Charaf Lahib, documentary and social photographer based in Casablanca

Charaf Lahib is a Moroccan visual artist who was born in 1995 near Kelaa des Sraghna. He is now based in Casablanca and began his artistic journey in 2014. He uses photography and video to explore themes of childhood, migration, identity, and rural life.

How did Charaf begin photography?

I was born in a small village near Kelaa des Sraghna but moved to the city of Tix. Years later, when I discovered photography, I realised I had no photos from my childhood in the village. That absence pushed me to return and document my memories through the lives of my younger cousins. Over time, I understood I wasn't just capturing my lost childhood and preserving a way of life, a fading moment in Morocco's rural history.

What photography does Charaf specialise in?

I specialise in documentary and social photography, focusing on rural life, childhood, and cultural identity. I was drawn to this niche because of my deep connection to my village roots and the realization that many aspects of everyday life in rural Morocco are slowly disappearing.

Can you share the underlying themes or ideas that drive your photography?

My photography is driven by themes of memory, childhood, migration, and rural life. I use images to tell quiet, emotional stories that connect people through shared feelings and forgotten moments. For me, photography is a bridge between past and present, self and others.

What's the one achievement or moment in your photography career that you're most proud of?

• In 2024, my photobook, The Red Poppy, published by Zoopark Publishing, was showcased at several international art book fairs and festivals, including Unseen Amsterdam, Miss Read Berlin, and Paris Photo – Polycopies Festival.
• I have participated in several collective exhibitions, notably at the World Bank headquarters in Washington in 2022 and another international collective show in Berlin in February 2025.
• That same year, I was honoured to receive the Prix Révélation while participating in the Face à la mer photography forum. My project, The Red Poppy—Belâamane, was also featured in the 20th edition of the Angkor Photo Festival.

What's been the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer, and how did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge was the lack of photography education and community in my hometown. I had no access to workshops or other photographers to learn from. I moved to Casablanca to grow, where I found more opportunities and creative support. This taught me that sometimes, progress means stepping out of your comfort zone.

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?

If I could collaborate with anyone, I'd love to work with a global platform like Magnum Photos or collaborate with filmmakers who explore identity and memory. I'd also love to document rural communities across Africa. It would allow me to expand my storytelling and connect different cultures through visual narratives

What's your thought(s) on 54Ruum?

I discovered the 54Ruum recently through a post by my friend Samih. I really appreciated the way you highlight photographers and honour their creative journeys. It's inspiring to see a platform that celebrates talent and thoughtfully shares visual stories.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their photography journey, what would it be?

Start by documenting your surroundings. Don't worry about having the latest camera or perfect image quality; focus on creating photos with emotion and meaning. A powerful photo tells a story, not just looks technically perfect.