A Place Where Photography Meets Adventure: An Interview With Andreas Jakwerth

Andreas Jakwerth is a Vienna-based photographer who definitely knows how to live life to the fullest. He has a passion for both photography and travelling and somewhere in between he likes the challenge of a good climb. Enjoy Andreas's beautiful photos taken on his journeys and learn more about his trip to Jamestown where he made stunning series of photos with the local boxers.

Hey Andreas! What’s your advice on how to start the new year right? What are you currently working on?

Hey! Well, I'd say take it easy, spend time with your loved ones as much as possible, then slowly let things get going. I had a busy week (after a slow and relaxing start) with commissions and preparations for my upcoming travel to Africa. I'm going to climb Kilimanjaro for Austrian magazine Bergwelten. Kinda excited about that commission.

How did photography became a part of your life? What drives you to take photos and create something meaningful?

Very slowly actually. I started using my Dad's old Pentax SLR for the first time when I was 17 and on vacation with my girlfriend at that time. We went to Greece and I shot a couple rolls and about 98% of the photos were out of focus haha…or underexposed. I had no idea what aperture and shutter speed meant. That kinda frustrated me but also got me interested in the whole photography thing.

So I started to read books and went out shooting and over the years I got better. And it's still a learning process all the time. And that, to answer your second question, is key for not losing the drive. Getting better, trying out new things.

Beside photography you also share passion for travelling and climbing. What are some of your favorite memories you’ve experienced on these travels?

On the very top was cuddling with a baby Wombat in Australia, for sure. The second best thing was also during this 6 months long trip: On the Great Ocean Road my wife and I saw our first whale. Right next to the road. I was jumping like a little kid. It's been almost 8 years since that trip but I will remember these moments forever. Climbing on the other hand, I need to do as often as possible. It clears my head, I'm not thinking of anything then the next move and that with the nice side effect of being in nature with lovely friends.

What camera do you always bring with yourself when you are traveling?

My Leica M and Mamiya 7II. Cannot live without these cameras.

What is it that you want to show through your work?

Hm, I'm not sure I want to show anything at all. I want to make photographs that I like, be it a portrait of a person or an interesting landscape. If people like what I show them it's great, I enjoy getting likes and comments (of course). But if people don't like my work, I can live with that equally as good. What I cannot live with, is when I don't enjoy looking at my work. And it happens and I hate myself for it but it also gets me motivated to do it better next time.

You had a pleasure of photographing Ulrich Seidl, an Austrian film director and producer. Since he is usually behind the camera, how was it working with him in front of the camera?

It was amazing! You know, he doesn't really talk much and neither do I when I take photographs. I found this amazing location and he was all up for it once he entered the house. Very easy going man, did everything I wanted. One of my favorite assignments to date!

What inspires you to shoot on film? Have you ever tried some of our Lomo cameras?

It's just so easy, no post processing needed (or not much), a unique look which is hard to get with digital files and the excitement while waiting for the lab to deliver.
I was using a Lomo LC-A when I was younger and enjoyed it for the fun but I broke it and never got a new one…

You made a series of photos in Jamestown photographing young boxers who are trying to build a better life for their families and themselves. How would you describe this experience? What made the biggest impression on you while shooting this series?

The determination of these guys, that's for sure. They train so hard under very rough circumstances but it's not a hopeless dream they follow. There were some great boxers coming out of Ghana and many young boxers are already going the right way. You know, photographing people in Africa isn't very easy but if you talk to people beforehand, and let them know what it is you want to show, nobody said no. It was so great running around Jamestown and finding new places around every other corner.

African time was a bit of an issue for me as an European. I always wanted to make appointments in the beginning but after 3 weeks of staying in Ghana I had it all figured out and got more relaxed and enjoyed the spontaneity. At one point I went to the hairdresser with one of the younger boxers and got my beard trimmed haha. Funny times!

What are your plans for 2017? Where will you travel next?

Well I don't know. I never plan much ahead. I hope there will be some interesting commissions coming in this year and if there is room for travelling or even a climbing trip, that'd be great.

All photographs shown in this article were used by the permission of Andreas Jakwerth. If you want to see more of his work, follow Andreas on Instagram and check out his Website.

written by Ivana Džamić on 2017-01-25 #people #travel #adventure #climbing #reportage #film-photography #andreasjakwerth