Behind the Lens – Photographer's Note

Ahmed was our driver during a journey through Morocco's imperial cities. What I expected to be a series of transfers between destinations quickly became something much more valuable. During the long hours on the road, Ahmed spoke openly about Morocco's regions, economic development, employment opportunities, agriculture and the challenges many families face today. Those conversations often became just as memorable as the places we visited.

One day, while driving through the countryside, we passed large fields of prickly pear cactus. What began as a casual remark turned into a fascinating discussion about the future potential of the cactus fruit. Ahmed explained how the plant has become increasingly important in Morocco, particularly in regions where water is scarce. We talked about its nutritional value, its role in sustainable agriculture and the growing international interest in innovative products derived from the cactus.

Ahmed's eyes lit up when we talked about the possibilities this innovation could create for Morocco. As Ahmed spoke about similar opportunities for Morocco, his enthusiasm was impossible to miss. The prickly pear is native to both Mexico and Morocco, and he saw it as more than an agricultural product. He saw it as an opportunity that could benefit rural communities across Morocco.

Our relationship changed unexpectedly in Rabat. Ahmed had dropped us near the historic city walls to save us a long walk. When we returned, he looked unusually distressed. A parking attendant had informed him that he was not allowed to leave the vehicle there and demanded a fine that exceeded what Ahmed would normally earn in a day. I decided to help him by paying the amount.

What mattered was not the amount, but the trust it created. From that moment on, Ahmed no longer treated us simply as customers. He treated us as friends. Throughout the rest of the journey, he frequently stopped at places that never appear in guidebooks: remote villages, forgotten irrigation channels, old stone aqueducts and viewpoints known only to locals. He shared stories, traditions and observations that no organised tour could have offered.

The photographs on this page show welcoming faces, historic places and traditional crafts. Yet what I remember most is not a monument or a landscape. It is Ahmed sharing his thoughts about his country and its future. Encounters like this are the reason I travel and the reason I photograph. They help me understand how people live, what they hope for and how they see the world around them.