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Travel dates: October 23rd - 29th 2021

Spending a week in one of the most photogenic cities this planet has to offer. Working on your photographic skills and your self-confidence, while enjoying some of the best hospitality this magical city has to offer. That’s what it’s about during my workshops in Marrakech, Morocco.

Almost 15 years ago I visited Morocco for the first time and I loved it instantly. Nature and people here are stunningly beautiful, and so are all the shops, restaurants and street scenes. But hey, it was not easy to shoot here! Back then I found that quiet difficult. But now I look at it differently. I understand more and more why people may object to be photographed. I myself find it quite annoying when people point a camera at me just like that.

Over the years I discovered that the most important thing in photography is simply contact. As long as I am in touch with myself, my surroundings and the people around me, I can get virtually everything done. But it also works the other way around. If I don't succeed in making this contact, it may feel like the whole world is against me. And taking those portraits I'd really love to take home can become nothing less than a burden.

If you learn how to walk around freely with your camera anywhere, to make contact with the people and the world around you, your life will become much easier. And more fun. Over the past twenty years I have traveled in almost 100 countries and if there's one thing I've learned during all these travels, this is it.

Make contact. Laugh, chat, eat, give, knock, flirt, buy, drink, touch, share, ask and receive. And the most important one: don’t be afraid. Because as soon as you experience even a touch of reluctance or fear, the other will feel it and react instinctively. And then it’s over and out. Your beautiful picture is gone, the best you can get now is a portrait that will make the viewer feel a bit uncomfortable, either consciously or unconsciously. Because that is what you felt like when you took the shot.

I am convinced that your photography will vastly improve if you can walk around freely and unobstructed. Whether it be in the African bush or on board the Orient Express. In New York or Staphorst. On Tristan da Cunha or Bali.

Of course, we can talk for hours about diaphragms, focal lengths and depth of field. And I am more than happy to help you with that. But my experience shows that participants in a workshop really experience a breakthrough when they begin to realise that you can take beautiful portraits of almost everybody that you meet in the street. And Marrakech is a fantastic place to practice this.

My question to you is simple: are you ready for this? Do you dare? Are you ready to immerse yourself in a great city and country that offers you some real challenges and rewards?

If so, simply call me or send me an email so we can discuss if this is something for you.

TRAVEL FACTS

Travel Dates: October 23rd - 29th 2021 and depending on the COVID situation.

If you want to join you can book this trip now without any obligations: this will help in getting things organised and fixing the dates

We stay six nights in Morocco, 4 of which we spend in a beautiful riad in the heart of the medina. We will spend 3 days / 2 nights in the hinterland; by 4WD over the spectacular Tizi-n-Tichka pass and further into the desert. We visit small, sleepy villages along the route and enjoy the spectacular scenery.

Thijs Heslenfeld is present every day to offer advice and help. The day begins with a brief introduction to a photographic subject; then we quickly get started (and if you want to grab the best light you may already be on your way before breakfast). In Marrakech, we discuss the results of the day together before dinner.

The trip is suitable for photographers of any level, from beginner to advanced and utter amateur to professional. You can participate with your iPhone or with a backpack full of professional equipment. It is important that you have a laptop or tablet with you.

Including:
Transportation from the airport to the riad on arrival
4 nights accommodation and breakfast based on two persons per room
1 x 3-course dinner on day of arrival
1 x 3-course dinner on the last night
3 days / 2 nights tour by 4WD to the south of Morocco
2 night stay at hotel in the south of Morocco, including dinners
Transportation to the airport on departure
Hosted by Thijs Heslenfeld personally

Excluding:
Flights to and from Marrakech, lunches and two dinners in Marrakech

Weather: temperature 27 degrees during the day, at night around 15 degrees and little chance of precipitation.

Price: € 1.349,- p.p. (50% deposit upon booking and 50% one month before the trip).
Single room: 25% surcharge and depending on availability

Questions and/or bookings: simply contact me so we can discuss your options.