These photos were taken in Morocco at the end of 2010. Most of them were what I like to call “hip-shots,” as tourists are often accosted by Moroccans into guilt-induced, monetary recompense for taking photographs (I sympathize with Moroccans who engage in this practice, as I wouldn’t want tourists to unabashedly exoticize me, my environs, and culture). These hip-shots – photos surreptitiously taken as the camera dangles by one’s side, without, needless to say, framing the shot through the viewfinder – appeal to me because they allow for unmatched, unsuspecting authenticity and candor.
Modernity following Tradition, Marrakech
Hip-shots contain less authorship, less performance, less mise-en-scène, less certainty. It is a gamble. There is only one opportunity to get a shot, and reviewing the photo is out of the question lest your cover is blown and/or the moment is forever lost. If the image is somewhat in-focus and decently exposed, if it is decently composed, and if the subject is compelling, the gamble could pay off. Most images, however, do not. Here are among the few that did.
Spices, Marrakech
Cleanup, Marrakech
Jamaa el Fna Stalls, Marrakech
Directions, Marrakech
Burden, Fez
amazing shots
gave me an idea to post about our trip to morocco!!! 
Great job with these hip-shots, it really paid off
They’re great gambles, but I want to know what time it was when you were hip shooting – I never saw streets that deserted when I was there!
Half were taken at night, the other half midday.
Wow. So, after the call to prayer?
They were taken sometime around then, yes.
Amazing how few people about. That, combined with the use of black and white makes them so romantic – from another age. I did enjoy them, very much:)
A lovely set of images, i like the sepia toned look making them look and feel old, well done
Thanks!
Great shots, all! Contrast and detail.
Thanks, Shawn.