An Arabian Alice in Wonderland: Travel Photography in Morocco ( Post 1.1)

Before I discovered a passion in portraiture, my photography developed during my travels. Actually, I took so many pictures of the Eiffer Tower one time, I swear my camera yelled, Enough!! Just about all of my travel photography was taken with a digital point and shoot that I bought in 2005 (a Sony Cybershot) and I can't say enough positive things about that point and shoot camera. With a little help from the Photoshop Gnomes, I was able to breathe new life into these images.

Lonely Planet: Morocco makes mention of this small town in the Rif Mountains called Chefchaouen. My curiosity sent me over to Google Images, at which point I was determined to see this place for myself. (Go ahead and Google it yourself!) The town is painted blue and it reminded me of an Arabian Alice in Wonderland. I read the Tales from Arabian Nights as a child, so my (active) imagination ran wild.

Turns out that it was a rickety 2-1/2 hour bus ride into the mountains from Tangier (where we arrived on a boat from Spain). An aggressive bunch of profit-seeking cabbies offered to drive us for a mere $100 (US). But for $5, we took a public bus. All we had was a backpack each and I had an Arabic language cheat-sheet in my sweaty pocket. It was August and not only was there no A/C in the bus (which I really didn't expect anyway), but the windows wouldn't open. So it was a balmy 100 degrees in there. My backpack held in my unwelcome body heat. Once we got to the bus station in Chaoen, it was a lengthy uphill walk into the town. 

This place was a total explosion of culture. We had Moroccan mint tea with a shop proprietor, fended off rug salesmen and watched as everyone shuffled into the mosque when the call to prayer bellowed out of the minaret.  I felt so vouyeristic. I took more pictures then I can count and it was difficult to stuff a few into this blog post, but here are a few.

Oh and here's a travel tip if you ever plan to visit Chaouen: The Moroccan dirham is a controlled currency which means you can't exchange it or bring it out of the country. So when you get to Morocco, get the smallest bill denominations that you can. We thought we did do this getting the equivalent to $5 bills. In Chaouen, that is a bill most street merchants can't make change for. Bring plenty of coins and singles - things just don't cost that much. Unless you cave in to the rug salesman. ; )

Capture your child's beautiful world in pictures. Camera Happy - A Free Workshop on February 23rd!

Let's talk and learn together about exposure, composition, creativity, being comfortable with your camera, and working with your children to capture their beautiful world in pictures. Space is limited. Call me (Dana at Firefly Photography) or Leigh (at Mother Moon) to reserve your spot. It is on Wednesday, February 23rd. You can also email me at fireflyphotography2009@yahoo.com to sign up.  (Details below)

Camera Happy: A Free Workshop

Prince Charming - NJ Child Photographer

Here is Prince Charming on today's Valentine's Day shoot. The smiles are courtesy of Lady Gaga on my iPod and me making the most ridiculous facial expressions and completely idiotic dance moves. I should do this more often. Although from now on, my shoots are back outside where I belong.

All You Need is Love...........

Here is "take 2" on our session together. This is right in the baby's living room. Although I much prefer to be outside, the natural light was perfect in this room.

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.......

I don't know what it is like where you are, but here in Sussex County, NJ, the winter is unrelenting this year. It's storm after storm (in fact there is one right now). The other night, I saw countless tiny crystals glinting and sparkling in the light. The next morning, I went outside and when the sun was out, the piles of snow were blanketed by tiny iridescent pieces of crystalline glitter. The twigs and branches from the little bushes created a pretty contrast against the snow. This is what I saw.