Appendix
The appendix serves two distinct purposes: to situate the framework within a broader body of knowledge, and to provide a compressed operational view of how it is applied.
Tags
A map of the work. Browse the website by tag and see the most recent updates in each.
Advance
Making closure a practice
Understanding the Advance Filter is one thing. Keeping it alive in real situations is another. Closing a loop once is not that difficult, especially now that you have this framework. Keeping your system stable over time is where the real work begins.
The Advance Filter
Going from chaos to clarity in a few simple steps. That's what we'll do here. Don't expect any growth or productivity hacks. These are simple, scientifically-grounded, concrete, applicable things you can do today to get unstuck and start advancing in life again.
Knowing what to stop
So far, we've been talking a lot about the way open loops accumulate, how they become an issue, and what you can do to solve those issues. But a large part of tackling those problems is also defined by what you decide to stop doing.
Define the shape of your work
If you can imagine the final form your work should take, you can determine how much time and effort you should invest right now. Projects should be smaller before they become bigger. Loops should be shorter before they become longer.
Do not 'keep your options open'
Keeping your options open is useful when starting something new. But when you're stuck, it becomes your biggest enemy. Commit, follow through, learn from the outcome, and adjust from there. Repeat this until direction becomes clear. Prefer finished over perfect; that’s where you actually learn.
Belgium
Closer
Photography in the Age of AI: Lessons From 25 Weeks of Experimentation
Over 25 weeks, I tested whether AI can match the emotion and imperfection of human photography. The results? AI is fast and functional but still sterile. Here’s what this experiment reveals about the future of photography in the age of AI.
Closer #024
The soul of an image can not and will not be generated by computers. Humans create human experiences. Humans connect to human experiences. Computers are mimicking that very closely, but you can always tell.
Closer #023
Whatever time I have left, I spend wrecking my brain over the conclusions of this soon-to-be 25 weeks of AI-experimentation. It's taking shape, albeit slowly, and this week is very helpful with that.
Closer #022
We're slowly reaching conclusions in the final weeks of this experiment. Now is the time to share your suggestions if you still want to become part of it.
Closer #021
To bring the 2025 series of Closer to a fruitful end, bestowed upon us is the opportunity to revisit its first editions. A newly release GPT-5 Prompting Guide breathes new life into our previously tried tests.
Closer #020
GPT-5 is out and underwhelming. Our mini six-week experiment has come to an end. There's only five more regular editions of this newsletter before we wrap up with some preliminary conclusions in edition #25.
Dialogue
Coastwork
An unplanned trip to Texel turned into a small field study of a coastline unlike any other. Being there, in the wind and water, brought back my fascination with the ocean and its edges.
How to tell stories online
For years I thought I was simply exploring and taking photos. Only later did I realize I was repeating a pattern: go out, collect, return, interpret, publish, repeat. This issue maps the loop that turns wandering into a creative practice.
Newer Topographics
Why take it upon myself to dedicate my time and energy towards a goal that isn’t even clearly visible from the beginning. Will it matter if I don’t? What do I contribute, do I want to contribute? Why? To what? Again, why?
It's all out there, right now
A good beach has white sand, they tell you. Preferably as finely grained as possible. Like a powder that's sprinkled on the edges of the land. The frosting on the cake, if you will.
The glorious, life-invigorating act of walking
When I first landed on Craig Mod's website and read he describes himself as a 'writer, photographer, and walker,' I was a little confused. What the hell does it mean to 'be a walker'?
Field trips for the greater good
More field trips for more interesting experiences for better stories and more interesting work.
Essays
A decade with the Fujifilm XF35mm f2: My most trusted everyday Fuji lens
It took me ten years to write this. After more than 60,000 photographs with the Fujifilm XF35mm f2, this became less of a lens review and more of a reflection on reliability, everyday carry photography, and documenting life over time.
Building community is overrated
Community isn’t something you declare into existence. It forms over time, through shared identity and enough structure to sustain itself. Anything before that is branding.
Photography in the Age of AI: Lessons From 25 Weeks of Experimentation
Over 25 weeks, I tested whether AI can match the emotion and imperfection of human photography. The results? AI is fast and functional but still sterile. Here’s what this experiment reveals about the future of photography in the age of AI.
Could a simple tap help ease anxiety? This app idea says yes
I haven't made an app. I'm pitching the idea of an app. One that doesn't exist currently (to my knowledge) but could exist. Using the iPhone's Back Tap functionality to alleviate and 'track' anxiety
The last Fujifilm X100V film simulation recipe you will ever need
I use my CC recipe about 80 percent of the time. Maybe even 90 percent. That film sim can, in my opinion, be used for everything.
Fujifilm X100V sample images for new buyers
I can imagine people going through similar phases as I have when looking for a camera like the X100V. Hopefully, my experience and work with it can provide some perspective for new buyers.
Field
Coastwork
An unplanned trip to Texel turned into a small field study of a coastline unlike any other. Being there, in the wind and water, brought back my fascination with the ocean and its edges.
Newer Topographics
Why take it upon myself to dedicate my time and energy towards a goal that isn’t even clearly visible from the beginning. Will it matter if I don’t? What do I contribute, do I want to contribute? Why? To what? Again, why?
It's all out there, right now
A good beach has white sand, they tell you. Preferably as finely grained as possible. Like a powder that's sprinkled on the edges of the land. The frosting on the cake, if you will.
The glorious, life-invigorating act of walking
When I first landed on Craig Mod's website and read he describes himself as a 'writer, photographer, and walker,' I was a little confused. What the hell does it mean to 'be a walker'?
Field trips for the greater good
More field trips for more interesting experiences for better stories and more interesting work.
The Sand Engine: a human assist to nature
A mega pile of sand is slowly eroding over time to protect the Dutch coastline. And that's interesting for a couple of reasons.
Film Simulation Recipes
The last Fujifilm X100V film simulation recipe you will ever need
I use my CC recipe about 80 percent of the time. Maybe even 90 percent. That film sim can, in my opinion, be used for everything.
My six favorite Fujifilm film simulation recipes
I think we can all agree that Fujifilm's film simulations are amazing. That's why I have created six film simulation recipes that have been living on both my Fujifilm X100V and X-Pro3 for the better part of a year now.
How photography can be an introvert's best friend
The camera around my neck quickly becomes the topic of conversation, pushing me into the role of ‘the photographer’. After a few short-lived interactions, I excuse myself and task myself with documenting the room and tonight's attendees.
256 | How I set up my Fujifilm film simulations
I only use two film simulations on my Fujifilm cameras: Classic Chrome and Acros+R for color and black & white shots respectively. I use heavily modified variations of Fuji X Weekly recipes for both.
Fujifilm
A decade with the Fujifilm XF35mm f2: My most trusted everyday Fuji lens
It took me ten years to write this. After more than 60,000 photographs with the Fujifilm XF35mm f2, this became less of a lens review and more of a reflection on reliability, everyday carry photography, and documenting life over time.
The last Fujifilm X100V film simulation recipe you will ever need
I use my CC recipe about 80 percent of the time. Maybe even 90 percent. That film sim can, in my opinion, be used for everything.
Fujifilm X100V sample images for new buyers
I can imagine people going through similar phases as I have when looking for a camera like the X100V. Hopefully, my experience and work with it can provide some perspective for new buyers.
My six favorite Fujifilm film simulation recipes
I think we can all agree that Fujifilm's film simulations are amazing. That's why I have created six film simulation recipes that have been living on both my Fujifilm X100V and X-Pro3 for the better part of a year now.
256 | How I set up my Fujifilm film simulations
I only use two film simulations on my Fujifilm cameras: Classic Chrome and Acros+R for color and black & white shots respectively. I use heavily modified variations of Fuji X Weekly recipes for both.
234 | There’s only one thing wrong with the Fujifilm XF10
Don’t get me wrong, I love all Fujifilm cameras equally. In fact, I love all of them so much that I even went as far as purchasing the most hated Fujifilm camera out there: the XF10.
Germany
It takes years, and that’s fine
Back to Berlin I go. For reasons unknown to me too. But, over the years, despite no apparent goals, a body of work is emerging. And that’s interesting.
From Barcelona to Berlin and back
Between trips to Barcelona and Berlin, a roof that somehow keeps leaking, a day job in which I’m constantly trying to outperform my past self, and suboptimal sleep because I'm always overwhelmed, I also managed to finish a book and send it to press.
Chance encounters and street photography in Berlin
We turn around the corner from where we've been eating and gradually make our way back to the Airbnb. Then, the biggest coincidence I've experienced this year happened.
Greece
Soul searching in Greece (again)
Tears of relief as I'm waist-deep in the ocean, trying to see if I can dance still. I can, I think, I CAN, I scream. So that's how we make our way over the island. Curious to learn, relieved the fire still burns.
Photo essay: Karpathos in between
About the duality of a small Greek island that is yet to be discovered by mass tourism.
Street photography in Greece but also taking a break
My phone screen wakes from an email: ‘extra information about your upcoming trip to Greece’, it reads. I peek out of the window to the left of me and see nothing but droplets on glass. The perfect time to extend summer just that little bit more.
Membership
Mexico
Mexico, a retrospective
A look at a country I like a lot, but no longer love. And "it's not you, it's me" I want to tell it, if countries had ears to hear it. Because it really is me and who I am today. But, who knows, another 10 years might do wonders.
Playa del Carmen (yes, I am sorry)
Hey man, let's be real: Playa del Carmen is a tourist hub. It's fake in all
Mérida, Yucatán
Oh wonderfully interesting but, apparently, forgettable Mérida. Forgettable for me, specifically, I must say.
Puerto Escondido
Or Punta de Zicatela, more specifically. Because that's definitely the place you want to be right now if you come here.
Spanish
Just enough to keep us afloat. That's my level of Spanish. At least it was during our first few days in Mexico. Some skills acquired about ten years ago and slowly eroded since, now carefully getting its dust wiped off.
San Agustinillo and Mazunte
I cried tears of joy and relief when we decided to come here. The mere sight on the Pacific Ocean
Monologue
Mexico, a retrospective
A look at a country I like a lot, but no longer love. And "it's not you, it's me" I want to tell it, if countries had ears to hear it. Because it really is me and who I am today. But, who knows, another 10 years might do wonders.
The Sand Engine: a human assist to nature
A mega pile of sand is slowly eroding over time to protect the Dutch coastline. And that's interesting for a couple of reasons.
The Ricoh GR1-D: a minimal full-frame 28mm camera concept
A full-frame, fixed 28mm camera built for speed, simplicity, and intent. No video, no screen, no distractions. Just a tool that stays out of the way and lets you take the shot.
De Slufter: a weird name, for a unique place
The only place in the Netherlands where the sea is allowed to win.
Building community is overrated
Community isn’t something you declare into existence. It forms over time, through shared identity and enough structure to sustain itself. Anything before that is branding.
Playa del Carmen (yes, I am sorry)
Hey man, let's be real: Playa del Carmen is a tourist hub. It's fake in all
Netherlands
Coastwork
An unplanned trip to Texel turned into a small field study of a coastline unlike any other. Being there, in the wind and water, brought back my fascination with the ocean and its edges.
Field trips for the greater good
More field trips for more interesting experiences for better stories and more interesting work.
The Sand Engine: a human assist to nature
A mega pile of sand is slowly eroding over time to protect the Dutch coastline. And that's interesting for a couple of reasons.
De Slufter: a weird name, for a unique place
The only place in the Netherlands where the sea is allowed to win.
Walking the Grebbeliniepad
The Grebbe Line (Dutch: Grebbelinie) was part of the Dutch Waterline—a defensive system that used intentional flooding to hold back invaders. It stretched from the Grebbeberg near Rhenen all the way north to the IJsselmeer. It's a 91KM walk that took me two years to complete.
252 | Walking the Grebbeliniepad (part 2)
The trail called me again. So I returned to it. Furthering the walked kilometers of the official paths. I took
Now
Office
How to tell stories online
For years I thought I was simply exploring and taking photos. Only later did I realize I was repeating a pattern: go out, collect, return, interpret, publish, repeat. This issue maps the loop that turns wandering into a creative practice.
Photography in the Age of AI: Lessons From 25 Weeks of Experimentation
Over 25 weeks, I tested whether AI can match the emotion and imperfection of human photography. The results? AI is fast and functional but still sterile. Here’s what this experiment reveals about the future of photography in the age of AI.
Subscribe to my new weekly newsletter: Closer
Closer is a weekly newsletter where I take one of my photos, ask AI to describe it, then see what kind of image it can generate from its own description—an ongoing experiment in the capabilities of AI, and what that means for humans.
Could a simple tap help ease anxiety? This app idea says yes
I haven't made an app. I'm pitching the idea of an app. One that doesn't exist currently (to my knowledge) but could exist. Using the iPhone's Back Tap functionality to alleviate and 'track' anxiety
Please take ownership of your work. Nobody else will
It's been about four weeks now. Two hours per day, on average. Loading in the image previews, looking at the contents of the images, and titling everything based on the location they are shot in or the people pictured. Sometimes both. It's an endless stream.
The last Fujifilm X100V film simulation recipe you will ever need
I use my CC recipe about 80 percent of the time. Maybe even 90 percent. That film sim can, in my opinion, be used for everything.
Packless
How to pack light for a weekend
Packing for a weekend trip? Less is more. In just two days, you won’t need half the things you think you do. This guide breaks down how to travel light, choose the right bag, and pack only the essentials—so you can move freely and focus on the experience, not your luggage.
Minimalist travel made easy: how I overcame overpacking and found freedom
I ditched overpacking for minimalist travel. Discover how I learned to pack light and travel freely, and find the tips that helped me simplify my journeys.
Photo Essays
Capturing a writing camp: my friends make music, I take photos
The second edition of my Doe Gewoon writing camp photo essays. Is this going to be a series?
Inside the beautifully chaotic mind of ReinCarnatie
'Hey, so what if I just made a painting right here on the spot so you can see what materials I use, what my process is, and I just talk you through it a little bit?' Rein casually mentions while he pours me a coffee. I look up at him: 'That's exactly what I would love you to do right now', I reply.
Documenting a writing camp and announcing the giveaway winner
Two things this week. I joined my friends of Doe Gewoon on their writing camp to photograph their process of making music. And, the moment you've all been waiting for, the winner of the fine art print giveaway is here! Let's not waste any time.
Photo essay: Bleached Renaissance (and my first-ever print giveaway!)
A photo essay, two videos and a fine art print giveaway. These are not three separate newsletters.
Photo essay: Karpathos in between
About the duality of a small Greek island that is yet to be discovered by mass tourism.
Winter Allotment
A small photography project, shot in one afternoon in the waning winter sun. Focussing on the hidden beauties of a communal allotment garden.
Projects
Dialogue (Blauwdruk exhibition)
For my second time participating in the group-exhibition 'Blauwdruk 033' in my hometown, Amersfoort, I wanted to do something special. I'm bringing my monthly newsletter from the digital, to the analog space.
The Efflorescence
A documentary project about Dutch festival and club culture finding its way back to relevance during pandemic times.
Monologue (365 Project)
What started as my daily writing 365 project in 2021 continues in 2026 in a less restricted form. A stream of consciousness that has no other place. Almost like a public diary.
Do You Register?
‘DO YOU REGISTER?’ is a registration of modern day life in its purest form. There’s no editing, no fancy camera movement, no narrative, no beginning, no end. It’s a direct peek into life in the 21st century.
One Two One
A black and white square-format photography project made during the winter of 2020/2021.
Winter Allotment
A small photography project, shot in one afternoon in the waning winter sun. Focussing on the hidden beauties of a communal allotment garden.
Services
Shop
I made a book and started an online store. Coincidence?
A pungent smell of fresh ink and recently dried glue enters my nostrils the moment Thijs opens his front door. It’s difficult to pass through his hallway and enter the living room because there’s a literal wall of boxes in the way.
The Efflorescence
A documentary project about Dutch festival and club culture finding its way back to relevance during pandemic times.
Spain
Covering L'Estartit, an intermezzo
Learning more about my current project by doing a different project in between.
From Barcelona to Berlin and back
Between trips to Barcelona and Berlin, a roof that somehow keeps leaking, a day job in which I’m constantly trying to outperform my past self, and suboptimal sleep because I'm always overwhelmed, I also managed to finish a book and send it to press.
Studio
Mexico, a retrospective
A look at a country I like a lot, but no longer love. And "it's not you, it's me" I want to tell it, if countries had ears to hear it. Because it really is me and who I am today. But, who knows, another 10 years might do wonders.
Capturing a writing camp: my friends make music, I take photos
The second edition of my Doe Gewoon writing camp photo essays. Is this going to be a series?
Inside the beautifully chaotic mind of ReinCarnatie
'Hey, so what if I just made a painting right here on the spot so you can see what materials I use, what my process is, and I just talk you through it a little bit?' Rein casually mentions while he pours me a coffee. I look up at him: 'That's exactly what I would love you to do right now', I reply.
Documenting a writing camp and announcing the giveaway winner
Two things this week. I joined my friends of Doe Gewoon on their writing camp to photograph their process of making music. And, the moment you've all been waiting for, the winner of the fine art print giveaway is here! Let's not waste any time.
Photo essay: Bleached Renaissance (and my first-ever print giveaway!)
A photo essay, two videos and a fine art print giveaway. These are not three separate newsletters.
Dialogue (Blauwdruk exhibition)
For my second time participating in the group-exhibition 'Blauwdruk 033' in my hometown, Amersfoort, I wanted to do something special. I'm bringing my monthly newsletter from the digital, to the analog space.
Thailand
It's all out there, right now
A good beach has white sand, they tell you. Preferably as finely grained as possible. Like a powder that's sprinkled on the edges of the land. The frosting on the cake, if you will.
Thailand's culture of kindness saved us
Even after years of travel experience, we still had to appeal to the world-famous kindness of the Thai people to be saved from, what could be, a scary situation.
United States
Wandering with wonder
Four cities, thousands of images, endless new impressions, one additional newsletter. April, 2025, was a rich, full month that allowed me to tap into my wanderlust as well as organize my thoughts a little.
When life gets ahead of you
It hasn’t been easy, but I refuse to complain. Please don’t take my writing as such. I’m just observing, recording, venting—trying to make sense of it all. And the result, so far? I'm bursting with energy, sometimes.
Alone in Las Vegas (and 2023 in review)
This is what the USA looks like from the eyes of a 31-year old photographer who's never visited the country before.
Walking
Crossing
A walk from one edge of a city to the other — west to east, north to south. A straight line through a place to see what connects its opposite sides.
Covering
Walking every street of my hometown, Amersfoort, while photographing every nook and cranny. Documenting the things I see along the way.
Walking the Grebbeliniepad
The Grebbe Line (Dutch: Grebbelinie) was part of the Dutch Waterline—a defensive system that used intentional flooding to hold back invaders. It stretched from the Grebbeberg near Rhenen all the way north to the IJsselmeer. It's a 91KM walk that took me two years to complete.