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The Book Photographer

posted by POP Members March 19, 2024

The Book Photographer is the creative and working world of Justina Nekrašaitė; a place where her love for books merges with a dedication to craftsmanship. Originally from Lithuania, Justina has made Amsterdam her home for the past decade, blending cultural influences with artistic feelings.

Fuelled by a commitment to growth, she continuously evolves her craft, seeking fresh perspectives and innovative ways to document prints. Her aim; to help printmakers document their work and craft visual stories that deeply resonate, evoke emotions, and honour the beauty of printing matter.

With a background in Photography and Media Art from Vilnius Academy of Arts, Justina’s journey to becoming The Book Photographer began during an internship at De Monsterkamer in the Netherlands. This platform served as a hub for artists, publishers, and designers seeking guidance on book production. The platform assisted individuals with projects in their conceptual stages, offering advice and support. Alongside contributing articles, Justina co-organised events and documented them through photography.

As part of their process, when a book was completed and published, De Monsterkamer received a copy for their archives. These books were photographed for documentation and promotional purposes. When the primary photographer became overwhelmed with commitments, Justina was approached to step in. As her work became visible online, she started receiving requests to photograph other publications as well. She states; “Eventually, a realisation dawned on me, and The Book Photographer was born”. Justina continues; “What started as a profound love for books has blossomed into a business, collaborating with designers, publishers, and artists worldwide.”

Her approach is deeply personal, treating each book as a unique entity. Engaging in conversations with clients, Justina delves into the character, story, and design choices behind each publication. “It gives me a feeling of happiness when I get my hands on a book that has been made with love and attention,” says the photographer. Over the years, she has developed a special sensitivity to how something is made. She comments; “It’s an intimate moment every time I get my hands on a book for the first time. Through intuition, sensitivity, and creativity, I capture the essence of every book, conveying its mood, age, and spirit with authenticity and precision.”

Inspired by the details, textures, and narratives of printed matter, Justina finds creativity in nature, culture, and everyday life. Whether it’s a commercial publication, manuscript, or modern art book, she draws inspiration from diverse sources, infusing her work with depth, emotion, and wonder.

Eager to expand internationally, her plans for The Book Photographer include broadening her reach, fostering long-term relationships, and exploring new creative possibilities. Justina concludes; “By embracing my playful spirit and dedication, I strive to push the boundaries of book photography, inspiring others to see books in a fresh light.”

www.thebookphotographer.com
@the_bookphotographer

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