Forgotten Heroes | An ode to Dutch Craftmanship
For three years, I travelled across the country of The Netherlands in search of the most extraordinary remaining traditional crafts, to capture them in all their glory. Over 200 pages present you will find more than 150 photos of 17 different crafts.
This makes the book a never-before-seen document, showcasing the enormous diversity, richness, and importance of Dutch craftmanship.
Each chapter contains essential stories about crafts and their importance to the Netherlands. The pictures have been carefully thought out and composed to put the world of Dutch crafts on a pedestal.
The scenes have been created in consultation with the artisans to capture this world respectfully and truthfully. The photographs are a representation of how things are still going on today.
Forgotten Heroes | An ode to Dutch Craftmanship
For three years, I travelled across the country of The Netherlands in search of the most extraordinary remaining traditional crafts, to capture them in all their glory. Over 200 pages present you will find more than 150 photos of 17 different crafts.
This makes the book a never-before-seen document, showcasing the enormous diversity, richness, and importance of Dutch craftmanship.
Each chapter contains essential stories about crafts and their importance to the Netherlands. The pictures have been carefully thought out and composed to put the world of Dutch crafts on a pedestal.
The scenes have been created in consultation with the artisans to capture this world respectfully and truthfully. The photographs are a representation of how things are still going on today.
View of Utrecht’ is a unique piece from Ezra Böhm’s recent work, in which he captures Dutch cities in his distinctive romantic style.
Printed on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta fine art paper and framed in collaboration with the renowned artisan G&G Framing Atelier, using a thick, handmade dark-brown wooden frame. The print is float-mounted for added depth and a unique finish. The entire piece is protected behind museum glass.
The work is produced in an edition of 12 + 2 AP and comes signed, numbered, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
Meer over deze foto
A unique view of the city of Utrecht on this misty morning at the end of summer. Notice the many details that bring color to this cityscape, such as the birds fluttering around the Buurtoren, the three flags waving atop City Hall, the many plumes of smoke adding atmosphere to the horizon, and of course, all the spires proudly rising above the city.
Because I captured the photo with the Hasselblad 6x zoom lens on my DJI Mavic 4 Pro drone, the image has remarkable depth, allowing even Utrecht’s stadium at the edge of the city to be seen all the way to the far right in the background.
Printed on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta fine art paper and framed in collaboration with the renowned artisan G&G Framing Atelier, using a thick, handmade dark-brown wooden frame. The print is float-mounted for added depth and a unique finish. The entire piece is protected behind museum glass.
The work is produced in an edition of 12 + 2 AP and comes signed, numbered, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
About the work
A serene image of one of the most beautiful alleyways in Dutch cities, connecting the 'Domplein' and the luxurious 'Nieuwegracht.' It is 7:30 AM, just a few minutes before the street lamps go out and the city comes alive as the bustling place it can be. Until then, the city belongs only to the man who unsuspectingly makes his way to work.
A unique image capturing the lunar eclipse on September 8, 2025, with the Dom Tower in Utrecht in the foreground. The patron saint of Utrecht, Saint Martin, is clearly visible.
Presented in an accessible frame to offer the artwork to the mid-range segment. Printed on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta and framed in a black wooden box frame.
The edition is 12+2 AP, signed, numbered, and delivered with a certificate of authenticity.
More about the image
Did you know that the flag of Utrecht finds its origin in the story of Saint Martin?
Born into a Roman family and sent on a mission, Martin gave half of his cloak to a beggar. The beggar had asked him for alms, but Martin had no money to give. Instead, he drew his sword, cut his cloak in two, and out of compassion and solidarity, gave half to the beggar.
On the flag of Utrecht, the red represents his red cloak, and the white represents his white undergarment.
You see a girl from Volendam, photographed by Ezra Böhm in 2021 for his first series The Identity of Holland. This series gained international acclaim and he won the Sony World Photography Awards—one of the most prestigious prizes a photographer can receive.
About the print
Printed on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta fine art paper and framed in collaboration with the renowned artisan G&G Framing Atelier, using a thick, handmade black wooden frame. The print is float-mounted for added depth and a unique finish. The entire piece is protected behind museum glass.
The work is produced in an edition of 12 + 2 AP and comes signed, numbered, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
About this work
The reason I started photographing the traditional culture of my country in 2021 was that I wanted to understand who I am and where I come from today. The traditional culture in the Netherlands has largely faded into the background, while global culture increases. I wanted to explore what still exists to show that this is a very important part of the Netherlands and something we should cherish.
This work embodies everything. A dress in the most beautiful blue you can imagine, worn by a young lady—those entrusted with preserving our treasures. It is pure cultural beauty and vulnerability at the same time.
A unique view of the vast reed landscape in Weerribben-Wieden nature reserve. This scene is a work from the art book Forgotten Heroes, in which Ezra Böhm documented 17 traditional crafts across the Netherlands. This image appears in the chapter Reed Cutter
About the print
Printed on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta fine art paper and framed in collaboration with the renowned artisan G&G Framing Atelier, using a thick, handmade dark-brown wooden frame. The print is float-mounted for added depth and a unique finish. The entire piece is protected behind museum glass.
The work is produced in an edition of 12 + 2 AP and comes signed, numbered, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
About this work
You see brothers Harald and Stefan Lok - 8th generation of reed cutter - harvesting reeds in the heart of the Weerribben-Wieden nature reserve to use them for roofing. The reed of this area is proven to be the best in the world.
The two brothers work seven days a week, from dawn until dusk, driven by great passion and deep love for their craft and the landscape. The nature reserve is one of the few places in the Netherlands where nature is doing well. The reed cutters in this area have a crucial role in this result. In addition to the high quality of the reed, the product is also very beneficial for the environment.“A hectare of reed absorbs as much CO2 from the air as a hectare of forest. This is retained in the stem. Because the cut reed is put on the roof, the absorption of CO2 occurs every mowing season,” says reed cutter Harold Lok. “If you don’t cut the reed, the root dies and you don’t get nearly the amount of CO2 absorption as when you do cut it,” adds brother Stefan. Reed also purifies the water of all kinds of substances, allowing nature to fully recover.
Nowadays the reed cutters are also involved in nature conservation in the area. They know the area better than anyone else and take care of its maintenance. Indeed, the Weerribben-Wieden is an important environment for large groups of marsh birds and numerous other animal species. “If the reed cutters were to stop doing their work, within 4 years the landscape will coarsen into a swamp forest. The state of nature in the Weerribben-Wieden with its rich biodiversity is there thanks toreed cutting,” says Stefan.
You are in the snowy landscape at the southernmost tip of the Netherlands, where you see hunter Klaas Evenhuis with his game as he continues his way along the river Geul. This scene is a work from the art book Forgotten Heroes, in which Ezra Böhm documented 17 traditional crafts across the Netherlands. This image appears in the chapter Hunter
Bbout the print
Printed on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta fine art paper and framed in collaboration with the renowned artisan G&G Framing Atelier, using a thick, handmade black wooden frame. The print is float-mounted for added depth and a unique finish. The entire piece is protected behind museum glass.
The work is produced in an edition of 12 + 2 AP and comes signed, numbered, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
About this work
In a small country like the Netherlands, we must carefully consider the diverse interests of both humans and animals. Some animal species suffer from human activity, while others benefit from it far too much. Think of geese, foxes, and wild boar—animals that cause significant nuisance, damage, and restrict other species in their habitats.
Today, hunters focus primarily on mapping wildlife populations to determine which vulnerable species need support, in addition to hunting for food.
“We always hunt specifically for what is necessary at that moment, and with the utmost care, ensuring that unnecessary suffering is absolutely avoided. The game we harvest is thanked and honored in an age-old manner,” says hunter Klaas Evenhuis.
Hunters Klaas and his brother Sjoerd run a business in which they create products from their hunting yields, ensuring that none of the harvested game goes to waste.
This typically Dutch scene is a work from the art book Forgotten Heroes, in which Ezra Bohm documented 17 traditional crafts across the Netherlands. This image appears in the chapter Steam Train Workers.
Printed on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta fine art paper and framed in collaboration with the renowned artisan G&G Framing Atelier, using a thick, handmade dark-brown wooden frame. The print is float-mounted for added depth and a unique finish. The entire piece is protected behind museum glass.
The work is produced in an edition of 12 + 2 AP and comes signed, numbered, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
About this work
Along the iconic railway from Hoorn to Medemblik, the steam tram has passed countless authentic stations, romantic little bridges, and vast tulip fields since 1887. A large number of passionate young people in their twenties work along this railway, some even full-time.
You see the only sailing cargo ship in the world, the world-famous ‘Tres Hombres,’ which sails from Den Helder throughout Europe and South, Central, and North America to trade in sustainable, organic, and traditionally produced goods such as chocolate, wine, and their own rum. This scene is a work from the art book Forgotten Heroes, in which Ezra Böhm documented 17 traditional crafts across the Netherlands. This image appears in the chapter Sailing trader.
About the print
Printed on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta fine art paper and framed in collaboration with the renowned artisan G&G Framing Atelier, using a thick, handmade dark-brown wooden frame. The print is float-mounted for added depth and a unique finish. The entire piece is protected behind museum glass.
The work is produced in an edition of 12 + 2 AP and comes signed, numbered, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
About this work
Currently, merchant shipping, responsible for transporting 90 percent of all trade, is one of the world’s most polluting industries. This is why, in 2007, three sailing friends wanted to show the world that things could be done differently.
They rescued an old German warship from demolition and converted it into a completely motorless two-masted tallship. Inspired by the V.O.C., they let people buy a share in the project to make it happen. They sail across the entire world with a great deal of respect, producing no emissions whatsoever, and bringing this centuries-old craft back to life.
Because they are the only ones in the world to trade entirely by sail, they preserve this centuries-old craft and inspire the industry toward a sustainable future. With their remarkable vision, they have turned the world of cargo shipping on its head and are now world famous.
“Because we have no engine, we experience the craft again in its purest form. We once again use knowledge, handling and manoeuvres that have not been used for centuries,” said Captain Andreas.
My journey on the ship
I had the unique experience of living the life of a sailor myself on the voyage with the famous ‘Tres Hombres’ to Getaria, Spain, to trade wine.
Three weeks of working with the natural elements and the team. Sleeping and working every four hours, no shower on board, no electricity. This ship is even the only trading ship in the world sailing purely by wind. Between my shifts, I chose my moments to take photographs. What my favorite moment was? Sitting at 30 meters high on the raa and peering into endless nothing. Feeling how vulnerable you are.
Curious about the whole story. Then read the article in Digifoto 2.2025. Also available on their website.
The charging flock of sheep belonging to shepherd Thomas van de Meij, moving through the Dutch Kennemerland nature reserve. This scene is a work from the art book Forgotten Heroes, in which Ezra Böhm documented 17 traditional crafts across the Netherlands. This image appears in the chapter Shepherd.
About the print
Printed on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta fine art paper and framed in collaboration with the renowned artisan G&G Framing Atelier, using a thick, handmade dark-brown wooden frame. The print is float-mounted for added depth and a unique finish. The entire piece is protected behind museum glass.
The work is produced in an edition of 12 + 2 AP and comes signed, numbered, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
About this work
The typical Dutch moorland landscapes are world famous and are on the list of World Heritage Sites. These landscapes were created in the Middle Ages by the intensive grazing of sheep on cleared land. This ancient method is still practiced in the same way today, so the characteristics of these fields have not changed.
The grazing generates an explosion of biodiversity in which each plant and animal species has its own natural place. “If we stop our work, within a few years it will become completely dense here, and that will be at the expense of many unique plant and animal species.” Fewer plant and animal species mean a greater risk of pests, diseases, and nuisances.
Nature in the Netherlands is not wild but largely cultivated so we must keep it balanced ourselves. Of all the biodiversity originally present in the Netherlands, only 18% remains today. We must bevery careful with that.
Now is your chance to have a work by Ezra Bohm in your home with the release of the new unlimited series of works. Printed on the same high-end fine art paper, Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta, as used on his limited-edition art framed pieces. The size of this work is 40cm x 20cm. A standard frame size.
About this work
Currently, merchant shipping, responsible for transporting 90 percent of all trade, is one of the world’s most polluting industries. This is why, in 2007, three sailing friends wanted to show the world that things could be done differently.
They rescued an old German warship from demolition and converted it into a completely motorless two-masted tallship. Inspired by the V.O.C., they let people buy a share in the project to make it happen. They sail across the entire world with a great deal of respect, producing no emissions whatsoever, and bringing this centuries-old craft back to life.
Because they are the only ones in the world to trade entirely by sail, they preserve this centuries-old craft and inspire the industry toward a sustainable future. With their remarkable vision, they have turned the world of cargo shipping on its head and are now world famous.
“Because we have no engine, we experience the craft again in its purest form. We once again use knowledge, handling and manoeuvres that have not been used for centuries,” said Captain Andreas.
My journey on the ship
I had the unique experience of living the life of a sailor myself on the voyage with the famous ‘Tres Hombres’ to Getaria, Spain, to trade wine.
Three weeks of working with the natural elements and the team. Sleeping and working every four hours, no shower on board, no electricity. This ship is even the only trading ship in the world sailing purely by wind. Between my shifts, I chose my moments to take photographs. Here you can see a beautiful, dramatic sunset over the Bay of Biscay, a few days’ sail before the final destination in Spain.
Now is your chance to have a work by Ezra Bohm in your home with the release of the new unlimited series of works. Printed on the same high-end fine art paper, Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta, as used on his limited-edition art framed pieces. The size of this work is 24cm × 30cm. A standard frame size
About this work
A unique image capturing the lunar eclipse on September 8, 2025, with the Dom Tower in Utrecht in the foreground. The patron saint of Utrecht, Saint Martin, is clearly visible.
Did you know that the flag of Utrecht finds its origin in the story of Saint Martin?
Born into a Roman family and sent on a mission, Martin gave half of his cloak to a beggar. The beggar had asked him for alms, but Martin had no money to give. Instead, he drew his sword, cut his cloak in two, and out of compassion and solidarity, gave half to the beggar.
On the flag of Utrecht, the red represents his red cloak, and the white represents his white undergarment.
Now is your chance to have a work by Ezra Bohm in your home with the release of the new unlimited series of works. Printed on the same high-end fine art paper, Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta, as used on his limited-edition art framed pieces. The size of this work is 20cm × 30cm. A standard frame size.
About this work
A magical autumn morning on the luxurious Nieuwegracht in Utrecht, where the change of season creates an explosion of colors. The great variety of vegetation along the Nieuwegracht ensures that each type of tree has its own period of leaf coloration, resulting in a unique scene with a richly colored palette. In the background, you can see the stone quay transitioning into a wild, natural canal lined with grass and trees, providing a calm backdrop for the man crossing.
Now is your chance to have a work by Ezra Bohm in your home with the release of the new unlimited series of works. Printed on the same high-end fine art paper, Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta, as used on his limited-edition art framed pieces. The size of this work is 40cm x 20cm. A standard frame size.
About this work
A unique view of the city of Utrecht on this misty morning at the end of summer. Notice the many details that bring color to this cityscape, such as the birds fluttering around the Buurtoren, the three flags waving atop City Hall, the many plumes of smoke adding atmosphere to the horizon, and of course, all the spires proudly rising above the city.
Because I captured the photo with the Hasselblad 6x zoom lens on my DJI Mavic 4 Pro drone, the image has remarkable depth, allowing even Utrecht’s stadium at the edge of the city to be seen all the way to the far right in the background.
Now is your chance to have a work by Ezra Bohm in your home with the release of the new unlimited series of works. Printed on the same high-end fine art paper, Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta, as used on his limited-edition art framed pieces. The size of this work is 20cm x 30cm. A standard frame size.
About this work
You see the eastern-most tip of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen in the Dutch province of Zeeland. In the Middle Ages, there were villages and even a castle here. But in the 14th and 16th centuries, nature completely took over and flooded the area. The remains of the towns and villages are still hidden in the ground. However, the wet nature of the area makes research very difficult. This area in Zeeland is now the largest brackish water marsh in Western Europe and an essential habitat for tens of thousands of birds.
Now is your chance to have a work by Ezra Bohm in your home with the release of the new unlimited series of works. Printed on the same high-end fine art paper, Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta, as used on his limited-edition art framed pieces. The size of this work is 20cm × 30cm. A standard frame size.
About this work
Along the iconic railway from Hoorn to Medemblik, the steam tram has passed countless authentic stations, romantic little bridges, and vast tulip fields since 1887. A large number of passionate young people in their twenties work along this railway, some even full-time.
A Forgotten Heroes card pack containing 17 large cards of 21 cm x 15 cm. You receive one card of each chapter in the book, with a short text related to the chapter on the back. The 21 cm x 15 cm size is perfect to display at home as decoration or to use as a postcard to send to others.
On Request
I am happy to hear your wishes and questions about the possibilities of other work. Don’t hesitate to send me an e-mail!
'We only preserve
what moves us'
Through my work, I aim to reveal the beauty of Dutch the culture, hoping to inspire a renewed sense of pride in our country and traditional culture.
On Request
I am happy to hear your wishes and questions about the possibilities of other work. Don’t hesitate to send me an e-mail!
'We preserve only
what moves us'
Through my work, I aim to reveal the beauty of Dutch the culture, hoping to inspire a renewed sense of pride in our country and traditional culture.