Loosely arranged in a semi-circle, the three boys form a chorus of royal blue jerseys, black joggers, and rubber slippers. Their laughter syncs with their steps and propels them forward. Shadows nestleare nestled tightly under them. The backdrop of mountains and valleys enclose them, doubling as an arena for their mischief. No other figure appears in the image. The boys are accompanied by a motorbike and a building peering just behind them. The most piercing note is their unbound laughter.
— Haja Fanta
This photograph was taken in the village of Ozaga, Ait Heddou Youssef in the heart of the Atlas Mountains. It is a part of my first series, «A journey into nature where time stops to play», a project that reflects my inner child by documenting the daily lives of Amazigh children.
The process was intuitive and rooted in presence. I spent time close to the community, letting the moments come to me without staging anything. I wanted to capture the spontaneity of play, laughter, energy, and everything that felt true. Through this series, I try to resist the erasure of memory, to reconnect with what is essential, and to detach from the material world. Photography, for me, becomes a way to remember what matters and to honor forgotten realities.
I chose this photograph because it reminds me of when my brother, cousin, and I would travel to the countryside during my childhood. There, we played together, free from the worries of the material world. This photo captures that moment of freedom, simplicity, and shared joy. It evokes a return to those childhood memories, where time seemed to stand still, and every moment spent playing was precious.
My approach to photography is rooted in intimacy, memory, and social awareness. I see the camera as a tool to slow down time and reconnect with what often goes unnoticed. I’m drawn to stories of resilience, transitions, and identity. Photography is impactful because it preserves what might be forgotten. It creates space for voices and presences that deserve to be seen with honesty and care.
Abderrahmane Ajja is a photographer and cinematographer based in Marrakech. His work explores the intersection of memory, identity, and social transformation, often focusing on communities in transition. Trained in image-making at ESAV Marrakech, he combines a documentary approach with a carefully composed aesthetic. Drawing from lived experiences, his practice seeks to tell intimate and socially engaged stories, revealing the silent tensions, resilience, and beauty embedded in everyday realities. You can find more of Abderrahmane Ajja’s work via Instagram.
