Sahara Desert Photoshoot: How We Planned Ours in Morocco
On our Soul Sisters Morocco trip in April 2025, we planned a desert photoshoot during our two nights at a Sahara Desert luxury camp. No hired photographer and nothing complicated. Just us, dressed up, taking photos of each other in the dunes at sunrise. It ended up being one of my favorite things we did.
This post covers how we planned our outfits, the props we picked up along the way, the kinds of photos we took, and what to know before you plan your own.
Trip at a Glance: Sahara Desert Photoshoot
- Where: Erg Chebbi dunes, near Merzouga in southeast Morocco
- When we went: Early April 2025
- Who took the photos: We did, of each other. No hired photographer.
- Best light: Sunrise for the outfit photos, sunset for the camel photos
- What to wear: Flowing dresses, scarves, and colors that pop against the sand
- Props: Scarves and veils, mostly ordered ahead, plus a few finds from the trip
- Where we stayed: Desert Luxury Camp Erg Chebbi
Jump to: Why we do it | The setting | Outfits | Props | Photos we took | FAQs | Final thoughts
Why We Plan a Photoshoot on Soul Sisters Trips
One of the things I’ve learned over the years is that most women are rarely in the frame. We’re the ones taking the pictures. Cropping ourselves out. Holding the camera. On our trips, we flip that.
Before we even left for Morocco, the group was already planning outfits. We shared inspiration photos and talked about color palettes that would work against the sand. Flowing dresses. Jewel tones. Creams and golds. Turquoise against burnt orange dunes. Scarves that catch the wind. It became part of the anticipation of the trip.
The photoshoot itself was just us doing photos of each other, all dressed up. One of the great things about traveling with women is leaning into girlhood, and nothing says girlhood like getting dressed up and taking cute pics. It’s a big part of why we believe in group travel.
The Setting: Sahara Desert Luxury Camp
Our camp was tucked deep into the dunes, surrounded by nothing but sand and sky. We did the outfit photos at sunrise. As the sun came up, everything shifted into warm amber and soft gold. The dunes cast long shadows and the sky turned pastel. It honestly didn’t look real, and the rolling dunes were the perfect backdrop for a desert photoshoot with friends.
Outfit Planning for a Desert Photoshoot
The secret to a good desert photoshoot is planning ahead. We all chose our outfits before the trip, and our outfit planning guide walks through how we do it. No last-minute “I’ll just wear this.” The girls picked pieces that move in the wind: long silhouettes, lightweight fabrics, and texture.
Turquoise popped against the dunes. Mustard and rust blended into the landscape. Cream and white reflected the golden light. Some of us layered jewelry so it would shimmer in the early light, and others wrapped scarves around their hair.
When we all stepped out onto the sand together, it felt like an editorial spread. And the best part? No one was self-conscious. Everyone was excited to see each other’s outfits, and everyone was hyping each other up.
Where We Got Our Props
We planned our outfits ahead of time, and most of us ordered our scarves and outfits on Amazon before we left. A few pieces came from the trip itself. Carolyn and Caytlin found their scarves at a souk in Marrakesh earlier in the trip, and I found my headpiece at the Nomad Depot near Merzouga, where all the goods are made locally. Scarves pack flat, so there’s always room for one more.
Types of Photos We Took
Solo Portraits in the Dunes
Standing alone on a dune with nothing but sky and sand behind you is powerful. These shots feel dramatic, timeless, and personal. This is where the scarves and veils earned their place.
Camel Photos at Sunset
The outfit photos were at sunrise, and the camel photos came later the same day. Our camel ride was at sunset, so we kept the cameras out. The golden light and long shadows on the sand looked straight out of a movie. The funny part is how often the camels seemed to smile along with us.
Group Shots
And of course we had to get a few of all of us together.
Sahara Desert Photoshoot FAQs
Do you need a photographer for a desert photoshoot?
No. We took all of ours ourselves, of each other. Traveling with a group helps, because someone is always free to hold the camera.
What should you wear for a Sahara Desert photoshoot?
Flowing dresses and lightweight fabrics that move in the wind. Turquoise, mustard, rust, cream, and white all showed up well against the sand for us.
What is the best time of day for desert photos?
Sunrise or sunset. We did our outfit photos at sunrise, when the light is soft and gold and the sand is still cool, and our camel photos at sunset. Midday light is harsh and the sand gets hot.
Where can you get props for a Morocco photoshoot?
Most of us ordered scarves and outfits on Amazon before the trip. A couple of the girls bought scarves at a souk in Marrakesh, and I found my headpiece at the Nomad Depot near Merzouga, which meant it doubled as a souvenir.
Final Thoughts
There’s something transformative about seeing yourself in a place like the Sahara. Bold. Radiant. Centered. Not rushed. Not distracted. Just fully in the moment.
When we shared the photos in the group chat later, the energy was unreal. Screenshots. Profile picture updates. “I’ve never loved a photo of myself like this before.” That’s why we do it.
A desert photoshoot isn’t just a photo session. It’s a memory you can hold onto. And in the Sahara, under that golden sky, we all felt like the main character.
If you loved this one, see our photoshoot in the blue city of Chefchaouen and our flying dress photoshoot on the Amalfi Coast.
We’re planning the next Soul Sisters trip now. Tell us where you want to go.
