Growing up near the picturesque Tazekka Park, Abdelghani Mida didn't just observe the beauty of nature—he became a part of it. Through his wildlife photography, he seized the opportunity nature presented to him, sharing with the world the breathtaking life that thrives around him. Abdelghani Mida discovered his passion for wildlife photography in Tazekka Park, where colors and sounds collide, turning this natural treasure into a canvas for his lens to capture the magic of life in all its diversity. Initially, his photography focused on historical monuments and portraits. However, due to Taza's proximity to Tazekka—the largest national park with rich biodiversity—he frequently ventured into the wild. «I would often go on expeditions there», he told Yabiladi. In 2017, an encounter with the Barbary squirrel caught his attention, marking the start of his journey into wildlife photography. «That moment sparked my true passion: Wildlife photography», he shared. Thanks to the experience gained in Tazekka Park, which is home to 27 mammal species, including the Barbary deer and aurochs, 80 bird species, 28 amphibian species, and key Moroccan forests like Atlas cedar, green oak, and beech, Abdelghani continued his photographic adventures to other Moroccan regions known for their diverse wildlife and landscapes. «Before heading to a location, I conduct field research to determine if there are any predators and assess the dangers. In this phase, I rely heavily on information from shepherds, who know the terrain well, making my search and photography easier». Capturing wildlife in Morocco Photographing certain animals often requires Abdelghani, 42, to spend several days in one location. «Sometimes, I set up my equipment and wait for hours, only to find nothing. I keep returning until I succeed. For example, capturing the African golden wolf took me nearly three years». Wildlife photography also presents other challenges, including the danger posed by certain animals. «One time, I was busy with my cameras and suddenly realized I was surrounded by 16 Barbary wild boar. I was lucky to escape unharmed». Despite the risks, Abdelghani, who also works in audiovisual production, draws energy from his encounters with wildlife. «The adrenaline rush you get when you manage to capture a perfect shot is incomparable». Blending into the environment is a key element of wildlife photography, notes Abdelghani, who has been fascinated by nature documentaries for years. «I always choose my clothing based on the environment—green and brown for forests, and yellow for desert areas». As we spoke on the phone, he paused briefly. «Right now, there's an osprey fighting with another bird above me, but unfortunately, my camera is in the car!» he joked, his deep connection to nature evident. What began as a hobby for Abdelghani has now evolved into a professional pursuit. He sells his photographs on various wildlife platforms and participates in both local and international competitions, including those organized by Morocco's Ministry of Culture. He's also collaborated with private entities and international organizations, such as the German Cooperation Organization, documenting wildlife in Tazekka Park. Abdelghani was slated to participate in a National Geographic documentary to be filmed in Morocco, but the location was later moved to Egypt.
