Hamza Ajbabdi: Moroccan portrait and street photographer capturing genuine human stories | 54Ruum Spotlight

Hamza Ajbabdi is a Moroccan photographer born in 1993 in the city of Agadir. He is a self-taught artist who developed his skills through dedication and independent learning. Hamza is a member of the Moroccan Federation of Photographic Art, the Agadir Photography Club, and the Ittar Association for Cinema and Image.

His work is diverse, covering portraiture, nature, street photography, and surreal photography. He began his artistic journey in 2008 in the field of graphic design, collaborating with several musicians to design album covers. In 2014, he shifted his focus towards photography and began developing his own visual style. He has held several solo exhibitions in Agadir, Inzegane, and Marrakech, and has participated in international exhibitions in France, Algeria, Syria, Egypt, and Iraq.

Hamza received an honorary award in a portrait competition organised by the Arab Organisation for Photography in Egypt and won Best Photo in the AMPA competition organised by the Moroccan Association of Photography Enthusiasts.

How would you describe yourself?

I am a detail-oriented person who focuses intently on the nuances of photography. I strive to create a specific atmosphere within my photos rather than simply taking a standard picture. A fun fact about my process is that I often see the full scene in my mind before I touch the camera.

How did you get started in photography?

I began photography out of curiosity and imagination. I was more interested in creating surreal ideas than simply documenting reality. There was no specific moment that sparked this passion — over time, I realised the camera was my way of expressing my thoughts and emotions. Since 2017, I have focused on street photography and portraits, attempting to capture natural moments and genuine human expressions.

What type of photography do you specialise in?

I specialise in portrait and street photography, focusing on capturing genuine expressions and natural moments. I love portrait photography because it allows me to convey many human stories and messages. Over time, my style has become more refined, aiming to create images that feel authentic and expressive.

What are the main themes that inspire your photography?

I focus on human emotions and everyday life. I enjoy capturing real moments and expressions. Through my photos, I try to tell stories that people can feel and recognise from their own lives.

What moment in your photography career are you most proud of?

Having my own solo exhibitions in Agadir, Inzegane, and Marrakech. I am also proud of participating in international exhibitions in France, Algeria, Syria, Egypt, and Iraq. These experiences allowed me to share my work with a wider audience and connect with people who appreciate my vision.

What is the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer?

A major setback was not having my own camera at the beginning. I struggled for a while until I was finally able to purchase one. I persisted with this hobby even when I felt like giving up, despite my desire to continue. This experience taught me patience and determination, making me more committed to developing my skills.

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

I would like to collaborate with Moroccan and African photographers in general to help develop and grow the photography scene on our continent.

What do you think of the 54Ruum platform?

This is a great space for African photographers to share their work, connect with others, and grow creatively. It helps bring attention to our stories and builds a supportive community.

How is the photography and art space in your country?

The photography and art scene in Morocco has grown significantly. Many young people are entering the field, which is exciting, and social media and exhibitions provide them with more opportunities to showcase their work.

What advice would you give to someone starting in photography?

Don't worry too much about equipment. Just practice a lot, experiment, and focus on expressing yourself through your photos.