Over 70 genuine reviews are on Trip Advisor for our photo holidays and photography trips. We have been awarded a 5 star rating.
Better late than never. As they say, your experience is as good as your company. it completely sums up my review. Darren is an amazing partner, guide, expert when you are out there shooting. My expedition was very specific to covering Nomads in Atlas mountains and he was truly a pro in his approach. His persistence sometimes crossed my patience to get the best shot. I would be going back to Morocco soon and of course with Darren… Anshul, July 2019.
This was my sixth tour with Darren and my second time out to this part of Spain, I did the same tour in Spring 2018. This was a first rate tour with a number of great photogenic locations, Darren had certainly done his homework. It was really interesting to return to the same locations at a different time of the year, a number of which were radically different, all offering fantastic photo opportunities and challenges at any time. Darren was always willing to offer tips and suggestions when needed, his personal work is first rate. The tour was really well led with a great bunch of people, accommodation, especially the hotel outside of Tarifa was fantastic and I think its fair to say everyone had a great time. If you want something a little different in terms of landscape photography I would strongly recommend this tour. Brian, October 2019. This was my first photography tour and I was really impressed with the organisation, locations and guidance given by Darren. Research is the key to a successful trip of this nature and Darren has done a great job! Technical help and assistance with photographic composition was provided wherever necessary. Highly recommended for all keen photographers. John, October 2019.
I have just returned from my second trip with Images in the Sun, this time a 10 day tour of the desert region, and cannot recommend it highly enough. As a solo female traveller I find Darren’s tours an interesting and safe way to explore the cultural feast that is Morocco, whilst improving my image-making in the process. The programme was wide-ranging and fast-paced, from bustling busy markets and portrait sessions to star trails and dunes. Not only does Darren provide great photo opportunities, he is also an attentive and supportive tutor. I feel my photographic skills have definitely gone up a notch or two since this last trip. Morocco gets under your skin – if you go on one of Darren’s tours you will undoubtedly want to go back for more. Lorraine, November 2018.
My first photography holiday and it was great. Darren was very friendly and helpful. He took us to lots of varied and interesting places at the best time for the light. Also we met and photographed lots of local people through Darren’s connections. Unlike some tours, Darren wasn’t trying to take his own pictures at the same time. The accommodation and the food was pretty good. Hafid, our driver was also really friendly and helpful. I had a great time and came back with lots of good photos. Kirsten, March 2018.
Darren provided a varied tour through the mountains and desert dunes for portrait, street and landscape photography. This was my first photography tour and it will be a hard one to beat –reasonably priced and a wonderful foray into Moroccan life. Darren’s personal connections gave us access to Berber and nomad families for portraits. Hafid, our intrepid driver, also took us on a private northern tour which was all arranged by Darren. I recommend this company! Jane, March 2018.
For two weeks I looked for a “photographic tour to Morocco”. I contacted several websites, received several proposals, but the most convincing was IMAGES IN THE SUN by Darren Lewey. The choice was more than right. Darren is an animated person, great company and guided us through places we never imagined, away from the tourist circuit and provided us with a proximity to Morocco that we wanted to meet. Amazing and unforgettable photos! Arthur & Silvia, Feb. 2018.
We are just finishing our 10-day tour of Morocco guided by photographer Darren Lewey. What a treat! Not only he took us to very special and unique places where very few tourists go, but gave us excellent tips and instructions on how to take better photos. If you want a memorable trip to Morocco and very reasonably priced, we highly recommend Darren Lewey. Alberto & Desi Feb. 2018.
I spent a week in Essaouira on Darren’s Photographic Course, with a couple of girls in October 2017, we were all independent travellers. Darren has kick started me into using my camera properly after all these years and with this breakthrough in my ‘un-technical mind set’ I am now inspired to continue to use my own setting from now on! I really enjoyed the tasks set in and around the medina, especially the reportage type images. Essaouira is a beautiful old fortified city relatively unspoiled by tourism and felt perfectly safe for an unaccompanied women to explore. Esther, Oct. 2017.
I have just completed an 8-day trip into the Atlas Mountains with Darren, Images in the Sun and it could not have been any better. Besides providing endless opportunities for photographs it also provided a unique glimpse into the lives of the locals. Through his connections, we interacted with a variety of local people and enjoyed their hospitality. These opportunities were never rushed and I am very happy with my images from the trip. Darren was always available for questions, to offer advice and to review photos when asked. I also loved the accommodations. Each were unique, charming and traditional with amazing food. I have fallen in love with this country and can’t wait to come back. I believe much of that is due to the effort that Darren has put into building relationships along the way and sharing them with his guests. Shelley, April 2017.
Because I have been taking photographs for over 60 years I was not sure exactly what to expect as well as how much I would actually learn, from my week in Morocco. I need not to have concerned myself as tutor Darren was marvellous (very knowledgeable and a nice chap too!). I learnt a lot about using ‘Lightroom’ the photo manipulating software (plus other things) and because of Darren’s help in ‘opening doors’ to many local people I was able to come home with lots of super pictures, many of which I would not have obtained without this help and encouragement. Also, his advice about the local places in which to eat each evening meant that we all enjoyed our restaurant foods, and some of us (me!) put on weight. Because he was so patient, enthusiastic and well informed I would recommend a week with him to anyone of any level from novice to the more advanced/accomplished photo enthusiast. The booking and travel all went smoothly too. Robin, April 2017.
Having been out with Darren on three previous trips, I knew we would be seeing some excellent photographic sites and we were not disappointed! We covered Marrakesh, Fez, the Cascade Ouzoud Falls, Volubilis (Roman ruins), Chefchaouen and Meknes. There was a lot of travelling involved but the compensation was seeing the rolling hills and thousands of hectares of fertile valleys – so different from the stony deserts further south. There was plenty of opportunity for street photography but also for architecture and landscape. Our favourite was Chefchaouen, the blue city, where the architecture was so different and unique that you could not fail to take some brilliant images. The people there are so friendly too. We were accommodated in traditional Riads which were very good and also provided excellent catering. Being only three hours and ten minutes from Gatwick, this is a fabulous way of getting exposure to a vastly different culture and amazing photographic opportunities. Peter, March 2017.
Have just returned from an enjoyable week in Essaouira with Images in the Sun, learning about a variety of approaches to photography, including portrait, abstract and street/reportage. Darren’s teaching style is efficient and effective, and Essaouira is a lovely base for the week. Learnt a lot and came away with lots of ideas/enthusiasm for development. Victoria, October 2016.
Darren is a friendly chap and we had a great week together in Morocco. The weeklong tour included some of the best locations in Morocco to photograph including some remote places as well. Having basic knowledge of your photographic equipment and being ready to follow his guidance was necessary as you have to be rather quick when an opportunity comes in front of you. Darren would provide a heads up when possible and point out subjects or lighting conditions. Through our trip we utilized times with good lighting for photography and manage to either travel or rest when lighting was not so good. I am personally a wide angle kind of guy, but after spending time with him, understood how to utilize tele lenses for better results in most of the situations during this trip. He had established relations with some of the locals and the hotels we’ve visited which helped a great deal to understand the culture and the society at a deeper level. That was helpful as my spouse is not a photographer but had great times nonetheless. Overall I am very grateful for Darren’s attentiveness and care throughout the trip. Polash, April 2016.
Attended the learning holiday in Feb 2016 and can definitely recommend it to anyone with these interests. The transfers from Marrakesh were trouble free and the accommodation at Maison du Sud was good quality and very convenient in the heart of the medina. Tuition and excursions were expertly handled by Darren Lewey, and was just the right balance between learning and fun. The week was attended by a really nice bunch of singles, some doing just photography, some doing just cooking, but everyone mixed in for meals and refreshments. I came back with some great photos and memories of a holiday I won’t forget. Roy, Feb. 2016.
A stunning place to tour. The Mountains vary so much around each of the areas that you visit. Loved the area of the monkeys fingers. Darren and his wife were excellent guides. The accommodation was excellent and very varied so you experience all different kinds of hotels The rooms in the cave hotel was a stunning experience, I will remember the time of trying out night photography of the stars. You will meet and photograph in many varied situations that will inspire you, landscapes, markets and people in there homes… I have been with Darren for two holidays and waiting for another tour to be finalised to go again. I had the most wonderful time on both tours with expert advice. I was looked after extremely well and nothing was too much trouble for both Darren and his wife Naima. Not to forget Hafid who was always behind us to help with the local people and sort out any problems at the rear. Photography was my aim and this, Darren was extremely helpful and experienced at this, I learnt a lot and came home with some great shots Lynn & Lorraine, Oct. 2015
I have just returned from an amazing photo holiday experience in Essaouira, which is on the Western/Atlantic shores of Morocco. The holidays are run by experienced Photographer and teacher Darren Lewey. I learnt a lot from Darren, who also offers photo tours to include the Atlas mountains. Essaouira is a walled city and the medina is a Unesco world heritage site, there is a lively port brimming with photo opportunities, as well as the colours of the medina, the frenetic activity of the Arab Souk and Berber market. I felt I had stepped back in time and had a fantastic journey which I will never forget. I will be making the most of my images and hope to show a variety of them on my Flickr stream, some colourful, some not so pretty but all honest. https://www.flickr.com/photos/juliajbm/20876043916/in/dateposted/Julia, UK, August 2015.
I had a fabulous week in Essaouira improving my photographic skills with the guidance of Darren, who was a knowledgeable and excellent teacher. I liked the way the course was structured, covering reportage, abstract and portraiture on separate days. I would not hesitate to recommend it. I came away with not only some great images, but also some new photography buddies and a sense of having improved over the week, which is always what you want from a learning experience.Sharon, UK, June 2015.
What kind of photo tour does one want? Many photo tours cater to people who want to copy the style or images of a famous photographer, or have an abundance of setups where you can get good, but not unique, images, or be taken to famous tourist spots that are already well photographed – the end results are photographs that may be good but hardly original. On some tours the famous photographer shoots for stock and neglects the clients. On the other hand, if you are looking for a photo tour that takes you off the beaten track, but has been researched for photographic opportunities, allows you to develop your own interpretation of a place, and with photographic help available if you need it, then Darren Lewey’s ImagesInTheSun tours are for you. Personally, I seldom take organized photo tours unless the logistics, safety or other reasons prevail. Morocco is a place where logistics and safety were difficult issues and Darren’s tour handled these issues very well. As mentioned earlier Darren’s tours take you off the beaten track so that you can capture unique, interpretative images that you can call your own. Superb photo opportunities were provided by visits to nomad camp sites, and villages that are not frequented by most tourists. Darren’s spouse, Naima, is Moroccan and speaks the language and knows the culture of the country. She is a great asset to Darren and his tours because she can break the ice in photographing places and people. For example, we made an unscheduled stop to a nomad camp. We approached the camp by vehicle but stayed in the vehicle and kept our cameras stowed while Naima went to talk to the nomads. Naima was able to convince the nomads that were friendly and wanted to photograph life in the camp as a friendly means of communication with the outside world and not for some bad purpose. So we spent a hour at the camp photographing life in the camp and developing a better understanding of their lifestyle and things that are important to them. Another unscheduled stop was near the highway when we saw a herd of camels. Darren and Naima established good communications with the camel herders and we were able to get good images of both the herders and the camels. It is these kinds of events that made the tour exceptional. Darren keeps his group sizes small, so there is little issue with getting in each other’s way. An added bonus is that the tour cost is reasonable because Darren and Naima live in Morocco and you are not paying to transport some famous photographer to Morocco and also to pay the commission for the famous photographer. Robert, Canada, April 2015.
Top class week of tuition specifically tailored to your skill level (in my case complete beginner). Darren took us to places that normal tours don’t reach, the riad and restaurants were all good, and the balance between theory and practice meant that I came out of the week feeling much more adventurous and in control of my camera, with some pretty damn good photos as well! Barbara, UK, April 2015.
We had a fantastic trip that started in Marrakesh and ended at Merzouga in the Sahara. Darren and his wife, Naima, are wonderful and knowledgeable hosts. My wife and I traveled with them and 1 other photographer, who happened to speak both Arabic and English. Niama was always great at smoothing the way with families and shopkeepers as we photographed along our way. Darren is a generous and patient teacher with years of artistic and photographic experience. He has done a lot of leg working in finding some of the best places to shoot and he always seemed to be in those spots at the right time of the day. The tour has the advantage of being guided locals who have made the trip before.
They took us to great small family run riads—inns with interior courtyards. The accommodations were very comfortable with lots of hot water and well heated—we were there in February. We often felt like family guests with hosts that were concerned about feeding us well and making us feel at home. We were cold one night—the night we slept in tents on the desert. The next morning felt rather silly that we did not get other blankets; there were about 20 extra blankets readily available! The desert and the dunes were the photographic high spot for me. These are photos I’ve never taken before. Along the way we had many opportunities to photograph landscapes and people: a weaver in her home and have lunch her family; a cobbler and his family, including their young children and a Berber woman in her home. It was a great time. We felt safe at all times and traveling in a small group with locals—there were 5 of us in our vehicle—we did not attract attention. And being local, Darren does not have to add on his own travel expenses. It is a very, very well priced, super trip. Steve, United States, Feb 2015.
One of the other reviews here put it really well and succinctly: “if you want to improve your photography in a fantastic location with a great teacher at a very reasonable cost, look no further”. For me too, this says it all. Essaouira is an amazing and exotic location and one with so many images to feast the eye; Darren is a really excellent and generous teacher of photography, both on the technicalities of getting the best out of the camera and also on inspiring and stimulating creativity. Maison du Sud is a delightful choice for accommodation, full of colour and charming nooks and crannies, located right in the centre of the old Medina. Mary, Ireland December 2014.
I have just got back from a week in Morocco on this course. I have attended a variety of day courses and meet ups in London, but the week with Darren was by far the most useful tuition I have ever had. There were some very challenging moments, but I think we all improved precisely BECAUSE we were taken out of our comfort zone. Darren gave us so much technical and creative guidance and I really felt that I knew what I was doing with my camera by the end of the week. The approach of a different focus each day made me look at things around me in a whole new light, and I can’t wait to get out with my camera and put my skills to further use now I am home. The Riad we stayed in was great, and Darren organised a different restaurant for each night. He was a great source of information on Moroccan lifestyles, culture, food etc. We went to places and met people we would never have done on our own. He was great at organising additional activities such as Hammam and cooking classes. Essaouira is a lovely place too – it is very relaxed, very friendly, and wonderful for the summer as the strong breezes keep the temperature down. I stayed on for a few days at the end in a Riad down by the beach, and it is also a lovely place for sunbathing by the pool, trying kite surfing, camel rides etc. I really can’t recommend this course enough. It was great to spend time with other enthusiasts and I think we all got a lot out of each other’s feedback, as well as Darren’s. I would love to go back to do another trip with him! Emma, August 2014.
I undertook the 10 day Atlas Tour in May and I’m an intermediate DSLR user. It was definitely one of the best photographic tours I have ever been on and have many incredible memories as a result. Morocco is a stunning country as it is, but Darren and Naima’s itinerary is unique, well thought-out, and jam-packed full of an impressive range of opportunities for all interests. It was particularly great to find that, not only had meetings been arranged with locals, but there was flexibility to accommodate the unexpected and make the most of photographic opportunities as they arose, such as stopping for a portrait of a shepherd we encountered crossing the Atlas. Meeting the people and families was one of the highlights and Darren was always on hand to offer tips and advice, as well as ensure stops were timed to make the best use of the light. As a solo female traveller, I felt completely comfortable in their company and Moroccan hospitality is warm and generous. Unquestionably, I saw a Morocco that the vast tour groups driving down to the dunes and back to Marrakech in the space of 48hrs miss. I will definitely be back for an Essaouria visit soon! Charlotte, August 2014.
I have just returned from a fantastic week in Essaouria. There were 7 in our group including a Canadian and a couple from the States with a great mix in ages and photographic experience. Tutorials took place in the morning, going right back to basics which was really useful. I didn’t realise there were so many functions on my camera which I had never used. We reviewed everyone’s images in the evening which was a good time to share our experiences and provide positive critique and encouragement. Each evening Darren took us to a different restaurant so we had the opportunity to taste some traditional Moroccan cuisine. The Riad was in the heart of the Medina so just by stepping out of the front door was a photographers dream. Darren was a very patient tutor offering advice, checking images and at times suggesting good shots to take. His organisation and time keeping was exemplary. We had a day in the countryside and visited a traditional country souk and some stunning coastline, both giving great photo opportunities. Essaouria is a really good place to be based, busy medina, a traditional fishing port and wind swept beaches.Overall this was a great holiday, I learnt a huge amount from Darren to enhance my photo skills and met some brilliant people. It was great value for money and I would highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in reportage, abstract and travel photography. Carrie, March 2014.
I have been on two photography trips now with Darren Lewey, who runs Images in the Sun. The first one was a photographic course for a week in Essaouira. This was a mixture of tuition, trips to various locations and feedback. The was all tied in with an excellent holiday in Essaouira which is a lovely Medina including a harbour full of blue fishing boats. Professional tuition and support from Darren and a brilliant holiday as well! I followed this up the next year with Darren’s ten day tour of the High Atlas. This time we were also accompanied by Darren’s lovely wife Naima (who by the way also offers courses on Moroccan cookery). We were conveyed in Darren’s 4×4 and stopped at hotels in seven different locations varying from the Atlas Mountains to the deserts including one night in Berber tent in the desert (optional!) We went to stunning locations, met some lovely locals and, although this is not a course as such, still received first rate support from Darren on the photographic side. I can not speak too highly of these two trips, or of Darren and Naima. I will be back! Peter, February 2014.
We booked three days photography in November with Darren after our summer holiday and brief visit to Essaouira in August. Darren put together an itinerary to include the medina, port and some reportage photography. The first part of the class each day is looking at camera technique as well as referencing examples from other photographers concentrating each day on a different genre. We were also allowed to photograph local women as part of our portrait workshop. The port is fantastic, where the fish was bought in fresh, although a challenge to photograph we watched the fishermen bring their catch to shore and the subsequent haggling that went on to send this fish to market. At the end of every day he reviewed our photos selecting the highlights and arranging galleries of work as a record for us after our trip. I can’t recommend this tour highly enough – you will take back a lot of wonderful memories. Rita & Daz, November 2013.
I was looking for a photographic trip that could give me the opportunity to live Morocco at a deeper level, mingling with locals and enjoying its breathtaking landscapes. The tour offered by “Images in the Sun” gave me this chance, and much more! Darren and his Moroccan team deliver a very professional, well organised yet exciting tour; taking care of all of us well before we arrived and without them this experience wouldn’t have been the same. For each day different sights and activities were proposed, and depending on the weather conditions or our group interests alternative plans were available in a very easygoing way. The hotels were picturesque, clean and with a good service. We always had good local food, and the van trips didn’t feel very long. Furthermore, I found a fantastic group of very diverse people with whom I shared a great passion for photography and adventure, and we really had a great time together. Overall, I cannot recommend enough this experience. It has been one of the best trips of my life. Jacinto, September 2013.
An extremely enjoyable experience. The Riad was in a perfect location and the staff were very friendly and helpful. Darren was a good tutor and host with a lot of patience for us who were total beginners. Naima made us feel totally at home in her kitchen and we had a lot of fun learning from her. Essaouira is a lovely place in Morocco with a more relaxed attitude that you would find in Tangiers or Marrakech. The Riad Maison du Sud we stayed at was very comfortable and the staff very helpful. The food throughout was very good especially the fresh fish in the fish shacks and with Darren and Naima as your hosts you cannot go wrong. Wonderful experience. Yolanda, October 2013.
It was a steep learning curve – I’d never even held a DSLR camera before (“the Japanese would be weeping now”) – but I learned ALOT from Darren over the week’s Photography Course. And from my fellow students, too. Initially, I felt I was studying for A Level when I’d not mastered the 11+. And perhaps I should have asked for more help putting the theory into practice. But I’m very proud of many of the resulting photos. And Essaouira is a great place to study. Anne Tyley, Sept. 2013.
I booked this particular 8-day photography and cookery course holiday as a treat for my 40th birthday. I’ve never booked a solo holiday before, so I was feeling trepidatious, however Darren and his wonderful wife Naima really made me feel at ease and in safe hands. I’ve always wanted to visit the richly colourful Morocco, and Essaouira is a beautiful introduction. I’ve been an amateur photographer for over 20 years, but Darren subtly challenged my mildly stubborn views and it feels great to be critiqued by a professional. My trip focussed on abstracts, portraits, and landscapes. Afterwards I couldn’t help seeing everything in abstract which makes for great original travel photos! A good holiday always makes you feel like you want more. I want more and I want to return! Melenie, July 2013.
We have just returned from an “Images in the Sun” 8 day family photography holiday and cookery tour (Essaouira and the Atlas) with Darren and Naima, which I would highly recommend to anyone interested in expert photography tuition at all levels, Moroccan cookery and discovering Moroccan culture. Darren is an experienced, funny and patient teacher providing opportunities and tuition for different styles of photography (portrait, reportage, landscape, abstract, black and white…). We all improved throughout the week technically and also discovering our different styles which were interesting to compare in the reviews of our photographs. The organisation of our tour and attention to detail was excellent. Cathy, May 2013.
This was the first time I’ve been to Morocco, and also my first time doing a photography holiday in a foreign country. And I have to say – I would do it again! The experience was perfect. Darren is an insider, and knows very well how to adapt to different skill levels and interests of group members. He gives you enough freedom to explore subjects at your own speed, but enough guidance during your excursions to make sure you learn a lot and improve your skills. Every day was packed with a different focus (portraits, reportage, landscape, abstract, …), and review sessions at the end where the group discussed each other’s work. It’s amazing, everybody worked in the same places, but the results were so different – I thoroughly enjoyed reviewing the photos made by others. Especially the area of photography (portraits and reportage) I was not so comfortable with I enjoyed a lot. We booked a combined package – my wife had a cooking class with Darren’s wife – so delicious results every day at lunch time were guaranteed! My wife had a great time as well! We stayed in the Media in a wonderful historic Riad – be prepared to be woken at 5am by the Muezzin so either get ready for early morning shots in the old town or bring earplugs. Roland, May 2013.
I would highly recommend this activity especially to those who want to go beyond holiday snapping and experience Morocco with an insider. We got insights into various locations and Moroccan day-to-day life as well as had superb dining experiences every night. From a photography perspective I have learnt extra bits I hadn’t paid attention to before and got exposure to a variety of styles used by the rest of the group. Sabine, May 2013.
A week with Darren in Essaouira is truly a week to remember. He knows a lot about photography and how to introduce the subject to photo novices. He showed us the most awsome locations – for shooting and for dining! For me it was a first in Africa – I will come back that’s for sure! I can highly recommend the photo tour with darren, even if one is a little bit more advanced in photography. Roland Vollmar, Kassel, Germany
Having just bought my first dslr camera I wanted to learn how to use it on the settings and get away from auto…this was achieved very quickly with Darren’s expert tuition. It was a brilliant week we covered so much and I learnt a great deal not only from Darren but from others in the group and seeing their work in our reviews each day. The locations that we went to were varied and offered lots of photo opportunities and experiences. I noticed an improvement in my own work as the week went on which was very pleasing. The group was mixed in age and ability and we all had great fun and lots of laughter too. Mo, May 2013.
As a complete novice to photography, I booked the 8 day photography holiday with Images in the Sun with view to combining practical photographic experience with a much needed winter break. I shared the photography holiday with a varied group, ranging from complete novice (me) to seasoned photographers and the group tutor, Darren was able to offer his wealth of experience and guidance to all when needed. I found the holiday extremely rewarding and now have a clearer understanding of my camera and photographic techniques thanks to Darren. The various visits to souks, Moroccan oil and wood production workshops, waterfalls, beaches, dunes and portrait photography offered great photographic opportunities and the chance to explore off the beaten tourist track. I left the holiday with a great selection of cherished photographs, new friends and memories, enthused to continue photography and put my newly acquired skills into practise. Ian, Feb 2013.
I highly recommend the 10 day photography tour of southern Morocco given by Darren. The Atlas Mountains with its quaint villages, kasbahs, and ksars offer wonderful photo opportunities. The photographic trip includes a couple of days in the very cool giant dunes at the edge of the Sahara. Darren will work intensively with those who want his help and it is a great opportunity for beginners and serious amateurs to learn quite a bit. Morris Liss, February 2013.
Thank you again for leading our photography holiday, we saw parts of Morocco that we would not have seen by most other ways and I am certain that when we have time to go through our pictures that we will have a good stock to go with the memories…We really enjoyed our photography trip and thank you both. I still can’t believe those star shots! Brian & Shirley, Ann and Brian and Gavin, November Tour 2012.
Thanks Darren for one of the best photography trips, great tuition, and your unending patience!!!! Am hooked now. Everyone’s galleries look great. Leigh, Sept, 2012.
Just to say thankyou for a great holiday, I learnt so much more about how to use the controls of my camera than by studying the manual, looking at YouTube etc, stuff I have never even heard about before. I had a brilliant time, brilliant tuition and brilliant people to share it all with. Once again Darren, thanks for a superb holiday, it was so much better than I had dared hope for. Andy, Sept. 2012.
This was one of the most exciting holidays I have ever had. I chose the week based in Essaouira with daily tours both around Medina and to several other interesting locations. Darren’s knowledge of Moroccan culture inspired me to take even better photographs. Thanks to him I have managed to capture the images that I would never have. The hotel – ‘the house of the south’ was clean, the staff were nice and helpful. Breakfast also good. What is more, our dinners were booked across Medina so you can have a chance to taste different types of Moroccan cuisine. Wojtek, August 2012 Trip Advisor review.
I have just spent a week in Essaouira on a ‘Photography and Cookery’ week with Images in the Sun. Amazing. I learnt so much about my camera (I am new to DSLR photography and Darren was incredibly knowledgable and patient!): I have come home with some fabulous photos and feel (at last!) that I understand how the camera works and how to make the most of composition. Darren’s wife was a really talented and very inspiring cook, and I thoroughly enjoyed shopping with her in the souks to buy the food we cooked. It felt extra special as there were only two of us on the holiday (both solo travellers) and so we had a great amount of personal tuition. Transfers, accommodation, breakfast and evening meal were included. Fabulous. A really enjoyable, educational and inspiring holiday. Pamela, Aug 2012.
This is an excellent course! Darren is a great teacher – very enthusiastic and patient and I enjoyed all the different styles of photography that were covered in the course. I would recommend it to anybody with an interest in photography. Very nice hotel in a great location. Katrin, July 2012.
I can highly recommend ‘Images in the Sun’ photography course ran by Darren Lewey in Essaouira. The week not only helped to improve my photography but also offered the opportunity to learn more about Morocco’s culture and its people. Darren and his wife Naima’s local knowledge helped to enhance the experience and gave me an insight into the country which if I had travelled alone as a tourist I would not have had the opportunity to do. The accommodation offered as part of the course was in the centre of the medina which made it easy to explore the surrounding area and meant that we were never far from the local restaurants and cafes. We explored a different aspect of photography each day and in the evening had the opportunity to review our photos and learn ways in which to improve our photos for the next day. One of the highlights of the holiday was visiting a ‘souk’ in the countryside and capturing the local people. In addition to the photography course, Naima runs cooking lessons. It was a great experience visiting the local ‘souks’ to find our ingredients and learning a new style of cooking. I am extremely pleased with all my photos from the holiday and I would highly recommend the experience. Ella, June 2012 Trip Advisor Review
Darren is the consummate professional who clearly loves sharing his knowledge with others. It is not a canned tour. He is very friendly, often engaging local villagers so that I was afforded a variety of interesting opportunities to take wonderful photographs. Each evening at dinner, we spent approximately one hour (sometimes even longer) reviewing my photographs and discussing what worked and what could be improved. Darren provided good feedback, suggesting techniques to help me improve my skills and demonstrating when necessary. Sonjai, April 2012
Thank you so much for a great photography trip last week I had a brilliant time! It has given me inspiration and an urge to carry on taking pictures to the best of my ability! Val (Tafraoute Tour) Feb. 2012
My wife and I spent a week on a DSLR course at the photography school(having won a competition for photography trips in The Times). We were both absolute beginners and at the start of the course we knew absolutely nothing about DSLR photography. At the end of the week we left not only with knowledge of camera techniques but also with an awareness of composition. Darren Lewey is an inspirational teacher and he ignited in us an enthusiasm for photography. The day after I returned from Essaouira I found myself recommending the course to a friend, a keen photographer. Peter & Yvette Feb. 2012
Having just returned from the 6 day course in Landscape photography around the Atlas mountains I want to thank Darren for a great experience. Darren is a generous host with a wealth of knowledge and experience to pass on to photographers of all levels of ability. My own photographic skills increased dramatically under Darren’s tuition and I came away with shots that I am proud to share with others…The whole experience was a very positive one on many levels and has inspired me to continue to try and develop my photography. I learnt a great deal in a ‘non-learning’ kind of way and found your approach excellent in drawing me to better ways of seeing. Mike, Colin Oct. 2011.
I joined others on a week’s photography course with Darren Lewey of Images in the Sun and enjoyed one of the best photography trips in a long while. Essaouira itself is very relaxed, charming, interesting, colourful, and the people are incredibly kind and welcoming. We were made to feel at home. The photography course was great, and Darren a very calm, friendly and thoughtful teacher. I learnt lots and wished I could have stayed longer to learn more; I visited places I wouldn’t have ventured to alone; and I felt encouraged, supported and challenged in terms of getting the most out of my photography. I also made some wonderful friends with whom I shall return to the shores of Morocco for yet more photography adventures I’m sure! The hotel was great – situated in the centre of the medina, the rooms were full of character and the staff were very friendly and helpful. The course, the hotel and the town are all highly recommended. A fabulous way to get away. Rebecca August 2011
Essaouira is a truly magical place to visit and photograph and this was one of the best holidays I’ve had. The itinerary was perfectly paced, combining experience in a variety of photographic techniques with ample time to relax, explore and soak in the lively, exotic culture. Darren was an excellent teacher with endless patience, who managed to totally transform my technique over the course of the holiday. Maison du Sud itself a very restful, charming riad and wonderfully located. It was such a pleasure to be able to step straight out of my room onto the large, sunny roof terrace. The staff could not have been friendlier or more helpful and I felt like one of the family by the time I left. I’ll definitely be returning! Abby June 2011
I found this Hotel and Darren Lewey while looking for a place to escape the cold of the German winter in February and also to learn some more about how to use my SLR. And both worked perfectly well in Essaouira! Thanks to Darren I learned how to use the basic functions of my camera like shutter speed, aperture and ISO and thereby gained a lot of confidence in using my camera. Every evening we sat together and looked through the pictures of the day which I found was very helpful to understand how a professional photographer sees pictures and to get first hand advice on what to improve on the next day. Thank you Darren for a great time! Peter Feb 2011
Accommodation in Maison du Sud was included in the photographic holiday I booked with Darren Lewey Images in the Sun, so was not my own choice. However, I could not have chosen a lovelier place to stay. My first impressions of the place took my breath away – what a beautiful hotel. Throughout my one week stay, my impressions were proved to be justified. Said, Brahim and all the staff were courteous and accommodating, doing all they could to make me feel at home and I was genuinely sad to say goodbye at the end of my stay. I have stayed in many hotels and guest houses all over the world and Maison du Sud is the latest entry to my top 10. Dan Feb 2011Tripadvisor
I was part of a group on a photography course for 7 days – would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn how to take great photos & really get to see the whole of the Essaouira area beyond what tourists would normally see….. Okay so I haven’t attached any photos – only just got back! Essaouira Images – course run by Darren Lewey. darren@photomaroc.co.uk Actually preferred Essaouira to Marrakech – more intimate and less hassle. Tracey November 2010 Tripadvisor
