Zam has a policy of asking a potential subject for permission to photograph them. Sometimes they say no, but most quiz him about what the photo is for before agreeing, satisfied with his answer. He doesn’t like to show people the photos on his phone before “the magic of Lightroom” but he often makes the trip out of town to print copies to give them once he’s pleased with the end result. If someone is interested in buying one of his images, he splits the profits with the people in the photo. It’s important to him to be respectful and keep good relationships with his community. “I want to keep things easy between us,” he says. “But most people like to show how they live so they’re happy to be photographed.” 

According to Zam, the creative scene in Zanzibar is small—it’s pricey and difficult to get your hands on an imported camera, and as he’s still starting out, he has to make time for photography in between other responsibilities. But he’s determined, and he hopes to make a career as a documentary photographer. “I’m not going to give up,” he says. One’s own backyard is often the perfect place to start—if you can really see what surrounds you.