About
the Artist
I became fascinated with photography at an early age visiting my father's printing shop in Passaic, NJ, the very first time I saw an image come up in the darkroom. Later on he taught me how to develop 35mm film and make small prints. Also having a keen interest in drawing, photography was an infrequent hobby until my junior year in college. While taking a history of photography/lab class our professor showed us slides of the great photographers, past and present. He also taught us about the view camera. My father told me he had an old Speed Graphic and taught me how to use it. I fell in love with the large negative and have not drawn since.
After entering the workforce I saved and studied, eventually purchasing my first 4x5 camera in 1983. Soon, that was not big enough. I then purchased some old 8x10 cameras and liked working with the bigger camera. As the TV commercial says, "life comes at you fast". After getting married, buying a house, starting my own graphic design business, and starting a family, all within a few years, photography again became a very infrequent hobby. But it always remained my passion.
After moving to Scottsdale, AZ in 2005, I decided to get back into photography. I replaced all my old equipment with new Arca Swiss cameras and began taking classes with Rod Klukas (Oliver Gagliani's former assistant) and Randy Efros (Brett Weston's former assistant). I am extremely fortunate to live in such a beautiful area and to have such talented mentors.
My work is inspired by the great names of photography. I am captivated by abstracts, but also delight in landscapes, both grand and intimate. Interest in what has gone before fuels my infatuation with old buildings and facades. I am consumed by contact prints, but also enjoy enlarging images. I invite you to view my work and look forward to hearing from you.
Rich Coda