Chefchaouen, Morocco - September 2019

What inspired this photoshoot?

Morocco has been a place that I’ve been intrigued with for a while. It’s located in Africa yet has many influences from Europe. While it is an Arab country, French is their second language and in some areas Spanish is spoken as well. From the vibrant colorful tiles to the intricately created handwoven rugs, Morocco has its own sense of style and spectacle of culture.

I’ve been traveling internationally for 15 years and on my own since May 2018. I enter each country with a heart full of wonder. I love to visit places without knowing very much. I want to learn from the people who live there and experience their country through their eyes. And I want to take my experiences and share with others to shine a positive light on each place I go.

There are several countries that cause red flags or concern for people. And what is unfortunate is they often have a skewed, narrow view of a place based on what they hear on the news or through media. With Morocco, I had many people say things like, “Oh wow, you’re traveling in Morocco alone?” “You can’t travel in Morocco as a woman by yourself.” “Be careful traveling as a woman in Morocco, men will grab you.” I stopped watching the news several years ago. I will stay up to do through reading, but choose to stay out of the fear-based misinformed views of a destination. I kindly acknowledged each person who warned me and went anyway.

I had plans to visit Morocco with my two best travel buddies after our time in Portugal. We blocked a majority of the time to be in Portugal and left only 3 days to spend in Morocco. Even before visiting Morocco, I knew I wanted to stay longer. And I knew it would be the perfect destination for a photoshoot.

I often don’t plan in advance where I am going to go when I arrive somewhere. I may know a starting and ending destination but the in between is often unknown. I had a couple people recommend Essaouira to me which is on the Western Coast. While researching it, I saw an area on Google that said “Other People Search For” and saw this colorful blue painted city called Chefchaouen or “Chaouen” as locals call it. I looked it up and instantly felt a connection to this Blue City.

When you get a nudge to go somewhere or have the sense that this place just feels right, follow it. It’s pulling you for a reason.

How did you find your outfit?

I hired my photographer/stylist/tour guide from Airbnb Experiences. When I was looking into going to Chefchaouen, I started researching photographers on Airbnb Experiences. I had a great experience finding a photographer in Seville so I thought I’d give it another shot. As soon as I read about Rhani’s experience, I knew this was the city where I wanted to go. What I like about his offering, is that he takes you to a local dress shop to rent a traditional Moroccan dress for the photoshoot. This fit perfectly with my mission! I felt like a princess selecting her dress for her coronation. It was such a special experience. I’ve never worn anything silk or adorned in so many jewels. It was very special and memorable.

How did you feel during and after the photoshoot?

I was so excited about this photoshoot. At this point I had been in Morocco for a week’s time and had fallen in love with this country. I was so excited to be captured in such a beautiful and vibrant city. I was met with such kindness everywhere I went in Morocco and my photoshoot was no different. When I put the dress on, I felt like this was my day. It was unlike any dress I’ve ever worn. I walked out of my room and my host at my Riad stood there in awe. He was so excited for me to wear a dress from his country. And I continued to meet this acceptance and joy throughout the day. Many local women came up to me and asked to take a photo with me. I felt like they were honored that a woman from another country would come to experience a piece of their culture in this way. My hope wherever I go is to shine a light in the place where I am and share that light with the people there and beyond. I’ve learned in life that it’s the energy you carry that attracts kindness wherever you go.

Photoshoot Credits

Photographer: Mahmoud Tabbou

I got matched with Mahmoud through my Airbnb Experience host, Rhani. I hired Rhani to support with the logistics of the photoshoot (finding a dress, styling, behind the scenes footage) and hired Mahmoud to photograph me using his professional camera. Mahmoud is native to Chefchaouen and has been a photographer for several years. He shoots weddings, couples, groups, and individuals wanting to experience the Blue City in a more intimate way. He has such a fun and energetic personality. He was really great at posing me throughout the photoshoot and offering guidance on where to look and what to do. I had a really great time getting to know Mahmoud. He edited and turned the photos back to me within 3 days. I appreciate his attention to detail and speediness.

When I got my photos back, I was beyond impressed. Mahmoud has such an eye for not only capturing the perfect shot but also for editing. The photos look very editorial and belong in a magazine. I highly recommend doing a professional photoshoot with Mahmoud when you are in Chefchaouen!

To learn more about Mahmoud Tabbou and to hire him, visit his Instagram or email him directly.

Behind Scenes Photographer + Stylist: Rhani Abdelghani

I hired Rhani through Airbnb Experiences to support with my photoshoot. He offers a very unique experience, different than any other experience in Chefchaouen. What’s unique about Rhani is that he takes you to a local shop to rent a local Moroccan outfit. There are options for both men and women. He then takes you all around the Blue City and photographs you using your phone. Since we live in a world of immediate satisfaction, it’s nice to have your photos on your own phone as soon as the photoshoot is complete.

Rhani has such a kind and joyful spirit about him. When I message him and told him about my mission of doing photoshoots all over the world, he was very excited to support. He even found me a professional photographer to photograph the experience after I told him that I am wanting higher quality images than what a phone takes. His ultimate goal is to ensure that his clients are happy and satisfied. He supported with the logistics of the photoshoot and still provided me with so many wonderful behind the scenes shots.

When you’re in Chefchaouen, I highly recommend hiring Rhani for a photoshoot experience or for one of his many other experiences. He is a trained culinary chef and offers cooking classes as well as day trips from the Blue City. During his cooking classes, he takes you to the local market to select food and then you return to his home and cook together. He teaches you various techniques and then you and your group will enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal together.

Hire Rhani on Airbnb Experiences or reach out to him via Email.

Hair + Makeup: Robin

For this photoshoot, I didn’t plan in advance with finding hair and makeup artists so I chose to do it myself. I really liked the natural slightly messy look of my hair and clean, more natural look of my makeup. I wanted my dress to standout and be the star of my photos.