Despite people’s hostility to camera, my eyes and mind never stopped searching for photography opportunity. In the Sahara desert, my urge to photograph this Amazighs boy overcame my hesitation. He was leading the camels for another group and I couldn’t pass the opportunity to the possible reaction to my proposal to photograph him.

To my surprise, he reluctantly agreed. I quickly got into position and made this image, before he had a chance to change his mind or change his position for what he thought he should look like to a photographer. I wanted him as the way he was.

When he saw himself at the back of the camera, “beautiful” was the word that he said.

That made my day, because I know I’ve got free pass to photograph him from then on.