ode to dying leaves

Ben Corda October 27, 2010

One year ago, a frolicking foursome set out into the wilderness of Northern Arkansas to photograph dying leaves and running water. Thanks to Kevin Allen and Branson Sparks for the invite. The trip and being around more experienced photogs expanded my knowledge tenfold.

Upon seeing the images I returned with, my mother hinted that she would like to go see this hidden paradise. Ponca, AR, was from that day slated on my calendar, and this weekend, we will set out on an mother/son adventure.

Mornings in the Boxley Valley will inundate your senses and you will not want to leave. Removal from internet, cell phones, cable and computers is exactly what I need when the school year gets a bit hectic.

My hope for this trip is to bond with my mother, nature and my nikon…

I recently took a roll of film to my local walgreen’s one hour photo. I was informed when I dropped it off at around 2 that I should come back around 5… someone is obviously bad at math.
Five o’clock rolls around, I show up, still … — I recently took a roll of film to my local walgreen’s one hour photo. I was informed when I dropped it off at around 2 that I should come back around 5… someone is obviously bad at math.

Five o’clock rolls around, I show up, still have to wait a few minutes, and finally I have the CD and negatives in my hands. ( I did not get prints, as I did not know what was on the roll.)

I pop the CD in the faithful mac and wait…

CD error, call walgreens, pick-up a new CD, try again…

The fruits my labor are rewarded with a shot of my brother-in-law, Nick, in New York City. I had a half used roll of film in my camera and decided to take it into the City this summer while visiting my sister.

I love the colors, the city feel and the visit.

I am falling in love with film again.

(side note: does anyone know where to get slide film developed?)

Ben Corda October 26, 2010

pursuit of a dream

Ben Corda October 26, 2010

A recent discussion in my photography class was focused around Richard Avedon’s series on the American West. The faces are so vivid and the expressions are unique. Avedon’s style intrigues me and I find myself wanting to try his techniques on capturing a person with their guard down.

To do this, I have decided that I must try this out in a town in which I do not reside. So, after this quarter is over, I am planning on embarking on a mini road-trip, destination unknown, to push my photography to the next level.

Not having the access, time or money to shoot medium or large format, a 35mm Nikon FE with a prime 35mm f/2 or 50mm f/1.8 will serve my purposes perfectly. A couple cases of Kodak TMAX 400 B&W that I found rotting away in a dark closet, will be my diary.

I have yet to nail down my formula, debating issues of environmental vs. studio backdrop, head shots vs. waist-up vs. full length- several issues that I will continue to iron out.

I have often wanted just to leave, to get in a car and just drive, making images and memories.

This was the push I needed, and I will make it happen.

time

Ben Corda October 26, 2010

I have always wanted to keep a photo blog, but have never made the time to do so. Blogging, for me, will serve two main purposes. The first of which is to devote a portion of my day to learning more about my craft and to push myself to “publish” something on a regular basis that I can use track my progress. The second purpose is to simply share a passion with other like minded individuals.

Ben Corda January 12, 1970

Ben Corda January 12, 1970