Primordial: 2010 has been nominated for a People's Choice Award

I am very excited to have had my book, Primordial: 2010 - Photographs of the Arizona Monsoon, nominated for a People’s Choice Award in the Photography Book Now (PBN) International Book Competition on blurb.com.

Please take a peek at my book and vote for it as many times as you are allowed. And tell all your friends, too! To vote, click here http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1746882?ce=blurb_ew&utm_source=widget

In addition to the blurb version, there are still 12 signed/numbered limited edition books available, each with a signed, limited edition print of the cover image. Click on the image or the first link for information on how to order.

LAST DAY! $10 OFF Primordial: 2010

$10 OFF Primordial through Dec. 31, 2010. Use the promo code CHEER at checkout.

http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1746882
hardcover price after discount: $64.95

http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1746893
softcover price after discount: $46.95

Also the last day to order a signed/numbered limited edition with print copy at the pre-publication price of $325. Price increases to $425 on January 1, 2011.

Primordial: 2010 – Photographs of the Arizona Monsoon book now available

pri·mor·di·al
[prahy-mawr-dee-uhl]
–adjective
constituting a beginning; giving origin to something derived or developed; original; elementary

I am very pleased to announce the publication of my first book, Primordial: 2010 – Photographs of the Arizona Monsoon.

I have always been fascinated by clouds, as I’m sure most people have been at one point in their life. As children we see bunny rabbits in them, maybe Abraham Lincoln’s profile or an alligator. As I grew older, though, I started to think more metaphysically about what I was looking at. Was I witnessing Creation itself? Or possibly the Apocalypse? Whatever I was witnessing, it was awesome. I don’t like using the word awesome because it is so overused today by young people that its meaning has been diluted to the point where it means nothing, but I am truly in awe of all the science that has to happen for these cloud formations even to appear and to produce the beauty that results.

My inspiration for this project comes from many sources. The two main influences have been the Impressionist painters of the 19th century and, believe it or not, the Hubble Space Telescope. The Impressionists’ use of color to create form reminds me of the cloud formations I see every night. And some of the images of distant galaxies and stellar “events” that the Hubble has provided are truly amazing. This mix of science and art creates a sense of seeing something at its beginning, something that has never been seen before and that cannot be broken down any further. These images are, to me, Primordial.

The book is 80 pages and contains 57 images. It will be available in two editions – a special signed and numbered limited edition of 15 books, plus 1 artist copy, 1 presentation copy and 3 artist's proof copies. This special edition features a foil-stamped linen cover with dust jacket and includes a signed and numbered 8x10" matted/mounted print of the cover image. This edition will have a pre-publication price of $325 with a publication date of January 1, 2011. Shipping is included. After that date the price for this edition will rise to $425.

The other edition is available from blurb.com as either a hardcover with dust jacket for $74.95 or a softcover for $56.95, but is not signed or numbered. Signed copies are available for an additional $25 but must be ordered through me (not blurb).

To view a larger flash presentation of the book, please click here.

To view prints for purchase, please click here.

Ordering Information:
For more information, please email info@rcodaphotography.com or call
480-247-6401. To secure your limited edition book now at the pre-publication price, please click here. To order the non-limited edition from blurb, click here for the hardcover or here for the softcover. To order a signed, non-limited edition copy, please click here or call.

Inspirations #26: The Hubble Space Telescope

Primordial 2827, 2006 by Richard M. Coda

Maybe I should credit the Cosmos, the Universe, or God for this one, but the Hubble Space Telescope is the vehicle to the stars.

I have always been fascinated by clouds, as I'm sure most people have been at one point in their life. As children we see bunny rabbits in them, maybe Abraham Lincoln's profile or an alligator. As I got older, though, I started to think more metaphysically about what I was looking at. Was I witnessing Creation itself? Or possibly the Apocalypse? Whatever it was that I was witnessing was drop-dead beautiful.

The Pillars of Creation, Hubble Space Telescope


Primordial 4245, 2010 by Richard M. Coda


M17 - Omega Nebula, Hubble Space Telescope


Primordial 2878, 2006 by Richard M. Coda


PS16 Orion Nebula, Hubble Space Telescope


Primordial 4148, 2010 by Richard M. Coda

In the past 5 years I have taken few cloud images because I was too busy. When I lived in New Jersey these types of skies were rare, but again, I was too busy. This year I am still too busy, but something clicked in me to take 15 minutes at the end of my day and hunt for clouds. Almost all of these were taken from either my back yard or my front yard, occasionally a hundred feet or so down the road… but never far. That is one of the things I love about this series. And the Arizona skies are a far cry from those in New Jersey. They are dramatic and sometimes you can see for 50 or more miles (try that in Jersey).

Anyway, every day now I am on the prowl. I am in the process of editing these down to a portfolio of 10-15 prints and am working on a book/print package. I may do one every year because the subject matter is endless and never the same.

Special Primordial Clouds Print Offer - $25 11x14"

I have always been fascinated by clouds. Originally in black & white, and recently in color. The annual monsoon season here in Arizona can provide some spectacular skies in both the mornings and the evenings.

I started a series this year and hope to add to it every year and whenever else the heavens oblige. In honor of this new series I am offering 11x14" Special Edition Prints (8x12" image size) for a special price of $25 plus $5 S/H through midnight, Saturday, August 28, 2010. This is a great deal and you know you've always wanted one... so visit http://www.rcodaphotography.com/primordial/ and pick out your favorites today.

Remember, the sale ends at midnight, Saturday, August 28, 2010.