Who is Ta-ku? It depends on how well you know him. Some may come across Ta-ku’s work through SoundCloud, in which case he earns the titles of DJ and music producer. Others come across his stark, emotive photography on Instagram and are led to believe he’s a full-fledged photographer. Those who have followed him see him as a genre-bending creative. One that sees his audio and visual as an intersection of a talented individual. A two-headed creative without any discernible weaknesses. To master one creative discipline is hard enough, but Ta-ku has found an uncanny way to grow and create under both mediums. With each passing EP, Ta-ku gained momentum in the music world. His continual exploits in creating mood-defined music would find itself in the hands of music revelers impassioned by emotive tracklists.

Change is on the horizon, though.

Ta-ku’s interest in photography has led him down a more involved path in the craft. His photography is consistent to a fault (unless you’re privy to his Instagram). It’s often dark, heavy on the contrast and very cool in its color due to his colorblindness. When assessed from afar, the work is unapologetically emotional, much like Ta-ku’s music. He’s by no means pulling the dust covers over the turntables, but exploring in greater depth the world of photography. A well-followed Instagram would have many happy and complacent, but Ta-ku is seeking more. Over the course of a week, Ta-ku left his native Perth and traveled to Tokyo to link with close friend Repeat Pattern. He shared with us the sights, sounds and inner workings of his journey as he continues to establish a foothold in the very real-world of commercial photography. The Instagram era has introduced countless pseudo-photographers who are at no loss of shooting captivating imagery on their own agenda. But it yields another story when one must shoot on behalf of somebody else and their vision. Challenges arise for new photographers who are unprepared. Unprepared to make the sometimes necessary creative sacrifices to appease and facilitate a client’s vision. Or even worst, apply the unsexy and mind-numbing protocol required to deliver assets on time. As you listen to Ta-ku’s narration, one thing is certain, preparation for forthcoming problems are approached with humility and grace. These are the underlying pieces of Ta-ku’s creative puzzle. It’s these characteristics that allowed him to grow in music. It’s the ones that allow him to hone his photography. But more importantly, it will set him up for the next one, whatever the future may hold.

I’m currently in Tokyo, Japan at an intersection. I’m tucked away in a corner. I’m sweatin’ it’s so hot right now. I came from Sydney and had this fever. It’s quite sunny so the lighting isn’t ideal but it’s got a nice little vibe to it.

I’m in Tokyo, to help shoot a few things for brands and clients. Among them is the Mmonkey time x PUMA Disc Blaze. Since the theme was based around a whale, we figured it would be smart to shoot it over water.  We were able to hook up a pool at the Dutch embassy. They let us do our thing without questioning us. It was so hot, I almost fainted a few times.