How a session works
The photographer meets you at an agreed point (your riad, a medina gate, a café) and walks with you from one backdrop to the next: ochre alley, carved door, riad courtyard, garden. They handle the light, tell you how to stand and do not keep you posing long in one place. You then receive a download link, usually within a few days, with a selection of edited photos. The number of images, the delay and the usage rights (private use or social media) differ from one photographer to another: read them on the listing before paying.
How much it costs
Prices published on platforms in October 2026 give an order of magnitude, not an official rate:
| Format | Duration | Price seen | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short session (portrait, marriage proposal) | about 30 minutes | from about $54 | One backdrop; a few photos delivered |
| Medina session with a local photographer | about 1 hour | about $104 per person on one GetYourGuide listing | Edited photos delivered afterwards |
| Long session (couple, family, several places) | 1.5 to 2 hours | varies, often on quote | Several backdrops, sometimes a riad or garden |
Prices depend on the number of people (some listings show a price per person, others per group), the season and the display currency. Entry fees to paying sites (gardens, palaces) are generally not included: ask what is covered before booking. Commercial filming rights are a separate matter, for professional productions only.
Where and when
- Medina and souks: soft light and quieter alleys early in the morning, between 7 and 10 a.m. The souks are very crowded afterwards.
- Riad courtyards: a backdrop sheltered from sun and crowds, available all day if the riad accepts a session (ask first).
- Gardens: the Majorelle Garden and the Jardin Secret have their own rules and tickets; filming with professional equipment may require prior permission.
- Palaces: the Bahia Palace offers courtyards, zellige tilework and painted ceilings, with heavy crowds around midday.
- Golden hour: the low light of late afternoon warms the ochre walls; in summer avoid midday, too hot and too harsh for skin.
Rules to know
Always ask before photographing a passer-by, and respect a refusal. Drones require authorisation: a serious photographer will not fly one without papers. Details are in our guide photo rules in Marrakech. The paid "posed" photos on Jemaa el-Fna (snake charmers, monkeys) are not a photo shoot: they are charged on the spot, and best avoided for animal welfare and price reasons.
Choosing your photographer
- Look at recent reviews and the portfolio: the photos should look like what you want.
- Check the real duration, the number of photos delivered and the delay.
- Book through a platform that allows cancellation, rather than paying cash to a stranger approached in the street.
- Ask about bad weather or lateness.
- Tell the photographer if you have specific clothes or a specific backdrop in mind (see what to wear in Marrakech).
On-the-spot payments are often in dirhams or cash: our guide money and tipping explains where to withdraw. A tip is not compulsory but appreciated if you enjoyed the session.
Going further
Plan the session for your first morning so you enjoy good photos for the rest of your stay, and fit it into your plans with Marrakech in 3 days or the romantic Marrakech guide if it is a proposal. Common scams are covered in scams to avoid in Marrakech.
