In a world where many give up at the first obstacle, one man chose to see life through a different lens literally. Wael Chakroun, a young filmmaker and photographer from Tunisia, has turned his passion into a mission to inspire millions. His story is not just about cameras or photos; it’s about courage, determination, and the power of self-belief.
Discovering a Broken Camera and a New Passion
Back in 2014, Wael Chakroun made an unusual choice that would define his future. He bought a broken Canon EFM camera from a local market. While most would throw it away, he saw it as a window to another world. He didn’t know how to use it, nor did he have any formal training. But he was curious. He started experimenting, photographing random objects around him. Slowly, he began to understand the magic of capturing moments.
“At first, I just wanted people to take pictures of me,” Wael admits with a smile. But as he held the camera more and more, he realized it wasn’t about being in front of the lens it was about telling stories from behind it. “Holding a camera makes me happy. Seeing people smile at my photos is incredible. Through the lens, the world shifts,” he shares.
Building a Career With Zero Help
Despite his humble beginnings, Wael Chakroun refused to let his lack of money or resources stop him. Every piece of equipment he owns today, he bought with his own savings. No one helped him. He didn’t have sponsorships or wealthy parents backing him. He worked hard, earned every dinar, and slowly started buying the gear of his dreams.
He started from the bottom, working as an unpaid assistant for two years. His tasks were simple charging batteries, helping other photographers, and carrying equipment. He worked 10-hour days, often lying to his family about being paid because he was too embarrassed to admit the truth. “That was the biggest challenge of my life,” he says. “I had no money, I had problems speaking to clients, and I was scared of talking to people. I’m not a social person, and this job needs someone who can communicate.”
Overcoming Fear and Embracing Challenges
Wael Chakroun didn’t let his fears control him. He learned to push through the anxiety, one small step at a time. His biggest weapon? Persistence. Every day, he updated his skills, learned new techniques, and improved his gear. Slowly, he began building connections, earning people’s trust, and finding clients who appreciated his unique vision.
Eventually, all this hard work paid off. Wael earned a government-certified photography diploma, officially recognizing his skills. Today, he is a respected photographer, working on various projects, and slowly making his way into the cinema world. His dream is to become a Director of Photography (DOP), capturing the magic of movies and telling powerful visual stories.
“When I worked for two years without pay, I learned the value of passion and patience,” Wael says. “That experience shaped my mindset. I approach every project with dedication, knowing that growth comes slowly. You have to earn people’s trust, and that only happens through hard work and continuous learning.”
Creating a Legacy Beyond the Camera
Wael Chakroun’s story isn’t just about photography. It’s about what happens when you believe in yourself, even when no one else does. He wants to be remembered as someone who started with nothing but passion and built a life through creativity and determination. He wants to prove that even without money or connections, talent and persistence can take you far.
“Don’t let anyone defeat you. Believe in yourself,” he urges. “I hope to inspire others to believe in themselves and show that anything is possible with heart.”
Beyond the camera, Wael has become an inspiration to many young creatives in Tunisia and around the world. His content on social media showcases his work, daily life, and personal struggles in an authentic way. He uses Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn to connect with his followers, share tips, and motivate people to chase their dreams.
Staying True to His Vision
His lifestyle is simple yet powerful. He doesn’t show off expensive cars or luxury trips. Instead, he highlights the small joys sunset shoots, quiet editing nights, and the excitement of seeing a new idea come alive on screen. It’s a refreshing break from the “fake perfect” world of social media influencers.
Wael Chakroun’s journey also breaks many stereotypes about creative careers. In a region where filmmaking and photography aren’t always seen as stable jobs, he chose to follow his passion rather than a “safe” path. His story sends a strong message: you don’t need to follow the crowd. You can create your own path, even if it’s full of challenges.
Aiming for the Cinema and Giving Back
Today, Wael Chakroun is working on expanding his network and gaining experience in different areas of visual storytelling. He dreams of working on big film sets, collaborating with international directors, and bringing Tunisian stories to the global stage. But he never forgets where he started.
His advice to anyone dreaming big? “Be yourself and believe in yourself,” he repeats. “If you have a camera, start today. If you have a phone, use that. The most important thing is to start and keep going. Passion is stronger than anything else.”
As he continues to grow, Wael Chakroun wants to help others grow too. He plans to mentor young photographers and filmmakers, especially those who don’t have access to expensive gear or formal training. He believes that talent is everywhere you just have to nurture it.
Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a struggling student, or someone feeling stuck in life, Wael Chakroun’s story is a reminder that no dream is too big, and no background is too humble. With hard work, passion, and belief in yourself, you can transform your life and inspire others along the way.
Do follow him on Instagram
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