Hello and welcome to my blog :)
‘Terra Velha’ – meaning ‘Old Land’ – is a blog born in 2005. The theme has continually drifted over the years but has had at its heart always stories about people, art and culture.
My thanks to all the (in)frequent visitors of this site.
Adarsh
November 2013 – Melbourne, Australia
and if you’re still reading…
How?
This site is based on the free hosting platform known as WordPress. There is little to no customization to the base-line configuration that is available out of the box. However, I take pride in researching the information for whatever is presented. I believe in quality over quantity, and a have a natural appreciation for analog over digital.
The images used all follow an aesthetic that is pleasing, nostalgic and excellently complemented to the text. Wherever possible I use images that are high density scans of film photos. I support the visual material with my own photos when it is necessary.
Where the images used are my own, or from my own excursions, it should be known to the reader that the entire exercise is not without some risk to my person and equipment. Mozambique was entrenched in a civil war for 16 years and suffice it to say that a little bit in security (and paranoia!) has been leftover from those years. Inquisitive pale-skinned wanderers with cameras may be treated with some suspicion.
Why Mozambique?
I want to capture and preserve the beauty of the city and country where I had spent my formative years before it is all gone to waste. Over the few years or so, I developed an inclination for architecture, architectural conservation, urban planning, geopolitics and contemporary issues. While I have no formal training in this area, I think I’ve learned a thing or two :)
Equipment?
I am not much of a stickler for the latest gear however, I do plan my investments and intend to get as much benefit out of them as possible. I do think it is important to have tools that you can feel confident about.
Camera, Lenses, Etc
Nikon D7000
AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G
AF-D 50mm f/1.8
AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II
Epson Perfection V600
Post Production
Adobe Lightroom
RNI 5
Silverfast 9
References, Guides and Techniques
Scanning color negatives using SilverFast
Correcting stains using frequency separation
Removing color cast
Storage guide for color photographic materials by John M. Reilly
Theory
Understanding grey histograms
Single channel histograms
Misc. Subjects
HiFi & Audio
How do speakers work – High Fidelity Magazine (June 1974)
Compatibility of turntable components – High Fidelity Magazine (November 1972)
Loudspeaker failure – Stereo Review (August 1974)
How to make good records – HiFi Stereo Review (October 1974)
FTC amplifier power ratings – HiFi Stereo Review (November 1974)
Terra Velha 