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I met this guy while waiting to go inside a monument, somewhere in the Atlas Mountains, I don't recall where. I really wanted to take his photo, and I knew, after spending a few days in Morocco, to get candid shots of people in Morocco, is quite a hard thing, they really don't like it, which of course is fine.

So I asked him if it was OK, and he said sure as long as you give me some money for the photo, which I did, he then let me take a photo, the thing is I took two photos, and he heard the clicks, he wasn't happy and wanted more money, but his friend said "no, no my friend, you have given him money, its fine" but the man whose photo I had just taken, wanted to make a deal with me, I listened to his story, and I couldn't refuse. He basically said that he works all hours he could every day to feed for his family and wife, and all he wanted was some pens, pencils, paper, stuff for his children, he gave me an address, and I promised that when I got home I would send him a package of things and the photos that I took of him, he was happy with this.

As soon as I got home, I went and brought some things for his children, and got copies of the photos, then sent the package off. I never heard a thing from him, which I expected, but I really hope it made his day to know that I thought of him, and most importantly kept the deal between us.

Oh yeah, he also wanted basket ball shoes and T- shirts aswell, but I said that the stuff for his children, and the change I had already given him, was enough for two photos and he was happy with that. You see, to barter is part of Moroccan Culture, and they are happy when a good deal has been done, however small.

Atlas Mountains, Morocco,
April, 2007