Tell me things
Hi! If you have anything to ask or say, this is the place to be.
(Questions about a theme? Click here!)
Frequently Asked Questions
How is your name pronounced?
Stijn is a rather short name, but the tricky part is the ij-sound because it doesn’t exist in English. People tend to say stain or sti-gin, but it’s actually closer to stein, although that’s not entirely accurate as it usually sounds way too German.
What’s your favorite book?
My favorite book is Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami. I like the calmness the book seems to breathe. Another book I really love is Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino, because the fictional cities he describes really speak to the imagination while all containing some sort of truth about humanity.
What’s your favorite movie?
It’s Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation. I love the atmosphere in the movie because, again, it is so calm. Bill Murray is fantastic as always and — let’s be honest — Scarlett wouldn’t be the worst person to spend some time in Tokyo with.
Do you play any video games?
Yes! I love playing FIFA against friends, and iPhone simulation games like Oh! Edo Towns are a great way to get through boring lectures.
What camera do you use?
I generally use a Nikon D7000. If you’re just starting out in photography, you’ll be better off getting something smaller and cheaper though. Don’t worry too much about megapixels, as they’re mostly used as a marketing tool these days. A good photographer with a basic camera will always get better shots than a bad photographer with the most expensive gear, so your first priority should be to become a better photographer. You can do so with an entry-level DSLR, even if it’s secondhand. The most important thing is to have manual controls and the ability to change lenses. If one of your friends has a camera, ask if you can borrow it for a while!
And you know what? It doesn’t even have to be a digital camera! When I don’t feel like carrying a big camera, I shoot photos on film with this cute little thing. It’s far less advanced than my digital cameras, but it’s a fun way to capture moments!
Where do you get your inspiration?
Regarding photography, 17th century landscape painters are a great source. Artists like Jacob van Ruysdael and Claude Lorrain really knew how to make a great scene, and I guess it’s a style I try to emulate in my photos. Then, of course, there are the many great artists on Tumblr (e.g. Christian Villacillo), whose work continually inspires me to keep creating.
Do you have Facebook/Instagram?
Yes, but I only add people I regularly talk to. You can always send me a message on tumblr though!
Can you give me some photography tips?
Sure! One of the best things I could recommend if you’re looking to improve is to get a tripod. When you just point and shoot, you end up taking a lot of photos into which you probably didn’t put much thought. There may be a few winners, but they majority will be mediocre. Once you put your camera on a tripod, you’ll be forced to consciously create a composition and actually think about the photo you’re making. Even though you technically may not always need a tripod, it’ll help you slow down and take fewer, but better photos.
A second thing I’d advise you is to spend time looking at photos by other photographers. Look very closely at the ones you like. Try to analyze them. Try to figure out what it is that you like about them, and then try to apply that to your own photography. You don’t have to copy their style, but trying to emulate the elements you like will help you to improve your skills. Before you know it, you’ll be developing your own style.
Don’t be disheartened if you’re not getting the immediate results you were hoping for. Learning is a slow process and the only way to get better is to keep practicing. Take your camera everywhere and don’t be afraid to fail.
What fonts are you using on your blog?
The title font is Cubano, the body font is called Adelle, and I use Brevia for labels and tags. Not all of them are available for free, but you can use them for small fee through services like Typekit.
Not So Frequently Asked Questions
Do you think Americans are a bit silly for still not using the clearly superior metric system?
Yes, actually.
If your local pirates and ninjas were at war, whose side would you pick?
I’d go with ninjas because there might be sushi on their victory dinner.
Theme Questions
How do I enable the ask feature?
I made you an illustrated guide that will explain it all.
How can I change the font of my blog’s title?
Here’s a tutorial on how to change it.
Where can I get your themes?
You can see and install my themes here.
Can you make a theme for me?
Unless you’re able to offer me some kind of compensation, I simply don’t have the time to create themes on request. Sorry!
How can I get those bubbles you have on the right of your page?
I made each of them in Photoshop and then added them to the HTML of the page. Right now, they’re not a standard option in this theme, but maybe I’ll implement them in a next update.
Where can I find the background image of your Punch of Intuition theme?
It’s a photo I took from a moving car on a road trip through the Alps. You can see it here.
Can I edit one of your themes?
Sure, go ahead! Alter it in any way you like, but please don’t remove the credit.
I have a question that isn’t answered here!
Ask me your question in the box below and I’ll try to get back to you as soon as I can. However, please keep in mind that I may not be able to help you with specific HTML requests or widget integration, because I only have so much time!
