‘People told me it gave them a sense of hope': Ismail Zaidy's best phone picture
Ismail Zaidy took this image, with the help of his siblings, in the gardens of the famous La Mamounia hotel in Marrakech. The Moroccan photographer received special authorisation to shoot there in 2021, when Covid restrictions were in place. He took his brother, Othmane, as shoot assistant and his sister, Fatimazahra, was the model in the image, wearing a vintage dress their mum had bought at a flea market. The small team fixed flowers to a plastic sheet and took a number of shots over a three-hour period; Othmane appeared in some, too.
Zaidy recalls what a treat it felt to be outside. 'Getting access to open spaces was limited, so being outdoors – even briefly – felt refreshing and special,' he says. ' It was a fairly chaotic period for all of us, but over time things calmed down and we found a rhythm. It actually gave us more time to create together.'
Fatimazahra was 18 at the time, and Zaidy notes how 'her thoughtful personality is reflected in the mood of the image. In the end, I selected one with her eyes closed because it felt calm and quiet.'
When Zaidy first shared this photo during the pandemic, he got a flood of positive feedback. 'People told me it gave them a sense of peace and hope. That was exactly my intention. I wanted it to bring optimism in uncertain times. Knowing it had that effect made me feel truly happy.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
Holly Valance splits from billionaire Nick Candy
Former singer and Neighbours actress Holly Valance and Reform UK treasurer Nick Candy have split and are heading for divorce after 13 years of marriage, it has been reported. Australian-born Valance, 42, and billionaire property developer Candy, 52, are said to have broken up in recent weeks, according to The Sun. The couple, who have two daughters, met in 2009 and became engaged two years later before marrying in California in 2012 at a ceremony attended by 300 guests. A family friend told the newspaper: 'This has been a very difficult period for both Nick and Holly, and they are keeping things private out of respect for their family. 'The joint parenting of their two amazing daughters remains their top priority. 'They've had to juggle a demanding lifestyle. Between family, public life, and Nick's intense work commitments, it's been a tough balance. 'This is a family matter and they're doing their best to handle things thoughtfully. ' Privacy is obviously very important to them both, so they can focus on what's best for the family.' A spokesman for Valance said: 'This is a private matter, and there will be no comment. The privacy of all parties involved is respectfully requested' The couple are high-profile figures within Reform UK, and met Donald Trump with party leader Nigel Farage at the US president's Mar-a-Lago resort in 2022. After her stint in the Australian soap Neighbours where she played Felicity 'Flick' Scully from 1999, Valance had a music career, including the UK number one hit single Kiss Kiss released in 2002. She also reached the semi-finals of Strictly Come Dancing in 2011.
Telegraph
3 hours ago
- Telegraph
The 15 best spots for brunch in Edinburgh
Judging by the competition to nab a last-minute table at one of the city's many favourites, Edinburgh just might be the brunch capital of Scotland. Perhaps that's no surprise, given the level of choice available: whether you're after champagne and oysters, high-end organic fare, comfort dishes in a cosy café, or breakfast Singapore-style, there's somewhere to suit. But you won't find any bottomless brunches here – licensing laws in Scotland prohibit them. That doesn't mean you can't order a cocktail or two, of course, but restaurants can't serve unlimited booze at an 'all in' price. So, pop a cork or sink a Screwdriver and tuck in, because this city's big on breakfast. All our recommendations below have been hand-selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best brunch in Edinburgh. Find out more below, and see our guides to the city's best hotels, restaurants and cafés, nightlife, pubs and bars, shopping, things to do and things to do for free. Find a brunch by type: Best all-rounders Roseleaf A bar may not be the first place you think of when you're looking for breakfast with children in tow. But kids will enjoy the whole 'Mad Hatter' teapot theme in this family-oriented pub located just off the Shore in Leith. Nothing on the menu will surprise or shock: expect hearty fry-ups, French toast, plus various eggs Benedict with child-sized versions at a reasonable price. Just keep an eye on your alcoholic 'pot-tail'. Area: Leith Public transport: There are trams and buses to the Shore stops. Website: Price: ££ Reservations: Recommended Pantry On the corner of classy Circus Place, where New Town and Stockbridge meet, this popular café is always busy (there's a telephone queuing system when needed). The love is understandable when fry-ups come with smoked paprika on roasted tomatoes, and French toast is a glory of rhubarb and custard. Variations on waffles, eggs Benedict and Thai-spiced pork on toast are regulars on the always-changing menu, with a welcoming kids' version too.
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Justin Bieber gives major hint about state of relationship with Hailey amid marital strife rumors
Justin Bieber gave insight into the status of his relationship with wife Hailey Bieber on Friday. The 31-year-old singer — whose odd behavior has fans puzzled — was active on Instagram, sharing a slew of photos from their life with son Jack Blues, 10 months. The family-of-three appeared to be soaking up quality time as they kicked off their summer outdoors near a lake. Photos shared to Justin's account, which he just changed from @justinbieber to @lilbieber, showed the model holding their son, pickleball paddles, and walking near a golf cart. While the former child star has been frantically posting a barrage of online content in recent weeks, it's been reported that the Biebers' marriage is under a lot of stress. 'Justin's been a hard person to deal with recently because of what he's going through,' a source dished to Us Weekly earlier this week. 'It's been really hard on her.' The person added: 'Family issues have clouded her success.' But according to the Instagram pictures, which Bieber spread out through multiple posts, the spouses are sticking together. Jack was dressed in a blue and white Toronto Maple Leafs jersey and a pair of jeans in several posts. In another picture, which was also posted by Hailey, the infant sat in lush green grass on a soccer field. 'Justin's going through a difficult time, and Hailey is giving him room to get himself back on track. He's doing his best, but it's tough,' a second source told the outlet. The second insider claimed the pair have been enduring more 'ups and downs' than usual and 'things have been very tense in the last month.' 'Hailey's worried about Justin, especially with a [baby at home]. He hasn't been down like this in quite some time, so there's concern,' it was revealed. There was also a photo of Jack sitting as he played near another child As Justin continues to spark concern online over his bizarre social media posts, Hailey is said to feel frustrated over his 'loose cannon' antics. But, ultimately, the person close to the couple said: 'She knows that's part of the industry and who she's married to.' 'They don't talk about divorce,' the first source insisted. The second insider confirmed the odds of them calling it quits 'are very slim, especially because of their faith.' 'Faith is a big part of their life,' the source said. 'They believe they are soulmates and meant for each other.' 'They'll do anything to make it work,' the second source emphasized. 'They are going to get through it.'
