Zouhir Elmassaoudi, street and portrait photographer based in Martil

Zouhir Elmessaoudi is a Moroccan photographer specialising in portrait, fashion, and street photography. His work explores the emotional depth and hidden stories of strangers in Morocco’s old cities where he captures raw expressions of love, solitude, resilience, and humanity.

Driven by a passion for storytelling through images, Zouhir transforms fleeting encounters into visual narratives that reflect both individual struggles and collective identity. Many of his projects, including Broken Wings — which focus on the people he meets in Tetouan and beyond, creating a dialogue between subject and viewer that transcends cultural and social barriers.

His photography blends documentary honesty with poetic sensitivity, honouring the dignity of those often overlooked. For him, the camera is not just a tool but a bridge — a way of connecting lives, preserving memory, and celebrating the fragile beauty of everyday existence.

How would you describe yourself in a few sentences?

My work focuses on the emotions and hidden stories of strangers, turning fleeting encounters into timeless images. A fun fact about me: I often wander with my camera for hours through winding alleys, letting chance encounters shape the stories I tell through my lens.

How did you first get into photography? Was there a specific moment, person, or inspiration that sparked your passion for capturing images?

I am a calm soul who finds pleasure in simple rhythms — I wander the streets of Morocco with my camera, listen to soothing music, and engage in long conversations with strangers. These encounters often end in a personal photograph, sometimes only a memory. Editing becomes another journey, as emotions reshape the image over the course of hours or days.

Among the anecdotes, I sometimes walk for hours without a single frame, and I was even detained by soldiers who mistook me for a spy — and yet every experience, light or heavy, becomes part of my story as a photographer. Photography, for me, is not just about taking a picture, but living within it. Every walk is a pilgrimage into silence, where chance leads me to faces that hold hidden worlds.

I am drawn to fragility, to the echo of laughter in narrow alleys, to eyes burdened with unspoken words. Behind the lens, I am both witness and participant, translating fleeting encounters into visual poetry. My patience teaches me that beauty sometimes lies in the absence of an image, and sometimes it arrives suddenly, like a whisper from the street. These trips remind me that photography is not about possession, it's about surrender — trusting the moment to reveal itself.

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

I specialise in street photography and portraiture, where fleeting faces and unposed moments become my daily poetry. I chose this path because I believe every stranger carries an unwritten story, a hidden emotion, and a beauty often overlooked. For me, the camera is not just a tool but a bridge — a way to connect deeply with people beyond words.

My style has evolved over time. At first, I chased the idea of the “perfect” photograph, but I soon realised that beauty lies in imperfections, in spontaneity, in raw expressions that vanish the moment they are staged. I began to listen more to the rhythm of the streets, to follow the light as it shifted, and to let the scene guide me, instead of forcing my vision upon it. With each image, I discover that I’m not only documenting reality but also sharing fragments of my soul with the world.

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

The themes that guide my photography are human connection, vulnerability, and the quiet poetry of everyday life. I am drawn to the unspoken emotions etched into the faces of strangers — moments of solitude, resilience, love, and longing that often go unnoticed. For me, the street is a living stage, and each person I encounter carries a story worth honouring.

Through my images, I try to create a silent dialogue with the viewer. A photograph is not just a reflection of what I see — it is an invitation to feel, to recognise ourselves in others, and to reflect on the invisible struggles and hidden beauty that shape human existence. My camera becomes a bridge, allowing me to share not only their stories but also my own sensitivity and perspective on the world.

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

The achievement I am most proud of in my photography journey is how my camera has taken me to places I had never seen before. Traveling across new regions, exploring unfamiliar streets, and capturing their essence has been life-changing. I am also proud of representing my country and carrying its identity through my work, sharing stories rooted in Moroccan culture.

Along the way, I’ve met incredible people and formed friendships with many talented artists — connections that would not have existed without photography. My camera has not only shaped my vision but also opened doors to experiences and relationships that continue to inspire me every day.

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

For me, challenges have always added sweetness to life — they are what push me to grow as a photographer. In the past, I struggled with approaching strangers and taking their photographs in the streets; it was a real obstacle for me, a personal block that made me hesitant and unsure. Over time, I decided to face this fear head-on and turned it into a challenge.

By gradually connecting with people and learning to observe without intrusion, I overcame that hesitation. Now, I see challenges as something beautiful—they push me beyond my comfort zone, inspire me to discover new perspectives, and remind me that growth often comes from stepping into the unknown.

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

If I could collaborate with anyone, I would be thrilled to work with photographers and creative brands that inspire innovation and storytelling in photography. I am always open and collaborative, and I believe that sharing ideas with talented individuals or visionary companies can create projects that resonate on a global scale.

In particular, I aspire to become an ambassador for camera brands that I admire, as this would allow me to combine my artistic vision with cutting-edge tools to explore new creative possibilities.

What are your thoughts on the 54Ruum platform?

54Ruum is a wonderful platform. I truly appreciate how it encourages young photographers and supports their growth in the field of photography. For me, it plays a major role in connecting photographers, especially across Africa, fostering collaborations, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities that might not exist otherwise. It’s inspiring to see a space dedicated to nurturing creativity and building a strong community.

How's the photography and art space in your country: how has it evolved in recent years?

I believe the state of photography and art in my country is both inspiring and concerning. On one hand, it is very encouraging to see so many young artists whose work has reached audiences around the world, showcasing the talent and creativity present in Morocco. On the other hand, the future of photography here feels uncertain.

Very few associations take their artistic responsibilities seriously, and there is a lack of cohesion — groups form and operate individually, which is not ideal for a country as beautiful and culturally rich as ours. I hope that with time, more support and collaboration will emerge to strengthen the Moroccan photography community.

What other community feature(s) or activity(ies) would you like to see?

I would love to see more community-driven initiatives for photographers in my country. I dream of workshops, collaborative exhibitions, and mentorship programs where artists can share knowledge and inspire each other.

I hope for stronger networks that connect photographers across cities, creating a sense of unity rather than working in isolation. For me, photography grows when we exchange ideas, support each other, and celebrate creativity together.

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

If I could give one piece of advice to a new photographer, I’d say: observe before you shoot. Walk, listen, connect, and let curiosity guide you. The camera captures, but your vision gives meaning to every image.