Thinking Outside The Box
Photography Blog and Articles by Kevin Landwer-Johan
Thinking Outside The Box – A Blog By Kevin Landwer-Johan
Photography blog of Kevin Landwer-Johan focusing not only on the ‘box’ 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 this blog, my 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.
which she has owned for 65 years.
Recent Posts
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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13 Reasons Why it’s No Good to Use Your Phone to Take Photos
13 Reasons Why it’s No Good to Use Your Phone to Take Photos by Kevin Landwer-Johan Should I buy a camera or use my phone? This is a common question asked by people who do not own a DSLR camera or good quality mirrorless camera. There are many benefits of not using your phone. Your …
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11 Reasons a Smart Phone is Better: Phone vs Camera
11 Reasons a SmartPhone is Better: Phone vs Camera by Kevin Landwer-Johan 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 …
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What is your motivation for taking photos?
What is Your Motivation for Taking Photos? by Kevin Landwer-Johan Finding motivation for taking photos can be challenging for both professional and amateur photographers. Discovering what inspires you to keep your photography passion alive elevates you to new realms of creativity. Having purpose in our hearts guides us in how we express ourselves. If we’re …
Following in the Footsteps of a Great New Zealand Photographer
Following in the Footsteps of a Great New Zealand Photographer The first photo I took of the Southern Alps. This is part of the Remarkables Range in 1987. The subject material of many a New Zealand photographer these days. by Kevin Landwer-Johan My great grandfather was Frederick Kingsford Jeken Cooper. He was an unknown and …
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How to Make More Compelling Photo Essays
How To Make Compelling Photo Essays [Part Two in a series] by Kevin Landwer-Johan To make photo essays that are compelling it’s best to include certain types of images. In my previous article on this subject, I encouraged you to plan well and be prepared to create your photo stories. This article will provide you …
Popular Posts
Essential Qualities Which Make Photographs Good
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.
What You Need to Know About Hill Tribe Tourism
Bad news is easy news to write because people love to read it. Many articles have been written about perceived negative aspects of what’s known as ‘Hill Tribe Tourism'. Because of my experience and relationship I take a different perspective.
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.
How to Adjust Your Camera Settings For the Best Photos
Manual mode can challenge people as to which exposure settings to adjust for the best photos. I am often asked by people taking our workshops in Thailand, “Kevin, which setting should I change first?”
25 Valuable Tips For The Best Travel Photography Portraits
Travel always involves meeting people. Learning to make great travel portraits will enrich your experience. It will also help preserve your wonderful memories. Here are 25 tips to help you make the best travel photography portraits.
Best Tested Tips for Travel Photography Etiquette in Thailand
Many people travel to Thailand with their camera and want to know they are following proper etiquette. Thai people are generally very polite. I've found if you are also polite you will most often get better photographs.
Published Photography Articles
This is a selection of articles I’ve written for various web sites. Here you will find a broad variety of photography topics covered but without so much of a personal touch as I write with for my own blog.
Why You Should Have
Photography Heroes
We are inundated daily with visual imagery. It's easy to become dulled by it. Here's an article encouraging you to be inspired by the masters of photography.
How to Use a Reflector to Improve Your Natural Light Portraits
Reflectors are one accessory that can easily make a huge improvement to your outdoor portraiture. Read this article and learn how to use one.
Viewfinder Image Blurry?
Here’s How To Correct It
Does your camera monitor display a sharp image and yet your viewfinder is blurry? You may need to adjust your camera’s diopter.
Pros and Cons of Upgrading from a Phone to a Real Camera
Enjoying taking photos with your phone, but want to take your image making to the next level? Check out this popular article to learn how you can.
How to Control Depth of Field in Your Photography
It’s a common misconception that the f-stop you use will control depth of field (DOF). Aperture setting certainly has an influence, but there are other factors to consider.
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Ways to Modify Your Flash for More Controlled Lighting
Flash can be a confusing addition for many new photographers. But there’s really only one way to gain experience. Learning to use your flash well takes practice.
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