On the table is a stack of photo books that Jacques Meijer (88) has made. An overview of his versatile work. He has traveled all over the world as a photographer and videographer, but nowadays he is famous as a walker photographer. “I think – as far as I know – I’m the only one.” His photos on Facebook and Instagram are now eagerly awaited.
In the house of Jacques and his wife Yvonne, two walkers are within reach. Without them they are lost. And it is also an excellent tray for the cups of coffee and cake. Jacques got the idea to take pictures from behind the rollator when he saw an ice cream scoop on the street near the shopping center and photographed it.
Since then he has been taking pictures with his walker always in the foreground. He has now made 70. “We can go anywhere with the rollator in the car. I have photos of Ostend, The Hague, Amsterdam and Thorn, but also from here at home or in the neighborhood.”
Shame
Some people hate using a walker. “I know of a couple – already deceased – whose wife absolutely did not want a walker in the house. Her husband was not allowed one. That did not end well.”
Jacques is not ashamed of it and sees it as a necessary evil. “I don’t like it either, but I’ve also had some medical things and I don’t want to get banged up on the street.”
Jacques likes to be a bit busy with his old profession. “I am glad that all my work is well documented and is located at the Koninklijke Bibliotheek in The Hague and a number of museums. I no longer want that hassle with cameras and tripods. And all that unrest. You can do that.”