Discover how this Moroccan photographer found herself striving to tell meaningful stories—from one photo at a time to building a studio.
When you interview photographers for a living, one common thread you’ll come across is how these people do it for the storytelling. They use their cameras to freeze time, tell stories, and invoke emotions.
On one hand, that’s what photography is. On the other, it’s about the people. Not just the subject but also the photographer. And, in this case, also you—the reader.
“It has taught me to see beyond surface appearances,” shares Hind Bouqartacha.
Bouqartacha is a photographer and videographer based in Morocco. She fell in love with photography while in the middle of studying Cinema Documentary in Tetouan, a city in northern Morocco.
She described photography as this “tremendous and creative potential to immortalize moments, to express freely, and to discover the world” . . . and herself.
Bouqartacha has since worked with brands like TLC, Dove, and Billboard Magazine, but photography will always be more than just a job for her.
Shutterstock: Why are you here, in this field? Why do you create?
Hind Bouqartacha: Photography, to me, is a form of storytelling, a medium through which I can capture and convey emotions, experiences, and stories that resonate with people.
I’m in this field because I simply love it. It’s not just a career but a passion that I can’t imagine myself without.
I create because I want to freeze moments in time, offering glimpses into the beauty, complexity, and diversity of people and the world around us.
![Portrait of a handsome young man posing in front of a bougainvillea bush](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/04/man_posing_near_moroccan_flowers_2329676793.jpg?w=720)
SSTK: What is your process like when photographing? Can you take us behind the scenes?
Bouqartacha: My process can vary depending on the project. For commercial shoots, there’s more planning and collaboration with clients and models. I take time to understand their vision and create a mood board with references.
On the day of the shoot, it’s about setting the scene—directing the models or subjects to capture that perfect moment.
For personal projects, it’s more organic. I might spend time scouting locations, getting to know my subjects, and letting the environment inspire me.
There’s a lot of improvisation and capturing candid moments that tell a story.
SSTK: What was your introduction to photography? Does it run in the family? Also, art seems to play a big part in Morocco’s culture, so I’m curious if it also played a role in you falling in love with photography.
Bouqartacha: My introduction to photography came during my years studying my Master’s Degree in Cinema Documentary in the north of Morocco.
While photography wasn’t in my family, Morocco’s rich artistic heritage definitely played a role. The vibrant colors, textures, and stories that surround me in Moroccan culture have undoubtedly influenced my approach to photography and storytelling.
And, I’ve always been drawn to creative expression. Photography offered a way for me to explore that and connect with the artistic side of my culture.
![Portrait of a woman pouring tea at a traditional Moroccan dinner table](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/04/woman_pouring_tea_in_morocco_2329676569.jpg?w=720)
SSTK: When was that point when you were able to tell yourself, “Yes, this is it. I’m pursuing this craft.” Can you tell us the story of this?
Bouqartacha: There wasn’t a single defining moment. Maybe it was the freedom I felt experimenting with a camera during my master’s studies, or perhaps it was when I became captivated by the power of storytelling through documentaries.
Over time, photography emerged as the perfect medium for me to combine my love of visuals with storytelling.
SSTK: I know it’s subjective but can you describe what a good photo is for you?
Bouqartacha: A good photo for me is one that evokes emotion, makes me say “ Hmmm,” tells a story, or captures a fleeting moment in a way that resonates with the viewer.
It can be beautiful and thought-provoking, or simply a moment of genuine human connection.
![Closeup portrait of a young handsome Black man](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/04/close_black_man_looking_upward_2329676923.jpg?w=720)
SSTK: I love that you mentioned “genuine human connection.” I wonder, has photography somehow impacted your connection to other people? Or helped you build better connections and rapport with others?
Bouqartacha: Absolutely. Photography has profoundly impacted my connection with other people. It has taught me to see beyond surface appearances. It’s not just about capturing a flattering image, it’s about understanding the unique story and emotions behind each face.
Whether I’m working with models, subjects for my documentary projects, or clients for commercial shoots, photography serves as a common ground for us to connect and collaborate.
SSTK: What are your thoughts about cultural representation in the photography industry today? What are we missing as an industry, and how can we improve on it?
Bouqartacha: There’s a growing awareness of the need for more diverse representation in photography. As an industry, we must strive for diversity and inclusion, actively seeking out and amplifying voices and stories from underrepresented communities.
This means not only diversifying the subjects we photograph, but also ensuring diversity behind the lens among photographers, editors, and decision-makers. Collaboration, education, and platforms that promote inclusivity are key to improving cultural representation in photography.
SSTK: Is there something about photography that you think many people get wrong?
Bouqartacha: One misconception I see a lot is that many people think photography is only about having expensive cameras or getting perfect pictures. But, it’s more than that. It’s about making people feel something when they look at a photo, telling a story, or catching a special moment.
Also, some people think if you have lots of followers on social media, you’re a great photographer. But, that’s not always true. Even though social media can be good for sharing pictures, being a good photographer is about growing, expressing yourself, and connecting with people in a real way, not just getting likes online.
License these images via Hind Bouqartacha x2 x3 x4 x5.
SSTK: How has Shutterstock’s Create Fund impacted you as a photographer and videographer?
Bouqartacha: Shutterstock’s Create Fund has been a fantastic opportunity that I’m so grateful for! It’s allowed me to invest in my passion for photography in a few ways.
Thanks to the fund, I was able to collaborate with a model I’d admired for a while, which turned into a great friendship. On top of that, I finally bought the 4K camera I’d been saving up for, along with some new lighting to upgrade my little studio space, “Guile Studio.”
SSTK: What’s some advice you’d give to that younger version of you still figuring out the ropes in photography?
Bouqartacha: Don’t compare yourself to others. Every photographer has their own unique path and style. Focus on learning and growing at your own pace, and don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes along the way.
Trust your instincts, stay true to your vision, and remember that success in photography isn’t just about technical skills or popularity—it’s about staying passionate, being persistent, and always striving to tell meaningful stories through your work.
![Portrait of two friends in their thirties sitting on the beach in Morocco, North Africa](https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/04/two_friends_sitting_in_beach_chairs_back_view_2329677049.jpg?w=720)
View Hind’s video collection.
License this cover image via Hind Bouqartacha.
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