Lens & Story
Every image tells a story.
Take to the streets of Fez with your camera and your curiosity for a week of visual storytelling. Guided by acclaimed documentary photographer Béla Váradi, you’ll explore how powerful narratives emerge from everyday moments, combining structure, ethical observation, reflection, and creativity in one of the world’s most inspiring cities.
When:
Check in: 01 March 2026
Check out: 08 March 2026
Price:
€ 890 - shared room (max 2)
€ 250 - single room surcharge
Take to the streets of Fez with your camera and your curiosity for a week of visual storytelling. Guided by acclaimed documentary photographer Béla Váradi, you’ll explore how powerful narratives emerge from everyday moments, combining structure, ethical observation, reflection, and creativity in one of the world’s most inspiring cities.
When:
Check in: 01 March 2026
Check out: 08 March 2026
Price:
€ 890 - shared room (max 2)
€ 250 - single room surcharge
Meet Béla Váradi
Béla Váradi is a London-based documentary photographer whose work has been exhibited internationally, from Berlin to Milan, and published in leading media outlets.
His practice focuses on overlooked communities and ethical storytelling, combining fine art sensibility with the urgency of social documentary. With experience and projects spanning from Hungarian villages to European Pride marches, Béla guides participants through the principles of observation, ethics, and narrative, always with space for reflection and dialogue.
His practice focuses on overlooked communities and ethical storytelling, combining fine art sensibility with the urgency of social documentary. With experience and projects spanning from Hungarian villages to European Pride marches, Béla guides participants through the principles of observation, ethics, and narrative, always with space for reflection and dialogue.
Retreat Overview
What the Week Looks Like
During this creative week at Dar Drouj, you’ll join six guided sessions with Béla, each designed to deepen your ability to see and tell stories through images. From observation to ethics, sequencing to street photography, you’ll build a strong foundation in documentary practice, with photojournalism as a guiding thread.
A typical day might include:
During this creative week at Dar Drouj, you’ll join six guided sessions with Béla, each designed to deepen your ability to see and tell stories through images. From observation to ethics, sequencing to street photography, you’ll build a strong foundation in documentary practice, with photojournalism as a guiding thread.
A typical day might include:
- Breakfast discussion on a key theme of documentary practice
- Morning field assignment in Fez Medina
- Shared lunch at the riad (optional)
- Afternoon free time to wander, rest, or review your work
- Dinner together in the courtyard or rooftop
- Evening group review of selected images, with constructive feedback
What Makes this Week so Special
It’s a rare chance to slow down, observe, and photograph with purpose. With Béla’s guidance, you’ll deepen your visual storytelling while exploring Fez, balancing hands-on practice, ethical reflection, and space to connect, rest, and be inspired.
Creative Inspiration
Creative inspiration flows from the streets of Fez - its textures, rhythms, and quiet moments. Guided by Béla, you'll learn to see beyond the surface, finding stories in everyday scenes. By week’s end, you’ll shape these discoveries into a photo essay that reflects both the city and your personal voice.
Be Inspired by Fez
Whether you're framing a bustling souk, capturing the geometry of ancient doorways, or observing quiet moments unfold in a tiled courtyard, Fez Medina invites documentary photographers to slow down, look closer, and uncover the stories hidden in everyday scenes. Every corner holds a frame-worthy perspective.
A Place to Call Home
Stay in Dar Drouj, a lovingly restored 14th-century home in the heart of the Medina. With peaceful corners, a light-filled atrium, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the city, the house offers comfort, calm, and space to create. Meals are shared, conversations flow easily, and inspiration is always close by.
What You’ll Be Part Of
Each of our retreats includes your stay at Dar Drouj, daily workshops, materials, Moroccan meals, and cultural excursions - all designed to support your creative flow.
- Stay in Our Unique 14th-Century HouseEverything is taken care of so you can focus completely on your creative process. Enjoy a restful and inspiring stay in a beautifully restored home, filled with traditional Moroccan details.
- Intensive Creative WorkshopsJoin daily workshops with Béla designed to sharpen your eye and deepen your storytelling. Explore key techniques in documentary photography, from framing and ethics to visual narrative, through hands-on sessions with space for reflection and creative freedom.
- LocationDar Drouj is located in the historic city of Fez, surrounded by vibrant energy and colourful souks. The house is filled with handcrafted details - from mosaics to carved woodwork - and offers a calm, welcoming atmosphere that invites reflection and creativity from the moment you walk in.
- Creative CommunityCreating together enhances both your work and your experience. Share ideas, get inspired by others, and enjoy the unique connection that comes from making art side by side.
- Cultural ExperiencesAlongside your creative sessions, you'll have the opportunity to experience Moroccan culture through curated local excursions and special activities. Jennifer will guide you to some of her favourite hidden spots in and around Fez.
- Personal SupportBéla offers individual support and thoughtful feedback, creating a space where you can explore freely, refine your skills, and deepen your personal connection to your work. His gentle guidance helps you grow with confidence, wherever you are in your artistic journey.
- Easy ArrivalWe’ll take care of your arrival and departure with transfers to and from Fez airport. Our drivers are trusted and competent, and speak a variety of languages.
- Space to WorkEach of our accommodation rooms comes with a work desk for personal projects, and our roof terrace and atrium serve as ateliers.
Moments from Past Retreats
From shared meals and quiet moments to workshops, walks, and spontaneous laughter — these photos capture the heart of what makes our retreats unforgettable. Every guest brings their own spark, and every week tells a new story.
