We’ll close out the week with a grab-bag of mixed news with something or another that’s sure to please everyone – you. 

Back, Back to the Past

If you’re interested in vintage photos, antique photos, then take a gander at this image of miners relaxing and posing inside a mine shaft.

It’s one of a stash of 40-plus photos that are well over a century old, all of South African miners, that were discovered in a house’s wine-cellar!  Read about it on Amateur Photographer.

An Unusual How-To

Keith Cooper at NorthLight had published an excellent article that shows you how to extend your approach alongwith a set of pointers.  It had flown under the radar back in October.

For example, this unusual how-to points out not only the value of sharpening but tells you just what to sharpen and when (the driving factors).  He also explains how merely looking at (and subconsciously studying) lots and lots of photographs will make you a better photographer.  This article has one or two more hints that are uncommon.

It’s an ideal read for amateurs who’re wanting to take that step up to the ‘serious amateur’ category.    

Get Bedazzled

If you’re an amateur who’s toying with the thought of going pro, this blog post on the Leica Blog is just for you.  After all, he says, “though I’ve been doing photography on the side since I was 14. At the age of 38, I decided to focus 100% of my time and efforts on my photography and make it my career as well as my passion . . .”

This post is also for anyone who like good old-fashioned luscious pictures—

Vivid, saturated, ‘colourbursting’ landscapes are Michael Semaan’s calling cards (good job Leica, we need more of these!)  Semaan’s secret?  Here it is from the horse’s mouth: “Indeed, light itself can often be your subject.”

He uses light in several different ways, witness this image of a seashore (whose composition breaks the ‘rules’ to super effect).  Also, this photograph somehow makes one think ‘Zen’ . . . and notice the lines in the foreground . . . coincidence?

You can study and learn from Semaan’s style, which is for the most part extroverted and joyous, or just ‘bathe’ in the beauty of his vision.