in Photography
Respecting Local Customs
Essaouira feels more relaxed than some Moroccan cities, but respect remains crucial:
- Always ask permission for portraits
- Be particularly sensitive around religious sites
- Tip appropriately when people help or pose for photos
- Learn basic Arabic phrases to show respect
Building Connections
The friendliest encounters often happen over shared mint tea or while admiring the incredible tilework (zellige) in traditional buildings. These moments of connection often lead to the most authentic photographs.
Making the Most of 72 Hours
Day-by-Day Photography Focus
Day 1: Arrival and medina exploration
- Street photography in the afternoon light
- Coffee culture documentation
- Getting oriented with equipment
Day 2: Beach and horse photography
- Sunrise or sunset horse sessions
- Coastal landscape photography
- Game of Thrones location hunting
Day 3: Final shots and departure
- Early morning medina when it's quietest
- Last-minute architectural details
- Travel day photography
Beyond Photography: The Essaouira Experience
What makes this Essaouira photography guide special isn't just the technical aspects—it's how the city makes you feel. There's something about the combination of Atlantic winds, ancient walls, and warm Moroccan hospitality that creates magic in every frame.
The cats lounging in castle shadows, the sound of hooves on wet sand, the call to prayer echoing off fortress walls—these aren't just photo opportunities; they're moments that capture the soul of Morocco.
Your Essaouira Photography Adventure Awaits
My 72 hours in Essaouira exceeded every expectation. From galloping horses at liberty on endless beaches to intimate moments in the medina's coffee shops, every corner of this coastal city offers something special for photographers.
Whether you're drawn to the dramatic action of beach horse photography, the contemplative nature of street photography in the medina, or the historical significance of Game of Thrones filming locations, Essaouira delivers an unforgettable experience.
What aspects of Essaouira photography excite you most? Have you tried horse photography before, or would the medina street photography be more your style? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I'd love to hear about your own Moroccan photography adventures or help you plan your first trip to this incredible coastal gem!
Planning your own photography adventure in Essaouira? Check out our other guides on Moroccan destinations and photography tips. Don't forget to follow our social media for daily doses of Moroccan inspiration!