The Chouara Tannery in the Chouara quarter of Fes el-Bali is the best-known photographic subject in Fes, Morocco, and one of the oldest working leather-dyeing sites in the country. The frame is a downward view from the surrounding leather-shop terraces onto a honeycomb of stone vats filled with red, ochre, yellow and white liquids, with workers wading between them and hides drying on the rooftops beyond. Because the terraces are on the upper floors of shops that ring the yards, the composition is always shot from above, with the minarets and brown rooftops of the medina forming a layered background. Light is the deciding factor. The vats sit in a deep courtyard, so direct sun only reaches the dyes for a short window; mid-morning, roughly 9 to 11am, gives soft, even light on the colours while the workers are most active. Harsh midday sun creates hard shadows across the pits, and by afternoon much of the work has finished. Overcast mornings saturate the dyes well and avoid glare on the wet surfaces. March to June and September to November are the most comfortable seasons; in high summer the smell is far stronger and the heat on the terraces is intense. The terraces are small and several shops share the same view, so crowds are the main constraint. Tour groups arrive in waves in the late morning, and the front railing positions fill quickly. Arriving as the shops open, or choosing a quieter shop with a corner position, gives more room for a tripod, although the narrow terraces make a full-size tripod awkward and a compact one or a monopod is more practical. Entry to the terraces is normally free, but shop staff commonly offer a sprig of mint to mask the smell and expect a purchase or a small tip afterwards; agreeing the arrangement politely beforehand avoids friction. Photographing the workers at close range is best done with a telephoto rather than by pointing a lens at them from nearby, and asking before framing individuals is good etiquette. Drones are restricted in Morocco and should not be flown over the medina. A polarising filter reduces glare on the wet dye surfaces and deepens the colours, and a standard 24-70mm zoom covers most compositions, with a short telephoto useful for isolating individual vats.
| Best time | Morning (9–11am) when the dye pits are active and light is soft |
|---|---|
| Best season | Year-round; March–June and September–November most comfortable |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Chouara Tannery, Fes el-Bali, Fes 30110 |
Shooting notes
- Equipment
- Standard zoom (24–70mm), Polarising filter
Location
Chouara Tannery, Fes el-Bali, Fes 30110
34.0659, -4.9738 View on map
Highlights
- Downward view onto a honeycomb of red, ochre and white dye vats from a leather-shop terrace
- Workers wading in the pits against a backdrop of Fes el-Bali rooftops and minarets
- Hides drying on the surrounding rooftops for colourful foreground detail
- Soft mid-morning light when the dyes are most saturated and activity is at its peak
Tips for visiting
- Arrive between 9 and 11am when light is soft and workers are active, before tour groups peak.
- Accept the mint sprig but agree on any purchase or tip politely before leaving the terrace.
- A polarising filter cuts glare off the wet dyes and deepens the colours.
- Use a 24-70mm zoom for the full scene and a short telephoto to isolate individual vats and workers.
- Carry a compact tripod or monopod only; terrace space is tight and shared with other visitors.
- Ask before photographing workers up close; a telephoto keeps the scene natural and respectful.
When to visit
Mid-morning (9–11am) outside high summer, when the dyes are saturated and light is soft. Tour groups peak late morning, so earlier is quieter.
Accessibility
The terraces are reached through leather shops by steep, narrow internal stairs and the medina lanes are uneven, so the viewpoint is not suitable for wheelchair users and is difficult for those with limited mobility.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time of day to photograph the Chouara Tannery?
Mid-morning, roughly 9 to 11am, gives soft light on the dyes while the workers are active. Midday sun creates harsh shadows across the pits.
Is there a fee to enter the tannery terraces?
Entry is normally free, but the leather shops that own the terraces expect visitors to look at their goods or leave a small tip. Agreeing this politely on arrival keeps things simple.
Can a tripod be used on the terraces?
The terraces are small and busy, so a full-size tripod is impractical. A compact tripod or monopod is more workable, and staff may ask visitors to keep walkways clear.
Are drones allowed over the tannery?
Drones are restricted in Morocco and should not be flown over the medina. Photographs from the terraces are the standard way to capture the view.