Rabat – Photojournalist at Morocco World News Omar Afoud has won third place at a photography competition organized by the Czech Republic’s embassy in Rabat, Morocco.

The Czech embassy organized the competition in late 2022 under the theme “Water is Life,” on the occasion of the Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Afoud expressed his happiness and pride for winning the award, saying it was completely unexpected. “I am extremely happy to win third place,” he said, adding that he only applied for the competition “by chance” and did not expect to make it to the top three.

The three winners are set to receive their prizes on February 28 at the embassy, from the ambassador of the Czech Republic to Morocco.

How the photo came to be

The journey that led to Afoud’s prize-winning photo began with a trip in 2016 with his friend Karim to the town of Akka, in the Tata province. The pair were exploring the area and then they began searching for an oasis after running out of water.

Omar Afound and his friend Karim searching for water under Akka’s burning sun. Credit: Omar Afoud

They spent around three hours searching for water in the Akka desert, under the burning sun. “We were in the middle of nowhere … we had no idea where we were,” the Moroccan photographer said.

After hours of searching, the pair finally came across an oasis, as captured in the award-winning picture. Admiring the beauty of the oasis, Afoud’s perceptive eye for photography saw an opportunity to capture a young boy sitting by the water.

Describing the photo, Afoud said that it features a boy from “deep Morocco … in harmony with nature.” The “breathtaking colors” of the oasis were too impressive to ignore, “one cannot help but delve deep into nature,” he enthused.

Omar Afoud’s prize-winning picture

The photo documented a fascinating contrast, a paradise in the driest and most inhospitable Sahara. Unbeknownst to Afoud at the time, the photo, which represents his hours-long search for water in the heat of the Moroccan desert, would win a photography prize seven years later.

Passion for Photography

Afoud’s passion for photography started at a young age, notably when his cousin, who worked as a cameraman, encouraged him to experiment with photography and introduced him to the domain.

“My cousin would always bring me old cameras and photography material … And even though they no longer worked, I would use them as decor,” he said. 

Moroccan photographer Omar Afoud

He got his first camera in high school marking his journey into the world of photography. He later bought a professional camera and started doing street photography, before he decided to travel across Morocco and document his adventures with his camera lens.

Read also: Moroccan Photographer ‘Yoriyas’ Among New York Times Recommended Artists

After graduating high school, Afoud studied cinematography at the Institute of Cinema and Television (ISMC) in Ouarzazate. He then got his Bachelor’s degree in Cinematography and Film Production from the EPAG Rabat.

The talented photographer currently works with Morocco World News, but does not miss a chance to practice his hobby outside of his work commitment and unleash his creativity. 

With his camera always around his neck, Afoud shows great commitment to his passion for photography, which is a great source of comfort for him, and a joy for those who are lucky enough to witness his work.

Photo of the Oasis Omar Afoud and his friend Karim found after a three-hour-long search. Credit: Omar Afoud