Tanneries of Fes by Will Burrard-Lucas

Tuesday, 24th February 2009

Tanneries of Fes

by Will Burrard-Lucas

Taken last summer in Fes, Morocco. The process of turning animal hides into soft colorful leather has remained unchanged since medieval times. Amongst other things, those vats contain pigeon excrement and cow urine… the smell from where I was standing was quite overpowering!

Equipment: Canon EOS 1Ds Mk III, 16-35mm f2.8

Will Burrard-Lucas

I am a keen travel photographer… I particularly enjoy wildlife photography.

BL Blog

17 Comments

Katherine Lee Strassburg Says:
February 24th, 2009 at 2:06 am
The photo does tell a timeless story, but I immediately thought of the stench when I saw the title. You have really given us ‘the big picture’ by choosing your vantage point. The colors contrast nicely with the white/dirty buildings. It’s fascinating and informative–thanks for sharing. Your work is always top quality!
Anurag Says:
February 24th, 2009 at 7:25 am
Amidst all the “dirt”, …notice the rich and subtle variation of colors and hues in those pits!!
Su Says:
February 24th, 2009 at 8:26 am
What a wonderful insight into another culture you have given us. Thank you and I’m so glad I cant smell it too.
Sue Says:
February 24th, 2009 at 8:29 am
This is amazing, it is one place I didn’t get to in my travels. What a stunning capture!
Malta Photography Says:
February 24th, 2009 at 9:22 am
I like this shot because it relates history. Very nicely composed in the sense the colors are really crisp.
Pauline Jones Says:
February 24th, 2009 at 9:46 am
This picture is colorful, well composed and tells an ancient story. Even the Bible mentions a man called Simon the Tanner; I imagine that his way of working would have been very similar to this.
Mandy Kilpatrick Says:
February 24th, 2009 at 9:50 am
I can’t believe I never even heard of this before! So interesting. The vantage point is perfect, and I love your description. I would not have known what they were doing at all. What an excellent and fascinating photo! Thanks and Congrats on your wonderful POTD !!!
dips Says:
February 24th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Great Shot
planet lover Says:
February 24th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Thanks for taking me to a part of the world I will probably never see with my own eyes. Your picture is so rich and revealing of a way of life I don’t think about when I buy those nice leather products. I will, though, from now on…
Sue Gagnon Says:
February 24th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Thank you for not only an interesting and completely unique Earth Shot, but an extremely historically informative one, as well. I am grateful. Good one!! Congratulations!
Anelise Says:
February 24th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
What a great picture! I was in Fes last year and we toured this leather making place! I have another interesting picture of the same place, but in the foreground are my friends and I shoving mint leaves up our noses! The smell is unforgettable. But well worth the experience.
Marie Dunphy Harding Says:
February 25th, 2009 at 2:06 am
We hardly ever consider the animal when we sport our leathers!
James and Kelly Stone Says:
February 27th, 2009 at 3:29 am
Very nice perspective. Great composition and very well framed. In this instance, I am very glad they haven’t invented a smell to go along with an image.
mike Says:
March 4th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
I love all the buildings around it.
KJ Says:
March 9th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Aaah! I have seen a documentary on this recently, it is quite intriguing.. lovely shot!
renee Says:
February 24th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
very interesting.
renee Says:
February 24th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
and also a wonderful shot