Morocco
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I was almost on visual overload in Chefchauen, Morocco, enjoying each and every minute I was out photographing. In fact, the only thing I didn't like was when I wanted to stop shooting and sit down to enjoy a mint tea…at which time I was usually quickly surrounded by numerous bees, attracted by the sugar and scent of the tea. This image came about as I set up my tripod and 4x5 large format camera to capture the stairs, fountain and life on the street. In the meantime, this man in traditional dress came down the stairs, so I grabbed my Leica hanging on a shoulder, and was able to get one shot off before the man passed me on his way down the stairs. Leica M7, Ziess 35mm f/2.8 C-Biogon, Fuji Provia 100F.
I was inspired to create this image from the photographically historical concept of the decisive moment. I found this great alley in Fez, with several 90 degree corners within a short span, plus a little alcove where I could stand. I waited in this position and shot many frames as people came around the far corner into my field of view. After about 15 minutes in Morocco's June heat, school clearly had let out for the day and kids started pouring down the hill. It was well worth the wait, as I was able to capture a decisive moment, with these young boys racing down the road, smiles on their faces, and not even noticing me. Zeiss Ikon, Zeiss 25mm f/2.8 Biogon, Fuji Acros 100
One might see this image and think a thin sheen of water has covered the ground in front of this intricate wall. But, it's actually the highly polished marble floor of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco. The mosque is a stunning piece of art and architecture, including this incredibly intricate wall positioned to provide views of the Atlantic Ocean beyond. I saw this scene unfold, as a fellow visitor positioned them self to look out onto the Ocean , while I stood back and was captured by the quality of the reflection on the floor in front of me. I've gone through several different versions of this image, cropping and rotating it, but after looking at if for a couple of years now, I've quite happy with what has been crafted.
The town of Chefchauen isn't on most tourists "must see" list in Morocco, which is one of the reasons why I chose to go there. The other reason was the fact that the entire town is painted beautiful shades of blue. The entire city is photogenic, combing deep color with elements of Moroccan architecture throughout. I was able to combine my love of street photography with the excitement of exploring a new vibrant location. One day I came across a small group of children playing a pick-up game of soccer in the narrow streets. I backed myself against one of the walls, bent down and started shooting away. Of the several images captured, this was my favorite, showing the action of movement, the colors of Chefchauen, and the fun of youth. Leica M7, Zeiss 25mm f/2.8 Biogon, Fuji Provia 100F.
A reflection on the highly polished floor of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. The mosque is the largest in Morocco, and the 7th largest in the world. The mosque is truly beautiful and a work of art in so many ways, including how it is positioned over the Atlantic Ocean. This shot was taken from inside the mosque, with the blue of the sky and water seen both in the intricate window and the reflection below. Leica M7, Zeiss 25mm f/2.8 Biogon, Fuji Provia 100F.
A quick day trip to the seaside city of Essouria, Morocco, proved to be a fun diversion. The city, like most in Morocco, has a maze of narrow streets in the center, which are just fun to explore for hours on end. The walls, streets, signs, and almost everything else in the town had a unique texture, but one that could not be photographed by itself; it would have been too plain. But, in this instance, I found a young boy lending against the window, apparently sad or tired. Him being there added just enough subject matter that I could capture. Using the texture of the wall, the boarded up windows, and the lines in the frame, I tried to position myself to use these elements to draw attention to the boy. Zeiss Ikon, Zeiss 25mm f/2.8 Biogon, Illford PanF 50 film.
The medina in Marrakech provided a almost never-ending made of little alleys, walkways, tunnels and streets that proved exciting to explore. Even at night, it was a great place to walk around as the sights were totally different than what I encountered during daylight hours. This woman and her child, apparently homeless, would always be sitting in this same spot when I passed, no matter the hour. One evening I came back and really liked the way the light and shadows worked in this scene, illuminated just by the few street lights present in the area. Bessa R4A, Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2, Fuji Neopan 400 pushed to 1600.
The detail in these doors is just incredible. That's what captured my attention as soon as I saw them. I was walking around Marrakech, soaking in the sights and smells. There are so many small mosques throughout the medina that one could almost be excessed for not noticing them all. But, I don't think there is anyway to miss these doors. The craftsmanship is wonderful, and so intricate. I think it must have been carved by hand, but I'm not sure. Zeiss Ikon, Zeiss 50mm f/2 Plannar, Ilford PanF 50 film.
I have a weakness for doorways and windows in my photography. Maybe it is something to do with a frame within the frame; I don't know. Late one night in Marrakech I found this dark, narrow, and low doorway leading to a small passageway just off a main alleyway. With a light behind me, as well as to the left in the main alleyway, the light and shadows here intrigued me, and helped accurate the texture in the walls. I waited for people to pass the passageway, and captured them in single moment of time, yet still showing some of their forward movement. Bessa R4A, Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Nokton, Fuji Neopan 400 pushed to 1600.
