Issam Chorrib, street photographer based in Casablanca, Morocco

I got into photography by first taking pictures of flowers, my sister, and experimenting with depth of field. A university friend encouraged me to take bolder shots, like capturing faces. When I got selected to exhibit in New York, I realised I should keep going. My parents were my first supporters, buying me my first DSLR camera, which helped me take my passion to the next level.

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

I specialise in street, documentary, and artistic photography because I love capturing real, unfiltered moments. Street photography allows me to capture the spontaneity of daily life, while documentary photography enables me to tell more profound, meaningful stories.

Over time, my style has undergone significant evolution. I started out experimenting with simple shots, but now I focus more on the emotions and stories behind the scenes. I've become more patient and observant, learning to see beauty in the small details and moments that often go unnoticed.

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

My photography is all about capturing genuine moments that reflect the true essence of life, whether it's a fleeting emotion, a connection between people, or the beauty in everyday scenes. I want my photos to make people stop and think, to spark a feeling or a memory. I believe photography can tell stories that words sometimes can't, and through my work, I try to connect with others by sharing something honest and meaningful that they can relate to or feel moved by.

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

The moment I'm most proud of in my photography career was exhibiting at the National Museum of Photography in Rabat, Morocco. While I've had the chance to exhibit in Dubai and New York, this one was different because my family was there to experience it with me. Having them there to support me made the event even more meaningful, and it felt like a special connection between my work and my roots.

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 has been finding my own identity in the field. It took time to figure out what truly defines my style and what I wanted to say through my work. There were also financial struggles, buying gear, funding my projects, and ensuring I could continue learning.

Getting into workshops and masterclasses to expand my knowledge was another hurdle. But I kept going, pushing through the challenging moments, and learning along the way. It taught me that persistence is key and that it's essential to stay true to your vision, even when things feel difficult.

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

If I could collaborate with anyone or work on any project, I'd love to team up with photographers or artists from across Africa to document the incredible diversity of stories and cultures throughout the continent. Africa has so many untold stories, and I think it would be amazing to use photography to capture that richness and share those narratives in a way that resonates with people. There's so much beauty and depth to explore, and I'd be honoured to be a part of telling those stories.

What are your thoughts on the 54Ruum platform?

I'm proud to be part of the 54Ruum community. It's great connecting with photographers from all over and exchanging ideas and inspiration. The support and creativity in the group are motivating, and I'm excited about the possibility of collaborating with others. Whether online or, hopefully, in person someday, it's fantastic to be around people who share the same love for photography.

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

My advice would be to take pictures every day, even if it's just with your phone. Work on a photo project to keep challenging yourself and see things from different perspectives. Always be learning, whether through books, online resources, or self-experimentation. And don't forget to connect with other photographers. Sharing experiences and learning from each other can help you grow. The more you practice and engage with others, the more your style and vision will develop.