PASSSION FOR PROFIT Words by Amiyah Golden and photos Corey Kolb The idea of humanity is truly a beautiful thing when it’s completely stripped to its bare bones: People existing, living and loving. When I see people living in their true authenticity, it always sends me down this rabbit hole that forces me to inquire about their lives: What do they do? What are their hobbies? Do they have children? Are they happy? And I promise these intrusive thoughts aren’t there to place judgment but to ponder because oftentimes who we see on the exterior cannot confirm the initial biases that we place on people from a first glance. So many people have unique stories full of triumph, happiness, defeat, perseverance and peace. And while we often belittle people due to our own knee-jerk reactions, we don’t take time to examine the root of the beautiful people that surround us. My personal favorite place to people watch is Jacksonville’s Art Walk. Hosted on the first Wednesday of each month, it is a space organized for local artists and vendors to showcase their products, rappers to freestyle, dogs to wander, fire performers to amaze, etc. (every month truly is something different.) It is the one place I go where I can see a range of individuals who feel so safe expressing themselves. Anytime I get tired of the mundane day-to-day fashions, I stand on the sidewalk watching people, strutting their way through the crowds with unique adornments and outfits that have been thought out to make that individual feel their very best, and you can tell just by the way their energy shines on the outside. You see non-nuclear families embracing each other and couples expressing sincere love while listening to the talent of the night. And you can also see those who may be less fortunate enjoying themselves — having a moment of relief because no one stops to pass judgment. Everyone is co-existing in this beautiful moment of time, and it’s a moment that is worth capturing. While many photographers can capture these moments, one photographer in particular stood out to me the last time I visited October’s monthly affair. In the middle of the street stood a vintage camera, two red chairs, a couple humans and Corey Kolb. As soon as I saw the beauty before my eyes, a Graflex Crown Graphic camera, I began to “nerd” out. Pretty sure everyone in my radius heard me yapping on-and-on about how I couldn’t believe it. I instantly made my way toward Kolb and the camera, ready to empty out my pockets for a picture but Kolb said it was free. I was perplexed because he had so much opportunity to make so much money giving people an experience with a film camera invented a century ago. I offered again, and Kolb reassured me it was no cost. I sat down in the red seat (feeling a bit bad) and was greeted by a lens, an iPhone, and instructions to sit still. I offered my best smile and waited for the photo to develop. My friend
to measure his lighting. Lighting is important in all photography but especially when using film. I plopped back up on the red chair and gave an even wider smile; posture adjusted, braces on display — and FLASH — Kolb had attached a flash bulb as the night sky covered us. And now we waited once more. The photo was perfect. Capturing a moment in time where strangers gathered to watch me
who accompanied me that night went next.
pose — inciting a slight moment of uncomfortability — but also serving as a
The photo was developed but turned out quite dark. I wasn’t surprised be-
old alike.
cause of the mechanics behind film cameras — lighting can be tricky, especially with being outside. We are so spoiled with our smartphones and DSLR cameras that for the average person this would feel like a defeatist moment, but film photography is a process that involves patience and limited expec-
constant reminder of the night where I met so many beautiful souls new and
I couldn’t keep the photo Kolb took, but I took a picture of it and will cherish that moment forever. But don’t fret, my picture is not just floating in the abyss but is safe with Kolb who keeps all the photos he took, a personal project
tations.
that, I think, serves as an authentic archive on the interesting humans who
Kolb was prepared, so we simply tried again. That iPhone I mentioned earlier
So if you weren’t there, you can still see the many faces who frequented his
served as a light sensor with the app Image Junkie on his phone, being used
reside in this city. He scans the film and shares the images to his Instagram. camera.
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