Cécile Tréal: A Moment in Time
It’s been a long time since Cécile Tréal and I first met. It was her father who introduced us, convinced we would get along—and he was right. I can still see us, driving through the streets of Paris in her little Fiat 500… from back in the day! singing at the top of our lungs, oblivious to the world around us. These memories, and many more, are engraved in my heart. It was a wonderful, carefree time when everything seemed possible, and we feared nothing. The world was ours.
I also fondly recall one of our trips to the South, her home region. Cécile was shooting illustration images and had me play the model. One day, while we were in the middle of a photoshoot, we spotted Anthony Quinn (a legendary actor, whom those under 20 probably won’t know) sitting in a café. Without hesitation, and with the boldness that defined us, we approached him, explaining that we were two young photographers and journalists and that we would be honored to create a piece with him. Believe it or not, he smiled and agreed! It was a magical moment, one of those encounters you never forget.
Years have passed since then, but Cécile has hardly changed—she remains as passionate, curious, and fearless as ever. After working as a correspondent for the Gamma agency, she moved to Morocco as a freelance reporter. This decision has earned her great recognition for her photographic work on landscapes, cultures, and architectures, often within the framework of projects exploring cultural and natural heritage. She can also take pride in being the only female photographer to capture images of Casablanca’s Great Mosque during its construction.
Cécile has co-authored more than twenty books with her collaborator and husband, Jean-Michel Ruiz. Together, they explore Africa, shedding light on fascinating regions of Asia and the Middle East, revealing through carefully composed images emblematic, sometimes lesser-known sites that deserve our attention. Their publications, visual treasures, include series combining striking photographs with richly informative historical and cultural texts.
Today, along with this questionnaire, Cécile has chosen to share with us a film photography reportage on the Berbers of Morocco—a subject dear to her heart for many years. This project is one of the reasons she chose to focus her photographic gaze on the country she loves so much. With rare sensitivity, she captures the details and nuances of urban and natural landscapes. Through her photos, she captures the soul of ancient and sacred places, with a depth that invites contemplation. Her ability to reveal the essence of the locations she photographs—whether a monument or a remote corner of nature—makes her a truly remarkable photographer.
Website : www.ceciletreal.wixsite.com
Instagram : ceciletreal
Your first photographic trigger?
Cécile Tréal: A private reportage with Stan Getz.
The photographer who inspired you?
Cécile Tréal: William Klein.
What interests you most in an image?
Cécile Tréal: Emotion.
What was the last photo you took?
Cécile Tréal: The Medina of Fes.
What do you think is the key quality of a good photographer?
Cécile Tréal: Observation.
What makes a great photo?
Cécile Tréal: The harmony of the framing, the resulting graphic design, and the emotion conveyed by the human element.
Who would you like to photograph?
Cécile Tréal: Lady Gaga.
What was your childhood camera?
Cécile Tréal: A Polaroid.
What camera do you use today?
Cécile Tréal: Canon 5D Mark IV.
How do you choose your projects?
Cécile Tréal: Usually by commission, except for exhibitions, which are more personal work.
How would you describe your creative process?
Cécile Tréal: Enthusiasm in response to a scene or a light—something must always be happening.
An upcoming project that’s dear to you?
Cécile Tréal: My next exhibition on Morocco.
Your favorite indulgence?
Cécile Tréal: Rum.
The best way for you to disconnect?
Cécile Tréal: Sports and music.
Who would you like to be photographed by?
Cécile Tréal: Annie Leibovitz.
A profession you would never have chosen?
Cécile Tréal: Banker.
A place you never tire of?
Cécile Tréal: My house on the beach.
On social media, are you more Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or Snapchat, and why?
Cécile Tréal: I’m not very active on social media, except for Instagram.
Color or black and white?
Cécile Tréal: Both.
Daylight or artificial light?
Cécile Tréal: Daylight.
If God existed, would you ask him to pose for you or take a selfie with him?
Cécile Tréal: I’d invite him to pose for me.
What do you think is missing in the world today?
Cécile Tréal: The ability to take a step back and not be consumed by AI.
If you had to start over?
Cécile Tréal: I’d be a rock singer.
What do you want people to say about you?
Cécile Tréal: That I’m a good person.
The essential thing people should know about you?
Cécile Tréal: I love life and all the surprises it brings day after day.
A final word?
Cécile Tréal: Photography is a very special way of looking at the world, for just an instant!
