The daily grind: Jaffer Hasan

The talented filmmaker and renowned fashion photographer, takes us behind-the-scenes. From editing till sunrise, to discovering parts of the city we never knew existed, he gives us a glimpse of life behind the camera lens

5 am: Finishing up whatever movie I’m watching, as well as any remaining editing I have left. Finally going to sleep!

8 am: Waking up due to noisy birds outside my window, but then back to sleep.

9 am: Still asleep and dreaming about what I would do in whichever sci-fi world I am in.



12 noon: I’m finally awake. It’s shoot day, and this is when I head to the make-up salon to meet and catch up with whomever I am working with on that particular day.

1 pm: Waiting for the model, who is usually late, while eating my wonderful lunch with fresh juice and ice-cold homemade flavoured green tea, usually from Teavana.



2 pm: Getting ready to head out and run some errands for that shoot. This includes location scouting and editing if I’m feeling too lazy to venture out.

3 pm: Usually, I start feeling sleepy around this time due to the tough locations and the long hours of the shoot. Though there seems to be no time for a nap in the near future, as I’m still editing or uploading images for clients and setting up shoot details.

4 pm: Driving to the gym for my daily routine, Snapchatting along the way. There is always something odd or typical I see on my drive that deserves a Snapchat.

5 pm: Working out and harassing the other people at the gym along the way.

6 pm: Tears of joy as I take a short break from my workout. But then, I’m back at it. I usually stay here to watch the sunset and Snapchat it. Same place, same time, same routine!

7 pm: I quickly hit the shower for the second time. Right after, I run to the market to look for materials for my upcoming shoots. If it’s blisteringly hot outside, like it has been for recent months, I stop by Xanders for my daily cold coffee, along with a cigar to unwind.

8 pm: I’m still at Xanders or at different locations around the city doing random photography.

9 pm: Made it home for dinner! I relax by watching something on TV, while checking in on the American stock market.

10 pm: Decisions: to nap or to edit? Editing usually wins.



11 pm: I meet some friends or play a video game if I don’t have too much editing left.



12 am: Photography requires a lot of editing, so this is the time when I start my daily editing routine. First order of business: lining up my favourite TV shows for background noise. Multitasking for the win!



2 am: Still editing! Isn’t life exciting for a photographer?

3 am: At this time, I switch over to work on a movie. Everyone is asleep now. There are absolutely no disturbances from anyone – my phone stops buzzing. This is my time to relax and mentally unwind!