The notepad: Tapu Javeri

Pakistan’s finest fashion and art photographer, Tapu Javeri, scribbles down things that have influenced him, and what he draws inspiration from to create his craft

50 mm lens



With the advancement in technology you end up getting lost in what you can do to your pictures. So every once in a while I try going old school and use only a 50mm lens on my camera. It’s like a photography refresher course.

Books



I’m self-taught, so all that I know today is through the help of books. Irving Penn taught me about portraits, all I know about the photo journalistic approach to fashion is because of Richard Avedon, while through George Platt Lynes I learnt about studio lights. Gregory Colbert has also inspired me a lot through his images. These books for me have been my teachers and have managed to mould the way I look through a lens.

Nikon F3



This was my first real camera; the Nikon F3 inspired me to start recording the world around me. I now have it etched into my skin to keep reminding me of those days.

Aaminah Haq



Over my thirty-year career in photography I have worked with tons of amazing models, but none of them have ever inspired me as much as Aaminah Haq did. Not only was she fearless when she used to come in front of the camera but she always worked hard for a timeless and epic picture.

Music



My day is incomplete without music; it is essential for my creativity. My go-to album is always Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. Not only does it excite me but it also helps in getting my creative juices flowing.

Xtra Magazine



The time frame from 1994 to 2000 was very special and inspirational for me since we managed to push the limits of fashion photography in Pakistan through the magazine Xtra.

My Subjects



The most important form of inspiration for me comes through the people I photograph; they truly make the pictures what they are.