Yassine Benmoussa, cultural storyteller based in Casablanca, Morocco

How did you first become interested in photography?

My photography journey started with a deep curiosity about the world around me. I've always been drawn to the way light and shadow can tell a story, and I began experimenting with my camera to capture those fleeting moments.

It wasn't a single moment or person, but rather the combination of my experiences and the inspiration I found in the world that sparked my passion. Over time, I realised how powerful photography is as a way to preserve emotions and share perspectives, which became a driving force in my creative journey.

What type(s) of photography do you specialise in, and why did you choose this niche?

This niche allows me to connect deeply with people and places, capturing moments that often go unnoticed. Over time, my style has evolved from simply documenting scenes to creating more cinematic and emotionally charged images. I've learned to play with light, composition, and mood to give each photo a unique voice that reflects both the subject and my vision.

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

“A desire I have for my photography is a desire to preserve memory, identity, and emotion.”

Much of my work explores themes like nostalgia, solitude, human anxiety, and cultural memory. Through my images, I try to create a space where others can see themselves, feel something real, or simply pause and reflect. Photography, for me, is a way to connect souls without needing words; it's about telling stories that resonate quietly but powerfully.

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

“One of the moments I'm most proud of in my photography career is the release of my first photo book, À la recherche d'un visage perdu.”

It's a deeply personal project that brings together forgotten faces, overlooked artists, and the silent poetry of my city, Fez. I spent months creating a cinematic visual universe, and seeing it come to life was an incredibly emotional experience. It wasn't just about the images; it was about giving voice to those who are often unseen and paying homage to memory and identity. That experience reminded me why I fell in love with photography in the first place.

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

“One of the moments I'm most proud of in my photography career is the release of my first photo book, À la recherche d'un visage perdu.”

It's a deeply personal project that brings together forgotten faces, overlooked artists, and the silent poetry of my city, Fez. I spent months creating a cinematic visual universe, and seeing it come to life was an incredibly emotional experience. It wasn't just about the images; it was about giving voice to those who are often unseen and paying homage to memory and identity. That experience reminded me why I fell in love with photography in the first place.

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

“One of the biggest challenges I've faced as a photographer has been dealing with anxiety and creative block, especially during moments when I felt overwhelmed by pressure or self-doubt.”

There were times when I struggled even to pick up my camera, questioning the value of my work. What helped me overcome it was reconnecting with the reason I started, telling real, human stories. I learned to slow down, embrace silence, and trust the process. Photography became not just an art form, but a form of healing. That experience taught me that the most meaningful work often comes from our most vulnerable moments.

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

If I could collaborate with anyone, it would be Ne-Yo. His music has been a significant part of my creative journey. It speaks to emotion, vulnerability, and storytelling, all of which are central to my work as a photographer.

I've always imagined creating a visual project that blends his sound with my cinematic style, something that explores identity, memory, and love through powerful imagery.

Collaborating with an artist like him would be more than a dream; it would be a way to merge two distinct yet complementary emotional languages: music and photography.

What are your thoughts on the 54Ruum platform?

“I think the 54Ruum community is a refreshing and inspiring space. It brings together passionate creatives who value storytelling, emotion, and authenticity in photography.”

What I appreciate most is the sense of support and connection; it's not just about showcasing work, but about growing, learning, and sharing experiences with others who understand the depth behind every image. For someone like me, who often works on personal and emotionally driven projects, being part of a community like Photoruum feels like finding the right place to belong and evolve.

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

Photography isn't about having the best gear or following trends; it's about learning to see the world with your heart. Start by capturing what moves you, what makes you pause, what you're afraid to lose. Stay curious, stay honest, and don't be scared to tell your own story, even if it feels quiet or imperfect. With time, your style will find you. Let your sensitivity guide you; that's where the real magic happens.