Malak Zerour: Algerian photographer developing her visual voice through light, colour, and everyday moments

Malak Zerour is an Algerian photographer from Aïn M'lila who started photography at the age of 17. She has always seen photography as an art and as a way to express feelings and share meaningful messages.

Her photography is shaped by her quiet and observant nature, with an interest in everyday life, real moments, light, shadow, colour, and the small details that can make her stop and feel something deeply. She is still developing her voice as a photographer and is currently working on a personal photography project that she hopes to turn into a photobook.

How did you get started in photography?

I still remember the first photograph that truly made me feel something. I captured that moment with my friend's phone. I saw sunlight slowly passing through the leaves and branches of the trees. For me, that moment felt like a moment of hope, as if the rays of sunlight finding their way through the leaves were a sign of relief and hope.

How would you describe yourself?

I tend to listen and observe more than I talk. Over time, photography became a new way for me to express myself. I discovered that I could communicate feelings through an image in a way that I could not always do through words.

Sometimes I see a scene, a certain light, a shadow, or a small detail that makes me stop and feel something deeply, even if someone else might not notice it. The camera has therefore become more than a tool for me. It is a way of communicating and showing a part of myself that I find difficult to express verbally.

Through photography, I feel that I can be more honest and more myself. I am still learning and discovering my own voice as a photographer, but I think my quiet nature, my sensitivity to small moments, and my habit of observing the world closely are a big part of the way I see and photograph it.

What are the main themes that inspire your photography?

What truly inspires me is life, the movement of the streets, children and women, real moments, friendship, light and shadow, as well as colour. Through my photography, I try to convey feelings and share humanitarian messages through images.

What moment in your career are you most proud of?

Perhaps the moment I am most proud of in my journey might seem insignificant to someone else, but it means a lot to me. Although I entered the world of photography at the age of 17, it was only a few months ago that I started sharing my work on Instagram.

I did not dare to let others see my photographs. I felt that no one would understand the meaning behind my images or care about them, so I kept them to myself.

What is the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer?

Finding the courage to share my work, as well as creating with limited equipment. For a long time, I would take photographs but keep them to myself instead of sharing them publicly.

Because I have always been a very shy person, putting my work and a part of my vision in front of other people was not easy for me. Another challenge has been not having a camera of my own. I have had to work with what I have available, and this has sometimes made photography more difficult.

It also taught me that photography is about learning to see, finding a moment, and making the most of what you have. Gradually, I started pushing myself to share my photographs instead of keeping them only for myself. Every time I shared something, I became a little more comfortable and confident.

Looking back, I am proud that I took that step. These challenges have taught me to be patient with myself and to keep creating even when I do not have everything I would like to have. I still have a lot to learn, and I have learned that limitations do not have to stop me from telling stories through photography.

What type of photography do you specialise in?

Right now, I am still at the beginning of my journey, but I can already identify the styles I am drawn to and love. I am especially drawn to documentary and conceptual photography. I am still developing my style by constantly feeding my visual eye and exploring new things.

What is your primary commercial niche?

I do not have any commercial specialisation. I am mainly interested in the artistic side of photography. I do not see photography as a source of income or as a business.

What is your unique technical or visual approach?

I do not think I have a completely defined style yet, because I am still learning and discovering myself as a photographer. But I know that I am always looking for feeling, depth, and the quiet details that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Taking the time to truly observe a moment has also made me more patient than I was before. I am currently working on my own personal photography project, which I hope to turn into a photobook.

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

I am inspired by photographers like Alex Webb and Rebecca Norris Webb. I am drawn to their way of finding stories in everyday life, using light, colour, and quiet moments to create emotional images.

How is the photography and art scene in Algeria?

I feel that the artistic side of photography is still somewhat overlooked in my country. There are no real grants or programmes that help young photographers develop their documentary projects, meet established photographers, exchange ideas, and learn from their experiences. I hope this can change in the future.

What is one professional standard you never compromise on?

The professional standard I never compromise on is honesty and spontaneity of the moment. For me, this is what makes a photograph truly artistic and allows it to carry a human message.

What do you think of the 54Ruum platform?

Your platform is truly wonderful. This is one of the reasons I wanted to share my work with you. I really appreciate how you support photographers across Africa and give them more opportunities to be seen and heard. Thank you so much for creating such a meaningful space.