Rupert Tapper is an Australian photographer based in Europe, mostly lingering between Barcelona, Paris, and London. “Searching for beauty in shadows, seeking out those subtle fleeting moments of connection and vulnerability in my subjects. Always with a wink and a smile,” he asserts. He’s worked with brands like Simuero, Carhart WIP, Mango, and Tommy Hilfiger among many others.

C41: What can you tell us about being a fashion photographer?

Rupert Tapper: Not a lot really, I am a cat clairvoyant… I actually think it’s a lot of talking and pretending to be busy until you actually start to get some projects off the ground. Even when you are more established it’s a real momentum thing. The actual shooting part is super enjoyable and fills me with energy and motivation. I also love the darkroom part of the job. Holding a print in your hands is amazing.

C41: What are the shootings you are most likely to remember?

RT: Anything location-based. The whole team going somewhere new and spending time together working but also getting to know one another off-set is way more special than a one-day shoot in a studio or city that you quickly forget. It shows in the work too.

C41: Where do you take inspiration from?

RT: People and film mostly. I don’t read a lot of books anymore but I am a massive people watcher. I love to look at people especially in bigger cities where you get a lot of diverse characters. Light is also a wonderful thing. Some places or times you just get a really unique quality of light.

C41: What are the challenges fashion photography is facing these days? If any…

RT: Numerous challenges, massively shrinking budgets, lower barrier of entry so the market is saturated with talented people with amazing software and knowledge available at their fingers. A.I. I can see clients taking shortcuts with this too. Basically, I try not to think about all this though and just focus on my work and the more analogue process and not get caught up in the social media frenzy of hype as I will never keep up.

C41: Do you have any rituals when on set? Anything you do to set the right mood for your workflow?

RT: Coffee and good coffee is my number one priority. Food is also a thing, Other than that just get some good music going and try to have fun. I aim to build a nice rapport with the models and team and then the magic just happens. I am always just finding something whether it be a light I like or a perfect spot to shoot a look so I don’t plan this stuff I just go with the flow.