“Working with Tom on the Indonesian coconut farmer project was a true pleasure. His keen eye for detail, ability to capture the essence of a story through his lens were truly impressive. His positive and collaborative approach made the entire process enjoyable.”Sander de Jong, Managing Director Fairfood
FAirfood
Coconut farmers in Central Java climb an average of 30 coconut trees each day. Unprotected and uninsured for a bare minimum of $200,- a year.
For Fairfood, I traveled to Indonesia with my colleague Joris van Egmond to meet these farmers firsthand. We aimed to shed light on their daily lives and showcase the efforts Fairfood is making to enhance their livelihoods.
Fairfood accelerates the change towards a sustainable food system. They develop innovative solutions that enable businesses to improve their responsible business practices. Open and attainable solutions that are designed to democratise the world of food.
Dolomites UNesco world heritage
What to say about the Dolomites…
It’s romantic, artistic, dreamy, rugged and not unjustly recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They place you want to be, stop time and wander around. The photos shown are taken on the Palaronda trek starting in San Martino di Castrozza. A multiple day walk, far away from society surrounded by clouds and rocks.
Commonland
An UN report from 2022 stated that 40% of the world’s land is already degraded. Landscape restorator Commonland is active in these degraded areas around the world and tries to regenerate land with their 4 Returns approach.
For their local Dutch partner Wij.land I documented the Western Peat Meadows in the Netherlands. Fewer things are more typically Dutch than watery peat meadows, with sweeping green landscapes dotted with windmills, dairy cows and migratory birds. However, decades of intensification of farming and systemic water drainage in these meadows have resulted in biodiversity loss, increased carbon emissions and reduced income for local farmers.
Together with film makers Jeppe van Pruissen and Joris van Egmond I was asked to document Commonland’s interaction in the Dutch landscape. Over the course of several months we met with farmers, nature organisations and companies that are joining forces to transform the ‘green dessert’ into a triving landscape again.
“We have worked with Tom for filming and photography for our Sustainable Foods Summit in Amsterdam for over 15 years. The quality of his photos and videos is always very high and the service is excellent. I would highly recommend him!” Amarjit Sahota, Founder Ecovia Intelligence
Ecovia intelligence
Since 2009 I attend the Sustainable Foods Summit organised by Ecovia Intelligence in Amsterdam and provide them photo and video content. Accompanied by colleagues Joris van Egmond or Aart Jan van Dijk. During the Covid pandemic I made the videos for their virtual events.
London based Ecovia Intelligence is a specialist research, consulting & training firm that focuses on global ethical product industries. Over two decades, their services portfolio has expanded to reflect the needs of operators in sustainable product industries. They now provide market research, business & technical consulting, seminars & workshops, and host sustainability summits in the major geographic regions of the world.
Seeing your own work captured in images is always a bit magical, and I entrust that to only a few. Tom is one of those few. Jesse Jop Jorg, Founder Wethecity
We The City is a creative agency dedicated to collective urban change. Working at the intersection of concept development and urbanism. Turning anonymous spaces into vibrant places. Making habitats more human and more natural. Shaping future connections and collaborations.
In the last 8 years I photographed multiple projects for them like ROEF, HOBU, Benches Collective, De Buurtcamping and UNO speelkwartier.
WETHECITY
Views from my kitchen table. Since I live on my barge in the Oude Houthaven in Amsterdam I started documenting the everyday changing view on Amsterdam waterways, passing ships, the Pontsteiger, reflections, lights and impressive skies.
kitchen view
Singapore’s green plan
Singapore’s mesmerizing green architecture or city in a garden makes it one of the greenest cities in the world.
With ‘The Green Plan 2030’ the city tries to fight climate change by making buildings greener. The government pays property owners up to $200,- a square meter for green roofs and $500,- a square meter for vertical plantings.
This decades-long effort is now paying off with a beautiful network of green corridors and the city is slowly transforming in the desired garden state. By 2030 the city wants to plant 1 million extra trees and every household must be within a 10 minute walk from a park.
Portraits
Portraits are the common thread in my 15+ years of working as a photographer. Over the course of time I shot many portraits for companies and individuals. Ranging from studio work to work on location
Iceland
Compelling love is a flame that burns brightly within, igniting hearts and tangibly transforming lives.
I lost my Icelandic virginity in 2023..
This really was something special, a mind-blowing experience. Allow me to introduce you and help you to fall in love too.
“Had a great time shooting with Tom; he’s all about collaboration and really knows how to elevate the visuals!” Yew Kee Chung, Founder Matte
matte
Matte is a brand experience agency that brings brands to life through targeted experiences. They collaborate closely with lifestyle brands to translate their messages into compelling stories that engage audiences and drive conversions.
Over the years I shot multiple campaigns for brands like: Rituals, UXI, Karl Lagerfeld, Levi’s, GHYCZY and more.
ship wharf
It’s hard to picture any place more photogenic than this. Welders in their jumpsuits and hard hats deftly handling tons of steel overhead, while longshoremen clear away marine growth and rust, applying protective coatings to prevent corrosion.
I try to envision that beneath this tough, gritty, and often perilous work lies a deeper sense of purpose. A profound connection to water, to the sea as a symbol of the sublime and the infinite.
Heesterveld
“Square courtyards where net curtains hang in front of every square window. The sound of the subway, the rustling of the trees, shouting in the street. Ducks swim past the shopping carts in the ditch. IKEA carts are in the courtyards, next to the slide or the climbing frame. And on the street you meet people from all cultures around the world. That is Heesterveld.” Liedewij Loorbach
After a turbulent time with many problems and nuisance in this small Bijlmer neighborhood with 317 homes, things are finally improving. For the Ymere housing association, in collaboration with the Bakkerij foundation and Saar van Blaaderen, I immersed myself in this special neighborhood for several months. During that period we interviewed and portrayed various residents. We completed the project with a photobook: De 101 gezichten van Heesterveld
"Our experience with Tom Baas has been excellent. Not only is he creative, but he also engages with the entire process and brings details to life in a unique way. Tom is more than just a photographer; he has conducted short interviews for various projects, ensuring that the message in both image and word perfectly aligns.
He is punctual and professional, with clear communication throughout. His social skills make everyone feel at ease, which is reflected in the relaxed and natural photos. The technical quality is top-notch, with a keen eye for detail and perfection in every shot. We highly recommend Tom Baas to anyone looking for a comprehensive and reliable photographer!" Kirsten Renaud, Communications Van Wijk Vastgoedonderhoud
Van Wijk vastgoedonderhoud
After the Ymere Heesterveld project, I was approached by Van Wijk Vastgoedonderhoud. They had been tasked with maintaining the properties. I documented the large-scale renovation in the months that followed.
In line with this project, Van Wijk regularly asks me to document their ongoing projects. For instance the extensive renovation of the monumental ATVA building (the former Amsterdam Shelter for Workers) on the Marnixstraat. We created a photo book to showcase all phases of the renovation.