Rachid Moujahid: Moroccan lifestyle photographer capturing the quiet beauty of coastal life in Tamraght

Rachid Moujahid is a Moroccan photographer and art director born in Agadir and based in Tamraght. Since moving to the coastal village in 2023, he has developed a practice shaped by the rhythm of coastal life, Moroccan street and surf culture, and the people and places around him.

His work moves between portraiture, street photography, and lifestyle imagery, with a particular interest in natural light, quiet moments, and the details that often go unnoticed. Alongside his personal work, he creates visual campaigns for local surf and yoga retreats, bringing the atmosphere of Tamraght into his commercial photography.

Moujahid describes himself as quiet and reflective, qualities that have shaped the patient way he photographs. He observes his surroundings closely, allowing light, movement, and the environment to guide what he captures.

How did you get started in photography?

There was not really one single moment, event, or person that triggered it for me. It started purely out of curiosity.

Back in 2018, I started taking photos with just my phone. I was playing around with framing, looking at light, and capturing simple moments. Then life took over, and I put it aside for a while, but that interest never really left me.

In 2022, I decided to take photography seriously again and finally got my first digital camera. Having a real camera in my hand changed everything. It made me pay much closer attention to what was happening around me, and that curiosity quickly turned into a genuine passion.

How would you describe yourself?

I am a quiet and reflective person. I really enjoy having my own space, and I have built a great relationship with myself over time. Having my own time and being comfortable in my own company is something I truly enjoy.

Being quiet makes me pay close attention to the world. I love observing the small details that usually go unnoticed, whether it is a subtle human gesture, a quiet moment in nature, or the way light changes throughout the day.

What are the main themes that inspire your photography?

My main inspiration naturally comes from where I live, Tamraght, a small coastal village in Morocco. The energy here shapes my visual style, which revolves around coastal lifestyle, street scenes, and authentic portraits.

Living in Tamraght influences everything I shoot, especially the raw coastal light and the relaxed rhythm of daily life. At the same time, I do not want to limit myself to a strict box or fixed theme. I view photography as an open journey where I am still discovering and exploring.

What truly drives me is capturing moments that feel real, honest, and amazing to me, whatever subject catches my eye.

When it comes to connecting with others, I think people respond to that authenticity. Because my images are not staged or forced, viewers can feel the real mood of a moment in Tamraght, whether that is the calm energy of the village or a genuine expression in a portrait. It allows people to step into my world and experience that particular slice of life.

What moment in your career are you most proud of?

For me, it is difficult to choose one specific moment because I honestly feel proud of every experience along this journey.

I am still discovering my path, constantly learning, and pushing myself towards bigger things in photography. Every project I have done, whether it is a personal piece, a project connected to nature, or a genuine connection with someone in front of my lens, comes with its own story.

I have learned to enjoy the small things in every step of the process. I am proud of the journey as a whole and of how every experience continues to build my perspective and shape who I am as a photographer.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a photographer?

To be honest, the biggest challenge has been turning photography from a passion into an actual career that I can earn a living from.

When I first started, I did not treat photography as a stressful challenge because it came purely from fun and curiosity. I was simply shooting what I loved without pressure. As I decided to make it my work, the challenge became building something sustainable while keeping that original joy alive.

I learned that turning a passion into a living requires patience and balance. You have to handle the business side, client expectations, and consistency while protecting the freedom and creative enjoyment that made you pick up a camera in the first place.

I have worked through that by staying true to my style, being patient with the process, and remembering that my love for the craft is w

What type of photography do you specialise in?

Right now, the type of photography I enjoy most and focus on is portraiture. I am drawn to portraits because I love the process of mastering the craft. For me, it is a constant learning experience: finding the right composition at the right moment, understanding how natural light interacts with a person, and discovering unique spots along the coast or in the streets that complement the subject.

My style is something I am still actively discovering and refining on my own terms. Over time, I have moved from simply taking quick images to becoming much more intentional with light, timing, and framing. I am continuing to experiment, push my boundaries, and build a visual language that feels authentic to who I am.

What is your primary commercial niche?

My major niche is the local surf and yoga lifestyle in Tamraght. I collaborate directly with hostels and retreats in the village to create visual campaigns for their spaces and activities.

Because Tamraght attracts people looking for a coastal, wellness-focused experience, I focus on capturing the atmosphere of these places through surf, yoga, community, and the surrounding landscape. I want these images to communicate the feeling of being there naturally and invitingly.

What is your unique technical or visual approach?

My visual approach relies on simplicity, natural coastal light, and patient timing. Visually, I focus on rich, warm tones and natural contrast, keeping the overall look cinematic and grounded. Technically, I prefer to keep things minimal so I can stay focused on the environment.

I observe the space, find the best natural light, and wait quietly for the right moment when everything comes together naturally in the frame.

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

I feel my work aligns most naturally with coastal fashion brands and modern surf clothing culture, particularly brands that value natural light and authentic imagery.

I am drawn to fashion photography where light interacts directly with clothing. I enjoy showing how golden light highlights texture, fabric, colour, and fit, giving the product a sense of life within its environment.

I am also passionate about becoming more involved in surf clothing culture. I connect with independent, lifestyle-driven surf brands such as Rhythm, Brixton, Roark, and RVCA, which combine functional coastal apparel with a clean, cinematic aesthetic.

My goal is to bring street fashion and surf culture together, capturing apparel in a way that feels elevated, well lit, and connected to coastal life.

How is the photography and art scene in Morocco?

Photography in Morocco is going through an exciting period of growth. There is a large, active community of artists across many of the country's major cities, and I really appreciate how much artists inspire and support one another across different regions.

In recent years, the scene has become increasingly collaborative. Photographers are sharing new projects, organising hands-on workshops, receiving features, and building collective initiatives.

This creates an environment where artists can grow together, tell Moroccan stories, and contribute to the visibility of the country's creative scene internationally.

What is one professional standard you never compromise on?

The one professional standard I never compromise on is keeping the light and mood authentic.

Whether I am shooting a personal portrait or a commercial brand project, I do not want to force artificial poses, over-edit skin, or rely on heavy lighting setups that change the natural feeling of the moment.

My standard is that an image should feel real, grounded, and honest to the light and the genuine personality of the subject.

What do you think of the 54Ruum platform?

I really love the 54Ruum platform. I think it is an amazing space to connect with, learn from, and be inspired by artists across Africa and the Middle East.

It is doing a great job of highlighting authentic work from our region and bringing creators together. I appreciate having a space where artists can discover each other's work, share ideas, and feel part of a wider creative community.