At the studio / June 2026
The heat.
The sun.
The water.
I think this is what June will remind me of.
And yet, despite having the concentration span of a five-year-old toddler, when I look back (which is exactly why I'm committed to writing these monthly notes), I realise quite a lot happened, both inside the studio and beyond its doors.
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June brought several returning clients. One highlight was returning to the former Huis van het Boek, now Rijksmuseum Meermanno, for another exciting photoshoot with manuscripts and special publications. Take a look at their new website.
It is a real joy to hear how director Yoeri Meessen and the team value the visuals we create together; respecting the history and materiality of these incredible manuscripts while translating them into a contemporary visual language for today's audience. To be part of this transition is a privilege.
It was equally wonderful to reconnect with so many friends from the book community during the Summer Book Market they organised last weekend.
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June was also about love.
Love in all its forms. That was the theme of the latest Books & Wine: A Taste Salon at the Ambassade Hotel, together with wine specialist Dieuwke Engelsma. It truly felt like a salon.
Wine lovers sitting next to aspiring sommeliers, publishers next to artists, book collectors next to cultural workers. Curious, generous, open-minded people who weren't afraid to share stories, opinions, and laughter.
I couldn't have wished for a better group.
The books and their pairings:
✺ Love Shit - Verena Blok / FW: Books
Domino Spumante Brut Rosé – Vicara
✺ Seppe Vancraywinkel -Within the Bubble of Surroundings / Eriskay Connection
Iltabarno Valpolicella Classico Superiore – Valentina Cubi
✺ Henro – Bastiaan Woudt
Mitsutake Junmai 13 – Yamada-Nishiki
✺ Private View – Cees de Rooij / Jap Sam Books
Teo Noguera Alicante – Shukhrat Khamikov
✺ niet het uiterlijk voor goede vriendschappen net als de tongen van de honden – Marieke Coppens
El Porron de Lara Rosado – Peñalba Lopez
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Meanwhile, I recorded the fifth episode of Book Making as an Art Form with Jordi de Vetten, co-founder of Bring Your Own Book.
Our conversation reminded me that some projects don't need to grow quickly to become meaningful. Some grow slowly, patiently, giving peace instead of pressure—the kind that lets you sleep well at night.
Jordi's calm voice, genuine laughter, and thoughtful way of building community stayed with me long after we stopped recording.
The episode will be released on 7 July.
This episode and many before it, wouldn't have been possible without the help of my intern, Chiara Tamborrino. Since January, she has supported the podcast, the studio, and countless projects with care, curiosity, and enthusiasm.
I feel incredibly lucky to have met her, and equally happy that I could offer her a small glimpse into the wonderful world of books.
As Chiara's internship comes to an end, I'm opening the studio doors once again. I'm currently looking for the next intern to join The Book Photographer Studio starting in September. If you're curious about books, publishing, photography, podcasts, and the many things happening behind the scenes, I'd love to hear from you.
Applications are open until 25 July.
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Outside the studio, life has become as lush as the trees in Vondelpark.
After a few years of giving almost all my headspace to work, I have slowly started making room for myself again.
Reading books, going to concerts, visiting museums, sewing, swimming with friends while trying to survive the heat, and watching films together.
Life changes surprisingly quickly when you don't have to be online all the time. Less screen, more life.
And, of course, running.
Healing another injury, starting again.
With bookish regards,
Justina
