Extraordinary Image Makers: Patrick van der Jagt

Interview with @caveman010 / Patrick van der Jagt

Patrick van der Jagt is known from the RTL programme Het Rotterdamproject by Beau van Erven Dorens, in which 5 homeless people were given the chance to get their lives back on track. Patrick was drug-addicted and was not allowed to manage the 10,000 euros himself. He received help, paid off debts and bought a phone and later a camera. He managed to get clean and proved to be a talented photographer. He has since organised several exhibitions and is working on his own business.

Follow him on Instagram as "@caveman010".

In the BeeldBazen series we highlight image-makers with a special story. What are their motivations and ambitions? What sets them apart from others? We describe the identity of the image-maker and which first magical photo or film moment they experienced that made them decide never to put the camera down again.

The identity of the image-maker

When did Patrick's passion for images begin? If Patrick thinks carefully about it, there has never been a moment in his life when he did not think in pictures. "I always saw images in my mind. Frames. From a young age I was already involved in art, graffiti art, illegal things. Some friends started out like me as street kids and later developed their talent further through education.

"I never did anything with it, due to everything I experienced in my life (a difficult childhood, drug addiction, the death of my girlfriend) and because for years I did not think about what I wanted. But that interest in images was always there. When I woke up as a homeless person in a beautiful spot, such as at the top of a stairwell with a view of the city, I would store that image in my mind. They were small moments that I could enjoy, despite all the misery. I was, unconsciously, constantly collecting images."

That first magical photo moment

"I started photographing with my phone. I got it from that programme Het Rotterdamproject. I came on television, but had no idea what it would mean. I had not watched television for years and did not know what I was getting into.

I was happy with that phone. I could not stop taking photos! It made me want more. Under supervision I bought my first real camera. At Kamera Express, near Oostplein. I bought a Panasonic camera.

My camera could not be too big or too small. Above all I wanted a good lens so I could work quickly. I do not want to have to fumble and fiddle. It had to be easy to use and the Panasonic was. Later I bought a Sony RX10. I can just whip this camera out of my bag. It is fantastic. I always have my camera with me."

Self-taught

Patrick got to know the camera through trial and error. "I have not looked at a single manual, I just stubbornly started working." He laughs and realises it says something about his character. He wants to see results immediately, wants to start immediately.

There is a deeper thought behind it: "It is not that I do not want help with that, but I see it this way: everyone can photograph. Especially nowadays, everyone can use Photoshop and make the ugliest photos look beautiful. For me it is about the story behind it. For me a photographer is someone who can make distinctive photos with normal settings, without too many extras. I want to bring a story to life in an image."

The necessity of photography

Patrick captures the raw side of life, the side he knows so well himself. "I have slept in the strangest places. Places where a normal person never goes. Car parks, bicycle sheds, stairwells — all those places are still in my head. I strive to capture them with my camera. People are allowed to see the raw side of life. They must even see it. Don't walk past it. See what is happening."

"When I take such a photo, for example of a homeless person sleeping in the middle of a busy street, I think of myself back then. How I was lying there. My feet smelled. I never showered or washed. You are never alone. There are always people around you. You can't have a normal conversation without thinking: what can I get out of this? What do I need. It is a prison. You are outside, on the street and do not have to answer to anyone, yet you are imprisoned. Dependent on others."

Photography as a lifeline

"After I went clean in Africa, I had a relapse. Photography kept me going. And still does. You are not just clean. You have not just processed all your traumas. You have to build up new experiences, create new positive connections."

"Not everyone understands that my problem is not solved 1-2-3. I am doing Olympic Sport, man!" He laughs loudly. "I really am doing Olympic Sport..."

What's your style?

Patrick has his own style, which developed naturally. He shows what he encounters on the street, taken from life, real. With minimal editing. He also often captures the city in his images. His images are sometimes black and white.

Authenticity and minimal editing

"I love authenticity. I am a fan of Martin Parr. He always captures ordinary people. The photos are not heavily edited... I really love that. Raw images, little editing. I do almost nothing with editing myself. I want to show how things really look today. The situation at that moment. And sometimes it is tough, then so be it. I would rather come back 10 times until I have the image than take the shot and then play with the colours and tones."

Black and white

"Often when I take a photo I immediately see that it would really be great in black and white. I see that it works even better without colour. Like a photo of the market or the old harbour. You are immediately transported to the Middle Ages that way. You can choose to show atmosphere or emphasise the composition. I choose on feeling."

The city in images

"What I want to show of Rotterdam? The raw side, but also a bit of street art... that makes the city so much more beautiful. You turn a corner and suddenly you see a large bird or a face. You find yourself walking INTO something. That is incredibly beautiful. I show the multiple worlds that exist in the city. You do not need to go abroad for that."

Recognition

"Which projects do I have running now? Something at the Nieuwe Revue. I am going to photograph homeless people in Haarlem for them. I also work for Woonstad and have just done a project for Rabobank. I have also done many interviews and multiple exhibitions."

"What am I most proud of? The exhibitions IN HERSTEL (IN RECOVERY). This exhibition was entirely mine. The exhibition itself could not be too polished. I received advice but made my own choices and selections. Half was in black and white. The expo took place just after the TV programme ended, at the Fenix Food Factory. Three days long. So many people came that security was needed. It became a real big event."

Plans

"What do I still want to achieve? Above all stay healthy. For me it is not a halfway job. I can no longer drink, not even a little. On photography, I also want to do more portrait work. I want to photograph people as they really are. I once photographed at Schorem. Looking at all those beautiful men with beards, being traditionally shaved — I enjoy it. The intense tattoos of the barber complete the image."

"What do I want to achieve with those projects about homeless people? I strive to create awareness. I cannot save the world and have enough on my plate, but I can do something in my own way, make beautiful things, show something, make my contribution."

Sample photos

Curious about Patrick's work? See below a selection from his portfolio!