The Soul of a Bookstore: A Journey in Black & White Photography
- Kendra P. Morrison
- Sep 24
- 4 min read
I’ve always felt a deep connection to bookstores. To me, they aren't just places to buy books - they're living, breathing spaces with their own unique soul.
Throughout my travels, I've had the incredible privilege of exploring some of the most beautiful and storied bookshops in the world, and as a photographer, I've made it my mission to capture their essence.
Through the timeless simplicity of black and white photography, I try to show what it feels like to stand in these places. It's a way of celebrating the quiet, intellectual magic that makes each one so special.
Here I'll share the stories behind some of my favorite prints, and the memories they hold.
The Iconic & Timeless: A Literary Pilgrimage
Some bookstores feel like a pilgrimage. Walking into a place like Shakespeare and Company in Paris is a surreal experience; you can almost feel the presence of the writers and dreamers who have come and gone (once you manage to zone out all the inevitable tourists).
My print, Angels in Disguise from that famous spot is so personal to me because it captures not just the building, but the philosophy behind it - a belief in kindness and the magic of human connection.
It reminds us that books are a gateway to new worlds, but so are the people we meet.
In Edinburgh, a city steeped in literature, my print of Armchair Books captures a similarly timeless feeling.
With its towering shelves and labyrinthine aisles, this shop feels like a secret waiting to be discovered, a true haven for any book lover who finds joy in the hunt.
The Quirky & Unexpected: Finding Charm in Chaos
On my journeys, I've learned that some of the greatest discoveries happen when you least expect them. That's certainly the case with some of my favorite bookstores.
I'll never forget stumbling upon Word on the Water, a literal book barge floating on a London canal. It's a beautiful, chaotic treasure trove that perfectly reflects London's creative and independent spirit.
And then there's the unforgettable sight inside Edinburgh Books, where a taxidermied buffalo - The Bookshop Guardian - in a fedora stands guard over the books.
It's eccentric, it's hilarious, and it's a perfect reminder that great art and great stories can pop up in the most surprising of places.
The Modernist & Minimalist: Finding Beauty in a New Story
While I have a deep love for old, dusty bookshops, I also believe that modern ones have their own unique beauty. A place like Solid State Books in D.C. has this clean, graphic energy that I was so drawn to.
My photograph of it captures a new kind of literary space - one that’s fresh, stylish, and full of urban character.
And in Amsterdam, I found a minimalist installation on the NDSM wharf that perfectly captured the essence of art and books coming together.
My print Stories in Squares is a testament to the idea that you can find beauty and meaning in simplicity and clean design, and that stories don’t just live on crowded shelves - they can also be a work of art in themselves.
Unexpected Finds: The Art in the Details
Sometimes, the most compelling stories are found in the details. My photograph of San Francisco Books captures a Parisian bookseller with a distinctly American twist.
I was fascinated by the way a place could have its own identity, but also pay tribute to a culture thousands of miles away.
It's a powerful statement about how literature connects us across borders.
Similarly, in Palermo, Sicily, my photograph, Old Books, captures the quiet dignity of a street bookseller.
It’s a powerful image because it shows that a bookstore can be a grand hall or simply a small stand, but the spirit of literature, and the promise of a good story is always the same.
Bringing the Story Home
Each of these photographs holds a piece of my personal journey as both an artist and a traveler.
My hope is that they find a home with others who feel the same way, that they spark a memory of a journey or ignite a desire for a new one.
If one of these bookstores has captured your imagination, I invite you to explore the full collection of fine art bookstore prints and bring a piece of that literary soul into your space.
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