Aymane Hanni, fashion photographer based in Casablanca, Morocco

How did you first get into photography?

I started photography with my phone in 2019, just experimenting with light, angles, and moments around me. What began as a curiosity quickly turned into a deep passion, especially when I noticed how even simple scenes could carry emotion and tell a story. 

That year sparked something in me, I realized I didn’t just want to take pictures, I wanted to create images that made people feel something.

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

I specialize in fashion portraits, where I focus on capturing both style and personality in a single frame. 

I chose fashion portraits as my specialisation because I love the way fashion allows people to express who they are, and I enjoy highlighting that through storytelling and emotion.

Over time, my style has become more intentional. I pay close attention to light, mood, and setting, often drawing inspiration from vintage spaces and raw, authentic moments.

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

The underlying theme in my photography is the combination of emotion and identity. I aim to capture not just the outer beauty of fashion but the deeper stories behind the subjects the way clothing, light, and setting can reflect who they are.

I focus on authenticity, often drawing inspiration from vintage and forgotten places, where time and history become part of the narrative.

Through my images, I try to create a connection between the viewer and the subject, leading to a sense of intimacy and reflection. For me, photography is a way to communicate feelings and ideas that words can’t always express.

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

I’m proud of every collaboration I’ve had throughout my photography career. Each one has been a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and express my vision in different ways. Working with new talent or established brands push me further and allow me to connect with people who share my passion for storytelling through fashion. It’s the diversity of these experiences that has truly shaped who I am as a photographer.

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

The biggest challenge I’ve faced as a photographer was learning to push through creative blocks. There were times when I felt uninspired or struggled to translate my ideas into images the way I envisioned.

The key to overcoming this was staying patient and experimenting, trying new techniques, collaborating with different people, and exploring new locations. I learned that creativity isn’t always linear, and sometimes stepping away from the pressure to create something “perfect” allows the best ideas to emerge naturally.

This experience taught me the importance of persistence and trust in the creative process.

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

If I could collaborate with anyone, it would be Hassan Hajjaj. I love his unique style, he merges vibrant colors and Moroccan culture with modern fashion, this is something I’ve always admired.

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

My advice would be to keep experimenting and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The more you shoot, the better you’ll get. Stay patient with the process and enjoy learning along the way.