Youssef Moustaghfir: Moroccan documentary photographer exploring identity, memory and everyday life

Youssef Moustaghfir is a 19-year-old Moroccan photographer and student born and raised in Casablanca. He discovered photography in 2021 through spontaneous street images captured on his phone, before developing a strong passion for documentary photography and visual storytelling.

Driven by this passion, he began exploring photography to document everyday life, people, landscapes, and cultural heritage across Morocco. This approach led him to develop a long-term documentary project that reflects on identity, memory, and belonging. Through his work, he seeks to create sensitive and reflective images that connect personal stories with broader social realities.

How did you get started in photography?

There wasn’t a particular moment when I decided, “I’m going to become a photographer.” It happened slowly and naturally. I often compare it to entering the ocean: the deeper you go, the more you discover.

At first, I was just taking photos with my phone of small moments that most people didn’t notice and sharing them on Instagram. The positive feedback and encouragement I received from my high school classmates pushed me to keep going and to look at photography more seriously.

As I became more interested, I started discovering the work of Moroccan and international photographers. Seeing how they used images to tell stories made me realise that photography could be much more than simply taking pictures. It could be a way of understanding people, documenting everyday life, and sharing experiences that words sometimes can’t express.

How would you describe yourself?

I would describe myself as a curious and observant person, someone who is constantly drawn to everyday moments and human presence. I’m a Moroccan photographer who started by simply capturing small, unnoticed scenes with my phone, and over time that curiosity turned into a way of seeing the world more deeply.

Outside of photography, I’m someone who enjoys exploring places, watching how people interact with their environment, and finding inspiration in very ordinary situations.

What are the main themes that inspire your photography?

The main themes that inspire my photography are everyday life, people, and the relationship between individuals and their environment. I’m drawn to moments that might seem ordinary at first but carry a quiet emotional or cultural weight when you take the time to observe them.

I use my images as a way to connect with others by creating space for recognition and reflection. I want people to see something familiar in my work, even if it’s from a different place or context. Photography, for me, becomes a visual language that can cross barriers of words and background and create a quiet dialogue between the viewer and the moment captured.

What moment in your career are you most proud of?

I think the moments I’m most proud of so far are the first times my work reached audiences beyond my immediate circle. One of them was exhibiting two of my photographs in a group exhibition in Jordan organised by Afaneen Contemporary Arts. Seeing my work displayed alongside other artists and shared with an international audience was a very rewarding experience.

Another important moment was being accredited as a photographer for L’Boulevard Festival. It was my first time having access to cover a festival of that scale, and what made it especially meaningful for me was the opportunity to capture the energy and atmosphere of a scene that means a lot to many people.

Both experiences reinforced my confidence and reminded me why I chose to pursue photography in the first place.

What is the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer? What did you learn from that experience, and how did you overcome it?

Rejection. Especially when working in public spaces or on the street. When I approach people to photograph them or hear their stories, not everyone is comfortable, and being turned down can be difficult at first.

What I learned from this experience is that every person is different, and there is no single way to approach everyone. It pushed me to develop better communication skills, to be more patient, and to adapt the way I speak depending on the situation.

I also learned the importance of being clear and honest about my intentions, showing people why I’m photographing them and what I’m trying to express. This helped me build more trust and sometimes opened doors to meaningful interactions that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.

What type of photography do you specialise in?

Documentary. I chose this direction because I’m interested in observing life as it is, without staging or artificial construction. Over time, my style has evolved from spontaneous phone snapshots to a more intentional visual approach, where I pay more attention to composition, light, and storytelling.

What is your primary commercial niche?

Documentary and photojournalistic photography for cultural events, festivals, and visual storytelling projects. I am also interested in editorial work that focuses on people, youth culture, and contemporary social life.

Overall, my practice sits between documentary photography and photojournalism, with a strong focus on real moments, human presence, and social context.

What is your unique technical or visual approach?

My approach is based on observation and patience. I prefer to spend time in a space before photographing, allowing moments to unfold naturally. Visually, I focus on authenticity, natural light, and subtle compositions that emphasise atmosphere rather than perfection. I try to create images that feel honest and emotionally grounded.

Which global brands, photographers, or industries do you feel your work aligns with most?

My work aligns with documentary, street, and photojournalistic photography, with a focus on everyday life, public spaces, and cultural storytelling. I am also influenced by live music and concert photography, especially in the way it captures energy, atmosphere, and human presence in real time.

I feel connected to documentary photography, editorial storytelling, cultural journalism, and live event photography, where the focus is on authentic moments, human interaction, and storytelling.

How's the photography and art space in Morocco?

The photography and art scene in Morocco has grown in recent years, and there is a clear rise in creative talent and visibility, especially among young photographers. However, many emerging artists remain undiscovered due to limited opportunities and access to platforms.

In some cases, opportunities are concentrated around familiar names and recurring profiles, which can make it difficult for new voices and perspectives to be seen. This creates a certain imbalance in representation, where many talented artists are still waiting for space to express their work.

Despite this, there is a strong and evolving creative energy, and independent initiatives and online platforms are gradually helping to open new doors for emerging photographers.

What is one professional standard you never compromise on?

I never compromise on respect for the people I photograph. Whether it is in the street or at events, I make sure my approach is honest, transparent, and human. Building trust is more important to me than getting the shot.

What do you think of the 54Ruum platform?

I see 54Ruum as an interesting platform that can help emerging photographers and visual artists gain visibility and connect with a wider creative community. Platforms like this are important because they give space to new voices and help bridge local work with international audiences.