The Book Photographer | Documenting the Craft of Lithography for the Best Dutch Book Design 2023

In the world of publishing, behind every beautiful page is a team of careful experts who bring ideas to life through the perfect play of colour, texture, and structure. Recently Justina Nekrasaite, aka The Book Photographer, had the privilege of capturing the work of Marc Gijzen, a master lithographer and colour separator from the Netherlands, whose expertise has brought some of this year’s Best Dutch Book Design competition nominations to the spotlight.

A lithographer’s work is a fine dance of precision—adjusting each layer of colour, masking, and refining to create the most authentic representation of the artist’s vision. This complex process was at the forefront of Justina’s mind when creating a visual concept for the shoot. She tells us; “Marc and I agreed on one guiding element: a black background and a blank canvas that would allow the colours, textures, and artistry of the books to shine without distraction. Beyond this, I aimed to echo the lithographic process itself in the composition of each shot.”

To honour Marc’s craft, Justina incorporated a subtle nod to lithography in the design by arranging the books in the shape of an “L” while incorporating a mirror in the shot. This shape not only stands for “lithography,” but also serves as a reminder of Marc’s behind-the-scenes role in shaping these projects. “With each shot, I focused on capturing the details that make lithography essential to book design—the sharpness of line, the richness of colour, and the layering of shades that build depth,” states the photographer.

The final collection of images captures the aesthetic qualities of each book as well as hinting towards the quiet dedication and expertise that Marc brings to his work.

Justina concludes; “This project allowed me to experiment and explore creative book photography and the artistry of lithography from a fresh angle, building on Marc’s skill. It was an honour to collaborate with someone who, like myself, is deeply committed to elevating the art of bookmaking.” The result is a series that celebrates both the books and the invisible hand guiding their design—lithography.

For more insights into photographing books and other printed matter, follow The Book Photographer on Instagram and subscribe to their newsletter.

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