About Jan-Patrick
Jan-Patrick Schmitz is an avid photographer whose artistic journey has been deeply influenced by his European upbringing. He got his first camera, a Porst pocketpak, when he was eight years old.
Born with an innate curiosity and a love for exploring diverse cultures, Schmitz’s exposure to the rich heritage and traditions of Japan has shaped his artistic vision and contributed to his unique perspective on the world.
During his years in Japan, Schmitz immersed himself in the country’s vibrant culture, studying the nuances of its art forms, customs, and philosophies. This deep immersion instilled in him a profound respect for the heritage and diversity of not only Japan but also the entire Asian continent. This love became a driving force behind his creative work, inspiring him to capture the essence of its landscapes and its people through his lens.
Schmitz’s passion for landscape photography developed as he embarked on journeys across all seven continents. His explorations took him to remote and untouched areas, where he sought to document the raw beauty of nature in its purest form. Through his photographs, he transported viewers to breathtaking locations, capturing the intricate details of each scene and evoking a sense of wonder and awe.
With his portrait photography Jan-Patrick explores the balance between light and shadow. By skillfully playing with darkness and illumination, he manages to convey the complexity and depth of his subjects.
His portraits often reveal the hidden layers of their personalities, leaving viewers captivated by the stories that lie within each image.
Beyond his passion for photography, Jan-Patrick Schmitz is deeply involved in the arts in its various forms. He has an ardent appreciation for music, literature, and theater, which further fuels his creative pursuits. This multidisciplinary approach allows him to draw inspiration from different artistic mediums, infusing his photographs with a richness that transcends the visual. He ran multiple campaigns with UNICEF and partnered with The Juilliard School. In the past, Jan-Patrick supported the “The 24-Hour Plays” on Broadway and the “The 24-Hour Plays: Los Angeles”. He was actively involved with Urban Arts Partnership, a New York-based organization providing an arts curriculum to underserved schools in the New York and Los Angeles public school system.
Jan-Patrick views his photography as a means of connecting people, bridging cultural gaps, and fostering understanding. Through his lens, he strives to capture the universal language of emotions, inviting viewers to explore the world with a renewed sense of curiosity and empathy.
Jan-Patrick Schmitz’s artistic journey continues to evolve, guided by his insatiable appetite for exploration and his deep love for the diverse cultures that shape our world. With each photograph he takes, he invites us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us, reminding us of the profound connections that bind us all.