Karim Ouakkaha, travel photographer based in Rabat, Morocco

I’m a Moroccan photographer and filmmaker with an eye for the overlooked, quiet streets, raw textures, deep shadows, and the unique way natural light shapes a scene.

My work fuses cinematic tones with the pulse of everyday life, prioritizing atmosphere over perfection.

Whether on the road or in the heart of local neighborhoods, I capture mood, simplicity, and stories through color, contrast, and genuine emotion. Every shot is a journey into the unnoticed, where each frame tells a deeper narrative.

How would you describe yourself in a few sentences?

I’m the kind of person who finds peace in going through my unedited photos, not just to fix them up, but to relive the moment they were taken. Photography isn’t just a craft to me, it’s how I think and feel through visuals.

Outside the camera life, I spend a lot of time watching movies and reading manhwas. Stories help me escape, but also inspire how I see and shoot the world around me.

I’d describe myself as a mix of a thinker and a feeler. I observe a lot, stay quiet sometimes, but everything I do is filled with intention. Whether I’m creating or just living, I like moving with meaning.

Fun fact: If I could live inside any world, I’d pick something like a Studio Ghibli universe, calm, dreamy, and full of wonder. It’s the kind of world that matches how I see beauty in the small things.

How did you first get into photography?

My journey with photography started way before I even knew what it was. I still remember the first time I found my dad’s old film camera, it was tucked away in a drawer, kind of forgotten.

I picked it up out of curiosity, and that’s when I saw it … a few old prints of me as a kid, moments I couldn’t even remember, all captured on film. That was the first time I realized how powerful a photo could be, how it could hold on to time, freeze memories, and make you feel something, even years later.

That small discovery stayed with me. Over time, I found myself drawn to cameras not just for the gear or the technical side, but because it gave me a voice without needing to speak. I’ve always been more of an introvert, someone who prefers staying behind the scenes, observing, thinking, feeling. Photography gave me the space to express all of that without having to explain myself out loud.

As I grew older, picking up a camera started to feel natural. I wasn’t chasing trends or trying to copy anyone, I just wanted to capture life the way I saw it. The quiet streets, the light slipping through windows, the in-between moments most people overlook. That’s the kind of stuff that moves me.

Photography is more than just a hobby to me, it is a way to understand myself and connect with the world on my own terms.

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

I wouldn’t say I stick to one specific niche, my style is more hybrid. I shoot everything that catches my eye: street scenes, landscapes, portraits, raw daily moments… whatever feels real in that instant.

I never wanted to limit myself to just one category, because life itself isn’t one-dimensional. Some days I’m chasing light and mood on empty streets, other days I’m out in nature capturing stillness, or filming people in motion. It all depends on how I’m feeling and what’s happening around me.

At first, I was just experimenting, trying different styles, playing with colors, framing, learning the basics. But over time, I started to realize I was always drawn to the atmosphere. Whether I’m shooting a foggy street or a simple candid, I’m looking for that feeling, something that holds emotion, even if it’s quiet.

My style evolved as I did. It’s less about technical perfection now, and more about storytelling and mood. I just want each frame to feel alive — like a small piece of something bigger.

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

At the core of my photography, it’s all about emotion and presence. I’m drawn to moments that feel real, not staged, not perfect, just honest. A glance, a shadow, the way light falls at the end of the day, those little things most people walk past, that’s where I find meaning.

Since I’m the kind of person who’s more quiet and observant, I use photography as a way to express what’s going on inside. My camera helps me say things I wouldn’t normally say out loud. That’s how I connect with people, not by showing off, but by making them feel something.

Even if someone doesn’t know the exact story behind a photo, I want them to pause and feel like they’ve been there, or like they’ve felt that same emotion before. I think that’s where the real connection happens, not in the sharpness or colors, but in the feeling it leaves behind.

What’s 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 journey isn’t about awards or big projects, it’s more personal. It’s been watching my work grow over time, from those early days of experimenting with my dad’s old camera to now, where I can confidently capture the moods and stories I want to tell.

That personal progress, knowing I’m improving and expressing myself more clearly with each shot, that’s the real achievement for me. It’s a reminder that this isn’t just a hobby, but a path I’m committed to walking for the long haul.

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

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a photographer is overcoming my own introverted nature. Being behind the scenes comes natural to me, but sometimes it makes it hard to network, promote my work, or even put myself out there in the creative community.

At first, I’d keep my photos to myself, scared they wouldn’t be good enough or that people wouldn’t connect with them. But over time, I realized that sharing my work and stories is part of the process, it’s how you grow and find your place.

I started pushing myself to post more, engage with other artists, and be open to feedback. It wasn’t easy, but each small step helped build my confidence.

The lesson I learned? Creativity isn’t just about making art, it’s about sharing it and connecting, even when it feels uncomfortable. That’s where real growth happens.

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

If I could collaborate with anyone, it would definitely be Sony and Adobe.

Sony has been a huge part of my photography journey, their gear helped me learn and grow, and their commitment to innovation inspires me. Adobe, on the other hand, powers the creative process behind every photo and video I make. Working with both would be a dream, combining the best tools with the chance to push my creativity even further.

What are your thoughts on the 54Ruum platform?

The 54Ruum community feels like a real creative family, they are supportive, inspiring, and full of photographers who push each other to grow. I’ve met many amazing people through it, and it’s a great space to share, learn, and connect with others who truly get the passion behind the lens.

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