There is a reception of photos for the 35AWARDS 2026! #35AWARDS

📝 Description

These images document the Chouara Tannery, a historic leather workshop located within the medina of Fes, Morocco. Photographers are drawn to the site for its striking geometric arrangement of stone vats and the vivid spectrum of natural dyes used in the traditional tanning process. The collection features varied perspectives, ranging from wide shots capturing the dense urban surroundings to close-ups focusing on workers processing hides. This specific location serves as a well-preserved example of medieval craftsmanship that has operated continuously for centuries. The group is united by its depiction of this unique industrial landscape and its intense color palette.

How to shoot it

📍 Where to shoot

The shoot takes place outdoors in the historic Chouara quarter (Fes, Morocco). The site features medieval tanneries with stone vats located among narrow streets of the old city.

🕐 Time of day

Most shot between 14:00 and 17:00 (62% of frames)

Based on 21 frames with camera data. Camera clock time; the time zone is unknown.

The best time to shoot is the afternoon, mainly from 13:00 to 16:00. During this period, the light allows capturing saturated colors of dyes and active work by artisans.

🎫 Access and rules

Entry to the tanneries is usually paid, with tickets purchased on-site. Tripods and drones are inconvenient or prohibited in the narrow alleys of the old city; hand-held shooting is recommended.

🎒 Gear

A zoom lens 24–70 mm or 70–200 mm is optimal for working in tight spaces and capturing details. Aperture f/4–f/9 and ISO 100–400 ensure sharpness in daylight.

Cameras and lenses the authors used (10)

Nikon D5100 2 Canon EOS 60D 2 Canon EOS 6D 2 Canon EOS 6D Mark II 2 Sony DSLR-A100 1Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM 2Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD 2EF-S18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS 2Canon EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM 1EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM 1

🧳 What to bring

Protection from dust and odor (scarf or mask), comfortable shoes for narrow streets, water, spare batteries, rain cover for equipment.

⚙️ Settings

Shutter 1/500 (1/1250 – 1/125)Aperture f/6.3 (f/4 – f/9)ISO 100 (100 – 400)Focal length 75 mm (24 – 180)

Based on 21 frames with camera data. Median and 10-90% range across the idea frames.

The key parameter is focal length: median 75 mm (range 24–180 mm). Use telephoto zoom to compress perspective and highlight details.

⚠️ Good to know

Working in the tanneries involves a strong odor, so a protective mask or scarf is recommended. Shooting must be done hand-held as tripods obstruct movement in narrow alleys.

📈 How the idea developed

works uploadedshare of all site uploads, per 100k

The date is when the file was uploaded to the site. The chart counts works assigned to the idea.

✅ How to repeat it

Use telephoto zoom to compress perspective and highlight artisans' work against the vats.
Shoot in the afternoon when light better conveys the saturation of dye colors.

✨ Interesting facts

🏆 How the best frame was shot: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM, 1/500, f/11, ISO 1600, 300 mm
🔇 95% of frames were shot at ISO 400 or lower: almost no noise, any modern camera will do
📐 80% of frames are landscape orientation
🥇 5 works reached the finals. Best contest: People at Work 2026
👤 Most frequent authors: Элеонора Фридман 2 Ahmed 2 Gülsen Yılman 2 Daniel Peterburg 2
🌍 Authors by country: 🇷🇺 RU 4 🇮🇱 IL 3 🇪🇬 EG 3 🇹🇷 TR 2 🇺🇾 UY 2

🔗 Related ideas

Some tips are prepared by AI from the idea description, photos and their EXIF. Check the rules and access to places before you travel.

Works

These lists are generated automatically and may contain inaccuracies. Photos are shown in random order, and selections are refreshed twice a day. This section is made for exploring photos and does not claim 100% accuracy. The lists include photos that previously participated in contests that are already completed.