Thinking Outside The Box
Photography Articles by Kevin Landwer-Johan
Thinking Outside The Box – By Kevin Landwer-Johan
Articles by Kevin Landwer-Johan focusing not only on the ‘box’ (camera) we use as our means of capturing images but also on the art of photography.
Taking pictures involves engaging both our intellectual and technical skills in using our cameras. It’s also necessary to express our creative and artistic intuitions so our images convey meaning.
Through these articles, my books and e-zines, online courses, and in-person workshops my aim is to share information about photography and my continually growing passion for it.
I’m open to feedback, so please remember to leave comments and ask questions.

My mother holding her first camera, the classic Kodak Box Brownie, which she has owned for 65 years.
Recently Added Articles
How to Take Better Environmental Portraits: 17 Tips
How to Take Better Environmental Portraits:17 Tips by Kevin Landwer-Johan To take better environmental portraits you must focus on the style of image you want. A good environmental portrait is a photograph of a person that connects them with their natural surroundings. The photo will provide more of a story about the person than a …
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How to Set Up a Camera for The Best Photography Experience
DSLR and mirrorless cameras are more complicated than ever. How to set up a new camera so you get the best photography experience is an important first step. But many people stumble and end up crawling along and hindering their progress. This article teaches you how to set up the essential controls on your new camera.
How To Choose A Camera For Beginners
How to choose a camera for beginners is a difficult decision. There are so many options. The technology is complicated and the specs of cameras can be confusing. The price range is broad. And most cameras on the market will take excellent quality photographs. So how to choose a camera for beginners requires some guidance.
Understanding the Importance of Light in Photography
Understanding the Importance of Light in Photography Rural scene with hard light. Nikon D800, 20mm, f/8, 1/400th, ISO100 by Kevin Landwer-Johan Everyone who owns a camera should understand the importance of light in photography. The word ‘photography’ has its roots in the Greek language. Phōtós means light and gráphō means writing/drawing. Put them together and …
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Photography Mentorship Program [How to find the best Photo Mentor Online]
The single most important aspect of a photography mentorship program is your relationship with your mentor. If you can’t connect with your mentor the relationship will not be as fruitful as it could be.
How Do I Take Good Pictures? Blurred Background Portraits
How Do I Take Good Pictures? Blurred Background Portraits by Kevin Landwer-Johan How do you take good blurred background portraits? The best way is to use a portrait lens with a wide aperture. I prefer to use my 105mm f/2.8 or my 85mm f/1.4 lenses. Sometimes I also use my 35mm f/1.4 lens, although it’s …
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Popular Articles

What Makes A Good Photograph?
Let’s take a look at the qualities that make up good photographs, regardless of your subject or the gear you use to make the photos. Understanding these principles and how to put them into practice will make you a better photographer.

How To Choose the
Best Travel Photography Workshop
Travel time is precious. Most of us don’t get enough of it and we all want to make sure we have great photos of our journeys. Let me help you choose the best travel photography workshop experience so you can make the most of your time away.

11 Reasons a Smart Phone is Better: Phone vs Camera
Are digital cameras better than phone cameras? This is an interesting question I hear a lot. The question about camera vs phone is often asked by people who do not own a digital camera. In this article, I will point out some of …

How to Use Outdoor Flash Photography More Effectively
Good photo opportunities can be missed or messed up because of poor lighting. Using outdoor flash, photography becomes more effective and interesting. Poi Sang Long Festival Once a year in Northern Thailand …

Camera Phone vs Digital Camera: What is the Difference?
Camera Phone vs Digital Camera? This is a common question. It’s usually asked by people who don’t own a digital camera. In this article, I’ll address the main differences in taking photos with your phone and with a digital camera. Convenience vs quality. …

How To Overcome Unwanted Motion Blur in Your Photos
A common cry emanates from photographers when they find their photos are blurry. This anguish is most frequently heard when we sit at our computers with an image at 100% zoom. Sure that it looked sharp on the camera monitor the life-size version appears as one big unsharp smudge.
For more of my articles, browse the Article Categories
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More Photography Articles
I also contribute articles about photography to a number of other websites. Here are two I have written many articles covering a broad range of photography topics.