A photo book about life around the lighthouse of Workum — On the edge of the IJsselmeer, where land, wind and water constantly meet, Cornelie and Reid († 2020) have lived in the rhythm of this place for decades. Their world moves with the seasons: with animals and garden, harvest, silence, storm. A way of life that has become rare: simple, self-sufficient and deeply connected to nature.
For four seasons, photographer Loek Buter and Jasper Hauser, Reid’s grandson, returned to the lighthouse. Loek (two-time Zilveren Camera winner) photographed with his medium-format camera, slowly and attentively. In his first photo book, those images come together with personal texts by Loek and Jasper, about memory, perspective and the question of what a place preserves over the years.
Specifications
- Bound hardcover
- Canvas with photo inset
- 172 pages, 150 gsm
- 20.7 × 25.7 cm, 900 g
- Printed by Printer Trento
- Dutch and English
- ISBN 9789465264868
Publications & Media
Pf Fotografie Magazine
A small, hopeful story - 07/2026
Leeuwarder Courant
Life at the end of the world - 06/2026
volkskrant.nl - Volkskrant Magazine
Moving with the seasons - 06/2026
dekleurvangeld.nl — Triodos
Self-sufficient living - 12/2022
GEO Magazine - Germany
Die Hüterin des Deichs - 09/2022
museemagazine.com
Photo Journal Monday - 06/2022
National Geographic Traveler China
Around the Lighthouse - 06/2022
De Nieuws BV
Self-sufficient living - 12/2021
volkskrant.nl - Volkskrant Magazine
Around the Lighthouse - 11/2021
National Geographic Magazine Netherlands
Autarky as craft - 06/2021
Floortje blijft hier - bnnvara.nl
Visiting Reid & Cornelie 11/2020
About the makers
Loek Buter — is a documentary photographer for National Geographic Magazine, de Volkskrant, Trouw, Stern and GEO Magazine. His photography focuses on the relationship between people, nature and the Dutch landscape. His photo series have won multiple Zilveren Camera awards and were exhibited at Kunsthal Rotterdam and Fotomuseum Den Haag. He studied at the Fotoacademie in Amsterdam. He lives with his wife and three daughters on a small farm in North Holland.
Jasper Hauser — is the grandson of † Reid de Jong and a technology entrepreneur, founder of the Apple Design Award-winning photo editing app Darkroom, among others. He specialises in digital product design and strategy. He studied photography at the Fotoacademie in Amsterdam and graphic design at HKU University of the Arts Utrecht.
Season stories
Read the original online stories and discover how the project grew through the seasons. (In Dutch.)
Frequently asked questions
Everything about the editions, the price, ordering and shipping — in brief.
What is the difference between the standard and special edition?
The standard edition (€65, edition 750) is a canvas hardcover of 172 pages, with blind embossing. The special edition (€165, edition 25) is the same book, numbered and signed by Loek and Jasper, plus two signed prints of 30 × 30 cm.
Is the print run really limited?
Yes. The standard edition is 750 copies, the special edition 25. There will be no reprint — when the edition sells out, the book is sold out.
Is the standard copy signed?
No. Only the special edition (edition 25) is numbered and signed by Loek and Jasper.
Why did the price go from €55 to €65?
For the first two months the book was €55, an introductory price. It is now €65. We self-published Around the Lighthouse: printing, binding, design and shipping, without a publishing house in between. That gives us freedom, but the costs sit entirely with us. Asking a price that covers those costs is not a side issue — it is what makes this book possible.
Is the book bilingual?
Yes. Texts and typography are in both Dutch and English.
Are the photos in the book the same as on the website?
Partly. The book builds on the online season series, but is a standalone work: a different selection, extra images, larger reproductions and new texts — meant for the shelf, not as a paper copy of the site.
Is there a digital version?
No. This photo book is only available as a hardcover. The season stories on this website remain free to read online; the book is a separate, expanded edition on paper.
When will my order be shipped?
We ship on a rolling basis, usually within a few business days. Once your package is on its way, you will receive an email with tracking if available.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. Shipping within the Netherlands is included in the price. For other countries, shipping costs are calculated at checkout in the webshop.
What if my book arrives damaged?
Every copy is shipped in plastic against water damage, in a sturdy box against bumps. If it still arrives damaged, email info@devuurtorenrond.nl with photos. We will send a replacement as soon as possible.
Which payment methods can I use?
You buy the book through our secure webshop (Shopify). In the Netherlands you usually pay with iDeal, credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Depending on country and device you may also see other options, such as PayPal, Bancontact or Shop Pay — what is available appears at checkout.
Who am I paying?
You pay Schnauzer B.V., the company of Jasper Hauser, co-creator of Around the Lighthouse. The webshop and order fulfilment run through this company. Your bank or iDeal screen may show that legal name rather than “Around the Lighthouse” — that is expected. Questions about your order? Email info@devuurtorenrond.nl.
Can I buy the book in a store?
No. The book is only available through our webshop, not through bol.com or Amazon.
I am a bookseller — can I sell the book?
Absolutely. Contact us at info@devuurtorenrond.nl — we will gladly send you information about wholesale and in-store sales.
Fine art prints
Would you like an image from Around the Lighthouse on your wall? Loek Buter offers selected photographs from the book as museum-quality fine art prints, printed and finished as you would expect from his work.
Order via loekbuter.com. Besides prints, Loek also offers photo commissions, photography courses, photography workshops and personal coaching sessions.
Order prints