Salaam Morocco - First impression in Marrake

Morocco. A land rich in magic, people, more magic and color. I never thought I would get this fascinated over such a different country, but I did.

Morocco is just beautiful and it has so much to see that I could stay there a few more weeks if I could. The mint tea, the smell, the Souks, the medinas, the food! I know that it is not a place for everyone to visit, you have to be very open minded and with a sense of big respect for this culture. I have the bug of adventure in me, so I was open for everything. It is always a culture shock, but I get easily over that.

We landed in Tanger, to catch the night train to Marrakesh. It looks like this train is very known and kind of historical also. It was an experience, I can't say it was a good one though, but I am glad we did it.

Marrakesh was so much fun! It was were we had the first impression on how the country works and how to enjoy the culture. I was a little apprehensive because I knew about the tourist scams, I read about it all over the internet but I quickly got over it and tried to relax a little and enjoy Morocco. I just had to be cautious, just like anywhere else. I suggest you to do the same if you ever go to Morocco. Just stop worrying, and if they will try to take you somewhere or do anything, just relax, say no, and enjoy.

4 days in Marrakesh and it was more than enough. We only stayed there that long because we booked a 3 day tour, ending on the desert, and the days had to match our stay in the desert hotel we previously booked.

Anyway... photos!

 

Moroccan Days

Today I land on Morocco. Some say it's a true paradise, and I am here to find out. For 13 years I have dreamed on coming to this land.

I will spend my birthday drinking mint tea, smelling the spices and leather, and watching the madness of the medina.

Keep checking my Instagram for updates, I will share some photos from my phone. @martacabralphoto 

"Sand & Sight" new Birthday self-portrait 2014

For me, it is hard to think that it's been a whole year since I went to Paris. In this year I grew up professionally, I learned, I taught, I created and I succeeded. I can't wait to see what is on the next page to me. 

November 24th is just around the corner and I'm starting to celebrate tomorrow.

The portrait for this year is obviously themed accordingly to my birthday trip, starting tomorrow. I am going to Morocco, a dream from my teenage years is finally coming true. I wanted it to be dark but soft, intriguing but strong. Of course, I inserted my favorite item on creative self-portraits - dust and smoke - but this time I wanted it to look more like sand. I had a hard time making that work but I am satisfied.

As usual, I made the Before/After, a little more detailed this time. It's almost the same procedure, actually... Some dodge and burn, clear imperfections. Adding creative details, in this case more hair. The hair I use is all mine, I have to take TONS of photos with the hair moving all over the place to get a few good shots. For this portrait, at this hair stage, I had 11 layers, only for hair. Then I dodge and burn the hair and makeup, for more depth and drama, and also blur some of the edges. 60% done, it was time to get to the texture part: smoke, dust, sand, more smoke, more effects on the hair. Time to step for coloring on Lightroom, with one of my favorite presets from VSCO for Lightroom, and then more contrast and blacks and that was pretty much it! Seems easy, huh? I wish =)

Excuse my hand writing, the digital pen was not cooperating with my for this.

Sand & Sight - Inspirational Moodboard

Another year has gone by and my birthday is a few days away. As I am traveling soon, the birthday self-portrait is coming earlier and this is the moodboard for it. I guess this year it's all about the wonders of the 1001 nights.