Marouane Beslem, an Insta-photographer who uses social media to exhibit his talent

Marouane Beslem began taking photographs when he got his first smartphone in 2012. Originally from Figuig, the young insta-photographer was raised in Oujda. His passion for photography was born after a competition between him and his friends to see who could take the best picture. In 2015, Beslem’s Instagram account won Maroc Web Awards 8, which encouraged him to take photography more seriously.

Beslem attended university for a year in Oujda before moving to France to continue his studies in business management. However, he quickly discovered France was not the place for him. «I wasn’t fully integrated in France. I felt like I was not part of society. I couldn’t make friends». Consumed with his studies, trying to manage his finances, and struggling to adapt to the cultural differences, he had stopped pursuing photography and the arts.

Recognizing his unhappiness and wanting to pursue his passion, Beslem moved to Casablanca to take a gap year and focus on his photography.

While his parents were hesitant about him coming back to Morocco to focus on photography, Beslem knew it was the right decision. He believes that success looks different for every individual and life is too short to not go after what makes you happiest.

Social media as an art platform

As a photographer, Beslem relies on social media, especially Instagram, to showcase and display his talent and love for the industry. He takes an instantaneous, in-the-moment approach to his photography. «Normally, I don’t go shoot with an idea. When I see the place, I try to see something creative. I like to find and experience things. When I take a picture, I want it to be good. I want the picture to be special».

Beslem is inspired by Rwinalife and OddAbe, two of his friends who are also photographers, especially for the way they edit their photos. For his editing process, Beslem tries «to apply a filter that gives a mood that goes with the picture. It’s something that makes the photo more touching. The filter gives back what the picture should make us feel».

Beslem utilizes social media to showcase his work. As for how he organizes his photos: he does not. «I just post». While the feedback he gets via social media regarding his photography is mostly positive, Beslem is never content with work.

Despite never being fully satisfied with a photo, Beslem says he knows when he’s managed to take the picture he wants because «It’s like when you hear music. It can be any music. I don’t think there are rules for liking a picture. Sometimes you don’t know why you like it».

While Beslem’s work has featured both landscapes and people, he says, «People are more interesting to shoot. Their expressions, each one is different. Sometimes it’s a challenge to make them comfortable in front of the camera. And when they are comfortable, you feel you have done something good. You take a photo of the person, and you feel it is them. They aren’t faking it».

When asked if he’s had any crazy or scary experiences while trying to get a photo, he responded, «You get shouted at a lot».

As for the artistic scene in Morocco, Beslem believes that Morocco has «a lot of great artists. There are also opportunities, but we should create more. And if we want things to change, we should work more on them to change. Not just say things are bad, we should fight it in our way. For example, if a photographer is detained for taking pictures in the streets, we should all stand with him in solidarity».

Beslem’s advice for other aspiring artists is to «Be true to yourselves and the people following you. Try to create and be authentic and get inspired more and avoid copying. Avoid the trends and try to experiment with new things».

Currently, Beslem is taking his advice, experimenting, and challenging himself with his current project, «Project 365», where he takes one photo and posts it every day of the year.