Adrien-Hazem: The art of capturing hope in film (@hazembsm)

Let me tell you about Adrien-Hazem, a young photographer of Tunisian origin who started shooting two years ago, and frankly, he's really cool.

At first, he would walk around with his film camera everywhere. Holidays, streets, concerts, he would capture everything that moved. His friends, events, life. And when he started posting it on Insta, people loved it right away. So, he said to himself "why not continue?".

Adrien-Hazem, he didn't go to photography school or anything. He trained himself, by watching endless tutorials. At the time, he wasn't in the best of shape, and photography became his refuge. Rather than getting depressed, he channeled his energy into it.

What motivates him is the desire to leave a mark, to tell his story. He wants to show people that even when you're a Muslim guy from the working-class neighborhoods, with a first-generation black Tunisian mother in France, you can get by.

On the inspiration side, Adrien-Hazem loves retro. He started following photographers like @gunnerstahl.us, @ripmiggs or @cameronxreed & Gunnerstahl.

But what really excites him is African photography, especially Nigerian photography. He is a fan of @sarf.bort. The contrasts, the colors, it speaks to him. And now, he also takes a look at what is being done in Europe. He likes the work of his friend @aide_dahmani, the creativity of @marietouillon, and the particular look of @francescplanes.

Adrien-Hazem, he doesn't have a well-defined creative process. He works on instinct.

It's cool, but it makes him struggle when he has to plan shoots or make mood boards. As soon as he has an idea, he goes for it, period.

He takes a lot of photos of events, even if he hates being lumped in there. He loves the adrenaline, the stress it brings. You have to be smart, tame your environment. On the other hand, party photos stress him out a lot.

For Adrien-Hazem, everything can be art if you follow your heart and your desire.

Today, he is starting his career and it is going rather well. But he never tried to rush things or "break through". Photography was a game, a hobby, a refuge. It is this love that he puts into his work that makes people talk about his photos. In the end, it is always passion that wins.

Frankly, Adrien-Hazem, he understood everything. He does what he loves, he tells his story, he inspires people. That's what true success is. So if you like photography and want to see something real, something authentic, take a look at his work. You won't regret it.