Face of Africa Today

Travelling the highway to Marrakesh, tourists can stop at points of interest popular for their high vantage, and entertaining photo opps offered by locals for a small fee. While most tourists are only looking for a quick cell phone photo, I on the other hand require 10-15 minutes minimum to work through speedlight flash settings and perfecting a subject’s pose. I was thrilled to have the chance to photograph this local, who had endless patience for getting the photo just right.

Building trust and comfort in a short time period is one of the greatest challenges of travel portrait photography. However, when a photographer finds a wonderful, easy-going subject who is committed to getting a great photo – like the gentleman pictured here - the task becomes effortless, and more fun than one could ever have imagined. I didn’t think we’d achieve a head-on perspective of the camel, but thanks to the subject’s incredible talent we were able to create a memorable photo.

At the fishing port in Sidi Ifni along the Atlantic coast of Morocco, I defended myself against a swarm of burly, irritated fishermen who were opposed to me having a camera at their wharf. Once I started snapping this man's photo though, and showing them the results in the viewfinder, they all suddenly wanted their picture taken. Photography truly has a way of bringing cultures together.

At first she declined my request to photograph her, it being so out of character for traditional Moroccan women, but for some reason she decided to participate, and I'm so glad she did. She exudes strength, determination and pride in this portrait. When she saw me bossing around a male friend of mine I'd asked to hold my speedlight, she chuckled and shared a glance with me. I could tell she appreciated my equal female determination and strength.