1700 Lincoln Street, Denver, Colorado.

Self Promotion - Myself and three other Wonderful Machine photographers are currently promoting our work on the famed Art Wall at Integer Group Denver.

Tearsheet - Funkiphino, Jennifer Batten & Carlo Riley (Michael Jackson).

“Thank you to all the Funkiphino fans who came out to listen to the band perform with one of the greatest guitar players of our time.  Both shows were ridiculously fun – we were so proud to be sharing the stage with legendary guitar virtuoso – Jennifer Batten!  Jennifer is best known for her performances with Michael Jackson on all three of his world tours; Bad, Dangerous and HIStory.  She performed at Jackson’s famous Superbowl half time show which aired to one and half billion people in 80 nations.  In 1998 she was asked to join Jeff Beck’s band where she recorded two CD’s – both supported by world tours.  The energy for both events was electric with people dancing in the streets and singing along.  A special thanks to Carlo Riley, a fabulous Michael Jackson impersonator, for joining us at the Saturday performance in Boulder.  His uncanny physical similarities cause even the most dedicated Michael Jackson fans to do a double-take!” – from Funkiphino’s website.

NYE Flyer

Jennifer Batten. © Don Cudney, 2012.

Carlo Riley. © Don Cudney, 2012.

The Michael Jackson Experience

Jennifer & Don

Serious Business - February 8th, as filmmakers, content creators, and local businesses, we will stand together on the steps of the Colorado State Capitol to show the legislators our support for the new film incentives in Colorado. Currently Colorado is 46th out of 50 states in terms of film incentives, ahead of just a few states that don’t have incentives at all. No feature film has utilized the current incentives in Colorado for the last 4 years. Currently we have a 10% incentive at just $1 million. The new incentive is 20% at $4 million. When Georgia increased from 10 to 20% in 2008, they went from $229 million film related dollars to $2.9 billion. In one year. This is our year Colorado. Let’s build our film community.

Help Colorado! Film Incentives Video Collaboration from Colorado Film Incentives on Vimeo.

Just For Fun - Has this ever happen to you. I love the writing for American Dad and Family Guy; brilliant.
“I thanked him, why did I thank him?”

Optical Vs. Digital

iPhotography - I just can’t get enough – or things are just a little slow this week? SideNote: Sure could have used a 4×5 camera for the XLERATOR image – you “old schoolers” will understand why.

XLERATOR & Coke, 2012. © Don Cudney

Just One Man’s Opinion - Honestly, I haven’t read nor intend to read every line of the Protect IP Act (PIPA) or the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA). All I know is we (citizens of the world) do not need government legislation to “do a job” we can do ourselves. Stealing is stealing; no matter whether it involves governmental agencies or your closest friend. Do I go to the “movies” or do I wait for the DVD? Too many people simply say – “where can I download it – for free?” We don’t need government legislation – we need a good spanking from grandma.

With that said – Why do I use music in my web videos without the written consent of the artist. #1. Because YouTube & Vimeo allow me to. It’s that simple really. But – why does YouTube allow me to use some artists music but not others?  Because many artists have “figured out” that YouTube videos are the newest and greatest way to market their work and a great sales tool as well. I always include an Available on iTunes credit.

Let me  give you an example; as of 01/17/2012 my 2011 Year In Review video had received 175 views, of those 175 views I estimate one, maybe two of those people will contact me or bookmark my website. On the other hand – of those 175 visitors, 175 just might visit iTunes and download the song. Many in the music business have come to this same conclusion and thousands of artists are now allowing limited non-commercial usage. Right On.

This illustration is being displayed without the Written Permission of the Artist

Just For Fun - On more than one occasion I have had a girlfriend tell me – you act just like Ray from Everyone Loves Raymond. I’ll take that as a compliment. “I don’t know much about photography, but these are the best pictures I’ve ever seen.” “It looks like they gave the camera to a monkey.”"… where everything is in focus and nobody’s head is cut-off.”

“It’s supposed to look like a $2,000 picture.”

Just For Fun - Long story short – my friends ex-wife found an old VCR tape in her garage and I am so glad she didn’t throw it away. Found Footage Vol#1 DoNe. Cudney skateboarding, circa, 1989?. If nothing else – the music is good: Agent Orange (Bloodstains, Everything Turns Grey, Miserlou)

DoNe. Cudney, SkateZone, Atlanta, GA. circa, 1989?

Behind The Scenes - Another year has passed and a new Year In Review video has been created and posted on YouTube. I’ve produced quite a few images this past year along with some great video footage and enough iPhotography to fill a book. To view images, layouts and videos from 2011, please visit doncudneyphoto.com, doncudneyvideo.blogspot.com and past posts at doncudneyphoto.wordpress.com. Thank you to all that have hired, assisted, shared and followed DON CUDNEY PHOTO this past year.

BTS Videography by Josh Gold & Stephanie Nawyn

Accolade? – Received another “nod” from The Denver Egotist … at least I think it was a “nod?” “The thing we love most about seeing videos like this is knowing that another Denver photographer has stayed busy through another successful year.” Is that a compliment? or an insult? I suppose, any publicity is good publicity. Thanks The Denver Egotist … I think?

Photo Assisting - Helped my friend and colleague Susan Goddard create some great images for Super Lawyers Magazine, CoBank and Covidian; four days of photo assisting is better than no (photo) work at all.

$2,250 televisions & $250 trash cans … in the lobby? But they couldn’t afford $3 door stops? What bad economy?

More iPhotography – Lately – if I’m not producing a shoot, assisting another photographer, editing images or video, blogging, cooking or sleeping … I’m more than likely creating iPhotography with my trusty iPhone G3 Version 1, yup, the original; can you believe I had a guy offer me $250 for the phone when Verizon will only give me $65 as a trade in; I guess the iPhone V1 may become a collectible?

Los Coca Cola, 2012. © Don Cudney

Dead Vines, 2012. © Don Cudney

iPhotography - Sometimes I think I am a better iPhone photographer than a “real camera” photographer? If that makes any sense at all. Either way – I’m sure having a lot of fun.

Martini x2, 2012. © Don Cudney

Canon 5DMII – 32.5 MB file

Still Lifes, 2012. © Don Cudney

Downtown Denver & The Board Room. © Don Cudney

Mile High Sports Magazine – I’m looking forward to another 50 issues of Mile High Sports Magazine; It’s been a wild and fun ride – 50 issues of MHSM = 11 covers and 32 features. Please visit – doncudneyphoto.com for more images.

My First Cover for MHSM

(L) Getty Images – (R) Cudney

(L) Cudney – (R) Swartz

(L) Swartz – (R) Cudney

(L) Swartz – (R) Cudney

(L & R) Cudney

(L & R) Cudney

(R) Cudney – (L) Getty Images

(R) Cudney – (L) Swartz

Unexpected Location Scout - There are so many things in our lives that distract us from the task at hand – a great photography location is one such distraction for me. I took a friend over to get her car fixed and ended up begging the owner to allow me to create stills and probably lots of cool video sometime in the near future.

Location Scout #1, 2012.

iPhotography - It’s Been A Long Day. VPS to DFW onto DEN. When I left Florida it was 30 degrees outside when I arrived in Colorado it was sunny and 65 degrees.

More iPhotography - Believe it or not – I used to stop here and eat donuts before “dawn patrol.” – that was 30 years ago. Location: Ft. Walton Beach, Florida.

Donut World, 2012. © Don Cudney

Tearsheet - Traveled out to DSGP and Celebrity Lanes to photograph Stewart Ceus of the Colorado Rapids for the January 2012 issue of Mile High Sports Magazine.

Tearsheets - More layouts from the January 2012 issue of Mile High Sports Magazine.

Meet The Snow Angels

Tearsheet/Accolade - A few older tearsheets are currently featured on the Wonderful Machine tearsheets page.

Tearsheet - Visited Star Salon in Denver, Colorado to photograph Duane Schneider for the January 2012 issue of Entrepeneur Magazine on newstands now.

Magazine Layout

Web Layout

Last Day of Vacation - January 3rd, 2012. Okaloosa Island, Florida.

Okaloosa Island, 2012. © Don Cudney

Seagulls, 2012. © Don Cudney

Whataburger, 2012. © Don Cudney

Missed Opportunity ? – Received a call from CelebTV asking permission to use images of Brittney Schreiner – revealing a bit of her racy past. I guess Celeb TV considers bikinis and Hooters Restaurants – “Racy.” I had to pass; I respect my models and would never sell out them out for less than $10,000. LOL. Although Donna Baldwin Talent allowed them to use their “copyrighted” images for credit only. I guess there is no such thing as – bad press.

Brittney Schreiner © Don Cudney, 2012.

Behind the Scenes - Traveled out to Okaloosa Island, Florida to photograph my wonderful family; fortunately my sister Deena was taking pictures as well and captured some nice Behind the Scenes images.

Black Shirts & Bluejeans = Yeah .. We Trendy

Images by © Deena DeMoro

Archive - Photographed Ken Salazar (current United States Secretary of the Interior) for the January 2005 cover of ColoradoBiz Magazine. Michelle Galin, Art Director.

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 19,000 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 7 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

Levi, 2011.

© Don Cudney, 2011.

One Last Thing - Over the past two years – whether I like it or not – I’ve become a “blogger.” To date this weblog has received over 44,000 original visits – I’ve acquired at least 10 new clients and most importantly of all – I no longer or not as often have to hear – “Don Cudney? I’ve never heard of you.”

Weblog Content = 39%: Business to Business Leads & 37%: Business to Client

A Day At the Beach - I really have nothing to say. Enjoy.

iPhone Images

Maurce, 2011.

Da Beach, 2011.

Get the $%^& out of the way !!

Just For Fun - Back in the 1980s and the early 1990s I was addicted to skateboarding. Morning, Noon, and Night – all I thought about was skateboarding and traveling to different places to skate. I lived, breathed and ate skateboarding; that was until I discovered snowboarding, photography as a living and the beautiful state of Colorado. Alright – fast forward 20 years and Colorado has become a Mecca for concrete skateparks. I live in Skater Heaven – Metro Denver, Colorado. (an estimated 20+ concrete skateparks in a 100 mile radius). Just wish I was able to skate more often – I’ll never be the skater I was 20 years ago, but I’m still looking forward to another 20 years of carving and grinding. Go skate.

DoN e. Cudney & JD of GCSR at + Skate Shop – Ft. Walton Beach, Florida

Assignment - While on vacation in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, I photographed two of my old skate buddies and their beautiful families. *Final images WILL NOT be posted after post production.

Vacation - Flew to Florida on Christmas morning for an extended holiday vacation. I have never been in an airport bathroom – alone – scary !!

Denver International Airport Men’s Room

Archive Tearsheet/Merry Christmas - A few old tearsheets from the Concepts Direct days of shooting chotskies for Linda Andersen and Collectibles catalogs among many others. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Video Assignment/Behind the Scenes - Traveled out to the offices of Done Plumbing to create footage for an upcoming Done Plumbing video. Josh Gold, Producer & Director. Rodney Wilson, Teleprompter. Keelan Carothers, Grip & Gaff. Lore Bamberg, Production Assistant. *Final video will be posted after public release.

Motel, 2011. & Mr. Bill, 2011.

Video Still

Tearsheet on Display - Oh Thank Heaven for 7-11. December 2011 issue of Mile High Sports Magazine.

Just For Fun - Behind the Scenes with Lady Gaga and Annie Leibovitz.

Assignment/Outtakes - Traveled out to DSGP, Rangeview High School and Celebrity Lanes to photograph Davy Armstrong & Stewart Ceus of the Colorado Rapids for upcoming 2012 layouts for Mile High Sports Magazine.
Special thanks to Vic Strouse of Rangeview High School and Jana Smith of Celebrity Lanes.
*Final layouts will be posted after publication.

DSGP – Rangeview HS – Celebrity Lanes x2

Davy Armstrong & Stewart Ceus – Outtakes © Don Cudney

ASMP Colorado - Attended what will be the last ASMP Colorado Board of Directors meeting that I will attend – as a Board Member; I resign on December 31, 2011.

Denver Press Club, 2011.

iPhotography - Found these two images waiting for me behind the Lincoln Community Hospital in Hugo, Colorado.

No Parking, 2011. & Grill, 2011. © Don Cudney

More Photo Assisting - Traveled out to Hugo, Colorado and the Lincoln Community Hospital to complete the final day of a three day shoot (1 day shooting, 2 days assisting) for Susan Goddard and CoBank.
*Final images will not be posted after publication.

iPhone Snaps. © Don Cudney

Photo Assisting - Traveled back out to the Ritz-Carlton/Denver to assist my friend Susan Goddard on a shoot for CoBank. *Final images will not be posted after publication.

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Assignment/Behind the Scenes - Woke up at 3am to set up for a 7am photoshoot at the Ritz-Carlton in downtown Denver. Client: Susan Goddard Photography/COBANK. *Final images will not be posted after publication.

Delete, 2011.

Just For Fun - I have a soft spot in my heart for wedding photographers – maybe it’s because I’ve shot enough to “feel their pain.” Although, I do think anyone that picks up a Prosumer-Grade DSLR and suddenly thinks they can compete on a professional level – is a business idiot !! Sorry – but I say it like I see it. I have a full set of Craftman Pro Tools, but you don’t see me obtaining a contractors license, business insurance, etc. and starting a new weekend career; but to each their own. Thought I’d post this great clip from Judge Joe Brown – heck – even Mean Joe knows the difference between a Professional Lens and a ProSumer Lens; “where’s your 28-70?” P.S. Cheap wedding ($1300) = You Get What You Paid For.

Tearsheet - Photographed Ben Willis of ontolo.com for the December 2011 issue of Entrepeneur Magazine.
Location: Broadway Studios East, Denver, Colorado.

Layout

TOC

iPhotography - Renowned sports photographer, Rich Clarkson is quoted as saying – “This is the Golden Age of Photography” and he is correct. 8 to 80 – more than likely you have a cell phone and more than likely that cell phone has a camera; Point & Shoot has evolved into Snap & Share. I have to admit – I’m having an awful lot of fun with my iPhotography. *iPhotography exhibit scheduled for sometime in mid-2012.

Alleyway Sunset, 2011.

City & County – Webb Building, Denver, 2011.

Popcorn, 2011. © Don Cudney

Just For Fun - I had this really crazy dream about a stoned producer, a sex addicted director and a model that just wouldn’t take NO for an answer … then I woke up and created this short video test utilizing some food coloring and a fish tank full of water. I have no idea what I ate or drank the night before.

———

Behind the Scenes/Video - A Behind the Scenes look at the making of the Uspa Photo Campaign 2012 Video. Don Cudney, Glidecam. Mike Vargas, Editing & Exploding Graphic (Video has been edited for adult content).

Glidecam footage is “rocky” but still better than handheld.

iPhotography - I was reading an article recently about a combat photographer that was mistakenly shot by an American soldier because he thought that the photojournalist was using his cell phone to detonate an IED; the photographer was creating Instagram images using his iPhone. When I decided to research how many combat photographers were creating iPhone images during their tour of duty – I was blown away. http://benlowy.com/#/recent-work/ilibya–uprising-by-iphone – http://www.jamesoatway.com/#/afghanistan-2011/kabul-streets–iphone—hipstamatic/IMG_0380ab – just a couple photographers creating iPhone images in conflict areas.

iPhone Apples, 2011. © Don Cudney

Photo Assignment - Attended an award ceremony/donor & recipient appreciation party to create images for the 2011 Allosource Annual Report.  Talking about death and donation can be very serious business.

Holding Back the Tears

Tom – Recipient

Accolade - Received a “nod” from The Denver Egotist recently. “Denver’s Don Cudney just got through a couple noteworthy assignments. The first is shooting the 2011 Snow Angels issue of Mile High Sports Magazine. You can see more of that here.  The video features behind-the-scenes and look book-style footage for Rob Hawthorne Photography and Uspa Beauty Products.” Thank you The Denver Egotist.

Tearsheet – Traveled out to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado and to Washington Park in Denver to photograph Kosuke Kimura of the Colorado Rapids for the December 2011 issue of Mile High Sports Magazine.
Dead fish compliments of Alberson’s Fish Market.

Video Assignment/Barter - Not all of my assignments involve professional models, athletes or money – although this little girl is still a celebrity in her own right. Presenting Princess Sophie’s acting debut in The Holiday Mash Up performed at Steck Elementary. Compensation = One Banana Cream Pie.

Old School, 2011. © Don Cudney

Sophie’s acting & directing debut

Video Assignment - Captured some incredible video footage for Rob Hawthorne Photography and Uspa Beauty Products. New Toys I employed: Glidecam Smooth Shooter System, Zacuto Viewfinders, Schatler Fluid Head, Homemade Dolly Track, more.  Rob Hawthorne, Still Photographer. Mike Vargas, Producer. Brandon Carter, Editor.

Video Assignment - Attended the Uspa Beauty Products Investors Party and captured video footage of the Platform Artists; Anthony Cristinano, Lucie Ventura and Judith Busser.

Anthony Cristiano with Model ______

Behind the Scenes

Platform Artists & Models

George Jilly, founder of Uspa

Tearsheets/Behind the Scenes - 2011 Snow Angels issue of Mile High Sports Magazine.
Nick Heckman, Art Director. Doug Ottewill, Producer.

Jenna, Cover Model. Jeremy & Jen Patterson, Hair & MakeUp. Nicole Hurdle, Styling.

Rachel P., Model. Jeremy & Jen Patterson, Hair & MakeUp. Nicole Hurdle, Marianne Davidson & Claire Schmalstieg, Styling.

Chante R. & Connie L., Models. Jeremy & Jen Patterson, Hair & MakeUp. Nicole Hurdle, Marianne Davidson & Claire Schmalstieg, Styling.

Rachel S., Model. Jeremy & Jen Patterson, Hair & MakeUp. Nicole Hurdle, Marianne Davidson & Claire Schmalstieg, Styling.

Kelly F., Model. Jeremy & Jen Patterson, Hair & MakeUp. Nicole Hurdle, Marianne Davidson & Claire Schmalstieg, Styling.

Natalie C. & Chassity A., Models. Jeremy & Jen Patterson, Hair & MakeUp. Nicole Hurdle, Marianne Davidson & Claire Schmalstieg, Styling.

Matt Lindstrom (Colorado Rockies) & Jennifer V., Models. Jeremy & Jen Patterson, Hair & MakeUp. Nicole Hurdle, Marianne Davidson & Mariyah Holdren, Styling.

Caleb Folan (Colorado Rapids) & Taylor M., Models. Jeremy & Jen Patterson, Hair & MakeUp. Nicole Hurdle, Marianne Davidson & Mariyah Holdren, Styling.

Taylor M., Drew Moor (Colorado Rapids) & Dawn W., Models. Jeremy & Jen Patterson, Hair & MakeUp. Nicole Hurdle, Marianne Davidson & Mariyah Holdren, Styling.

Chanell N. & Knowshon Moreno (Denver Broncos), Models. Jeremy & Jen Patterson, Hair & MakeUp. Nicole Hurdle, Marianne Davidson & Mariyah Holdren, Styling.

Connor Martin (Colorado Mammoth) & Joy E., Models. Jeremy & Jen Patterson, Hair & MakeUp. Nicole Hurdle, Marianne Davidson & Mariyah Holdren, Styling.

Jessica M. & Shane O’Brien (Colorado Avalanche), Models. Jeremy & Jen Patterson, Hair & MakeUp. Nicole Hurdle, Marianne Davidson & Mariyah Holdren, Styling.

Bethany, Model. Jeremy & Jen Patterson, Hair & MakeUp. Nicole Hurdle, Styling.

Anna, Model. Jeremy & Jen Patterson, Hair & MakeUp. Nicole Hurdle, Styling.

Sara, Model. Jeremy & Jen Patterson, Hair & MakeUp. Nicole Hurdle, Styling.

Crew Image

Outtake – For One Reason Or Another

Outtakes – For One Reason Or Another

Styling Issues

Behind the Scenes - It’s only a matter of days until I can reveal the three layouts I shot for the 2011 Mile High Sports Magazine’s Snow Angels issue, although I can show you one outtake, I can’t tell you where the image was created – or for whom. hehehehehe

Don & Melissa

Archive/Tearsheet - Created cover images for the 2006 Mile High Sports Magazine’s Snow Angels issue.

Video Assignment/Behind the Scenes - Traveled out to Cluster Studios in Denver, Colorado to create video footage for a USPA-USA inner office video.

iPhone Images of Cluster Studios

Video Stills

Industry News - Photoshop Tool Airbrushing Revealed — It was only a matter of time. Photographers are doomed. LOL.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/29/photoshop-tool-airbrushing-revealed_n_1119212.html?ref=style

Just For Fun - I’m not a big fan of the commercials that camera manufacturers place on TV and on the Internet; except the few cool ones that Nikon created using Ashton Kutcher, but I really had to laugh at this recent (non-Canon approved) advertisement for the Canon C300 video camera; especially the “grumpy focus puller” segment and the “get landmarks in focus” reference. 10,000 ISO that looks like 200 ISO or 400 ISO = AWESOME.

Video Assignment/Behind the Scenes – Ran a Second Camera Unit for MyCreativeDept. Highlights = running a dolly jib along a 6 foot deep ditch and utilizing the jib like a periscope. My assignments aren’t always beautiful women and professional athletes. Client: done Plumbing & Heating. Josh Gold, Producer and Director.
*Final video will be posted after public release.

Small Camera/Big Matte Box – Jibbing A Ditch – Redrock/Zacuto/Sennheiser/Beachtek – Mike of done

Snow Angels 2011 – Sure wish I could reveal a few images from the upcoming Mile High Sports Magazine’s Snow Angels issue, but we’re all just going to have to wait until December 4th to see the cover and layouts.

Photography: Jathan Campbell    -   Invite Design : Nick Heckman

Video Assignment - HAVOK has finally released their new music video for the song DOA and I can share it with you now! I ran one of my Canon 5D Mark IIs fitted to a Jib/Crane for most of the second camera views (sweeps and overheads, 1st , 3rd scenes, etc.) and my other 5DMII was placed on sticks.  A few highlights of Production = live&loud speed metal at 3am (the neighbors were slightly confused), 10+ Denver Police cars speeding by with lights and sirens blaring, the eerie feeling we received after sitting in wrecked vehicles where people obviously died. Josh Gold, Director. Rodney Wilson, Assistant Camera. Kelso Kubat, SteadyCam Operator & Editor. Kristen Dalleske, MakeUp Artist & Costume Designer. Locations: Stadium Auto Parts (Denver), Moe’s Bar-B-Que and Bowling Alley (Englewood) , RTD Parking Overflow (Englewood). A Special Thank you to the Englewood Police Department for not arresting Josh for “drunk driving” – pretend like – and to Rapid Transit Denver Security for not having us all arrested at 4am.

HAVOK in MakeUp

Photo Assignment/Behind the Scenes - Created images of Shane O’Brien of the Colorado Avalanche along with model Jessica Monda for the 2011 Snow Angels issue of Mile High Sports Magazine. *Final layout will be posted after publication (December 2, 2011).

Shane O’Brien, 2011. © Don Cudney

Jessica Monda, 2011. © Don Cudney

iPhotography - I am trying out this new app (new to me) Instagram and so far I like the Polaroid Edges and the faded 1970s look, but I hate that if you launch a different app during image processing – you apparantley lose the image forever? At least that is what happen to me with an extremely cool BTS image. Why doesn’t an iPhone have a Trash Can?

Hamburger Cookie, 2011. © Don Cudney

Water Tower, 2011. © Don Cudney

Wash Tank, 2011. © Don Cudney

Tearsheet/Breach of Contract?- It appears Waxing The City is using the same Holiday Image that they leased last year. I’ll updated the weblog after I send them an invoice. Model: Taylor Peters. Update: after some paperwork investigation – I realized that I leased this image to WTC for two years.

ASMP Colorado – Attended the Norman McGrath Architectural Photography Workshop at Harvey M Hine Architecture + Interiors in Boulder, Colorado. A special thank you to Harvey Hine, the Colorado ASMP, Norman McGrath and Helen McGrath (Norman’s daughter and Colorado Board Member) for producing the day long event.

Details by iPhone © Don Cudney

1701 15th Street, Boulder, Colorado  80302 – © Don Cudney

Norman McGrath, 2011. © Don Cudney

A Smiling – Norman McGrath, 2011. © Don Cudney

Norman & Don. Image by Ellen Jaskol.

ASMP Bullshit - It’s no secret that the ASMP and I do not see eye to eye. I want to be an exclusive organization of professional media photographers – they want to be and have become an all inclusive camera club. As a Board Member I was allowed “special access” to a moderated (censored) listserv of ASMP Board Members – that was until I received the email listed below. The one thing that I learned from that listserv was “where to have name tags created” = Kinkos (duh?) and that at least 70% (est.) of the photographers that volunteer for the ASMP Board are emerging (less than 3 years experience), part timer (as the ASMP refers to them) or retired. No wonder the Colorado Chapter is begging “working” pros to volunteer. “what’s metadata?” = an actual question from a respected? ASMP Board Member.

You have been unsubscribed from the ASMP Leadership Listserv.  Please
consider rejoining to help your chapter or specialty group or to help
others with your knowledge.   Thank you for your leadership.

I never unsubscribed from the listserv. I planned on giving them shit for another six weeks. Now I expect this from Capital One, Facebook Friends or Google+, but an organization of professional artists? LOL.
“If you can’t stand the heat …. get the fuck out of the business!!“

*P.S. The primary problem with most large organizations or governmental agencies – THEY do not learn from their mistakes – they ignore history – they are so motivated by profit and job security that they are blinded by their own propaganda. Every new Board starts from scratch. There is no protocol – every day – is “Day One.” “How do we turn on the lights?” You get my point. My experience and two cents.

Photo Assignment/Behind the Scenes - Traveled up to Ft. Collins, Colorado to create video and a few stills for Jim Yost Photography and Vintages Hand Crafted Wines. Vintages is opening a new store in Denver and I highly suggest this place as a Date Night; bottle, cork, seal and label your own wines … pretty cool.

iPhone Images. © Don Cudney

Vintages – Ft. Collins. © Don Cudney

Just For Fun - Do you see what I see? I see two ruby red lips, two small eyes and one huge white nose?
O.K. … it’s been a long week.   Visit – doncudneyiphotos.wordpress.com

Photo Assignment/Behind the Scenes - Traveled out to DSGP in Commerce City, Colorado and then over to Washington Park in Denver to create images of Kosuke Kimura of the Colorado Rapids working out and performing a little afternoon fishing for the December 2011 issue of Mile High Sports Magazine. *Final layout will be posted after publication.

Video Assignment - Created behind the scenes and lookbook-style video over a three day period for Rob Hawthorne Photography and USPA Hair & Skin Products . A special thank you to our Models: Abby, Heather, Tobias, Maria & Lauren. *Final video will be posted after post production and public distribution.

Video Stills

Maria, 2011. ©Don Cudney

Photo Assignment/Behind the Scenes - I love photography and I love my job; therefore I have no problem putting in 18 hour days and traveling hundreds, if not thousands, of miles to create images and make some money. I completed one 12 hour assignment for Budweiser and then jumped into my vehicle and drove 90 miles to complete another 2 hour asignment for Hi-PHi Entertainment. I was hired by Hi-PHi to photograph a Michael Jackson Impersonator along with a long list of people that I can not mention until after a public press release. Location: Macky Auditorium Concert Hall, Boulder, Colorado. *Final images will be posted after public release.

Michael Jackson ? © Don Cudney, 2011.

Created the above image earlier this year – Funkiphino, 2011.

Funkiphino Website

iPhotography - Some recent iPhotos created with my old, original and trusted - iPhone G3. *I’m always a few years behind when it comes to Apple Products. I still own an iPad 1. Visit – doncudneyiphotos.wordpress.com

Breakfast – Bailey Deer – Parking

Photo Assignment/Behind the Scenes - Spent two long days at the Budweiser Brewery up in Ft. Collins, Colorado creating still and video images of brewmaster Katie Rippel along with a few select employees. The still images will be used to promote – Track Your Bud online and the video footage will be included in future Budweiser television and industry promotions. SafeCamp, Production Co.. Noah Goldsmith, Executive Director. Matt Luem, Director. Todd Boyle, AC. Loretta Pilozzi, Coordinator. Bob Abott, Sound. David Strong, Gaffer. Nathan Berry, Production Assistant.
*Final layouts and commercials will be posted after post production.

Behind The Scenes

Me Dorkin’ Around & A Few Selects

iPhone Images

Link to an Image Gallery of Select Images

Photo Assignment/Behind the Scenes - Visited Star Salon in Denver, Colorado to photograph Duane Schneider for an upcoming issue of Entrepeneur Magazine. My assistant and I made a few references to One Day At A Time, but Duane was a little young to remember that TV show. *Final layout will be posted after publication.

Duane Schneider, 2011. – Outtakes.

Photo Assignment/Barter - Traveled up to Bailey, Colorado to create images of two horses, three squirrels, one goat, two cats and one dog… did I leave anyone out? Oh yeah – and a few wild deer as well.

-

Just Sayin’ - There are so many reasons why I do not photograph weddings anymore, but asshole clients were pretty much the number one reason. I can deal with an upset art director, I can bargain with an angry businessman, but I can not convince a brides maid that “she’s not fat,” or force a brother-in-law to “swallow his pride” and pose for one stupid picture.  And the financial liability that comes along with wedding photography – all that drama for weeks, months, maybe a year – for a few thousand dollars – no thanks!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/03/todd-remis-sues-h-h-photographers_n_1074637.html

Modeling Obligation - Visited the Ferrari of Denver dealership to pose for a “group picture” that will appear in the 2011 Snow Angels issue of Mile High Sports Magazine. A special thank you to Bill Swartz and Randy Parrelli for setting up the shot and to Doug Ottewill for “pressing” the shutter. *Final layout will be posted after publication.

A Quarter Million Dollars worth of – Nice.

Five Photographers in One Room – Video Still

Ferrari of Denver

Tearsheet - I think these two images of Tucker Hart Adams & Jeff Rundles have received more “publication time” than any other images that I have created during my career. There was one image of a stripper/escort that ran inside Westword Magazine every week for three and a half years, but I think these two particualr images are going on four years of continuous publication. Publication: ColoradoBIZ Magazine. Usage Rights Granted: in Perpetuity.

Photo Assignment/Behind the Scenes – Traveled out to Jackson’s Sports Bar to photograph Matt Lindstrom (Colorado Rockies) and a beautiful young lady named Jennifer Van Keuren for the 2011 Snow Angels issue of Mile High Sports Magazine. *Final layout and behind the scenes video will be posted after publication.

Matt Lindstrom, 2011. © Don Cudney

Behind the Scenes Video Still

Tearsheet - Traveled out to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park to photograph Andre Akpan of the Colorado Rapids for the November 2011 issue of Mile High Sports Magazine. Nick Heckman, Art Director.

Andre Akpan, 2011. © Don Cudney

Tearsheet - Created images of Rich Fleck, General Manager at Merkle Connect – A Social CRM Agency for the November 2011 issue of Direct Marketing News.

Rich Fleck, 2011. ©Don Cudney

Tearsheet/Accolade - Nick Heckman (Art Director/Graphic Designer/Bad Ass), Mile High Sports Magazine and I have received nothing but great reviews for last months Colorado Avalanche layout. The magazine has received letters of praise from subscribers, advertisers and staff alike; I’ve had my Photo Rep Wonderful Machine feature them on their Tearsheets Page and from what I understand, Colorado Avalanche fans are using the layouts as autograph pages.

Archive/Tearsheet – Photographed (former) Colorado Governor Bill Owens for the November 2006 issue of ColoradoBIZ Magazine. Tom Vissochi, Art Director.

Alien sporting an Apple iPhone

Assignment/Behind the Scenes - Created pin-up style images of three American soldiers Sara Fletcher, Bethany Fehringer & Ana Lau for the Colorado Army National Guard and the Snow Angels issue of Mile High Sports Magazine.
*Final layout and behind the scenes video will be posted after publication.

Sara, BTS Video Still – Bethany & Anna, Outtakes

Photography 101 - I honestly do not create these posts to piss anyone off or insult anyone’s hard work, skills and talents; I’m just a realist living in a world driven by profit; in other words – “It’s Just Business.” Ever since I made a comment on my weblog and the ASMP Leadership Thread about part-time photographers not really “existing” – I’ve received numerous emails from students, emerging photographers and ASMP General Members asking me – “well then Don – how would you classify me?” See the chart below:

*I included Part Time, but I still think that is a stupid term created by photo organizations to increase membership.
Whether a photographer “works” one hour a week or eighty hours a week – they are a photographer.
If they have another (better) job – good for them!

Industry Crap - These type of stories are nothing new to the photo or video industry it’s just craigslist has made it a whole lot easier for these predators to find their victims. I tell all potential models – only work with known and respected talent agencies and photographers because these days everyone is a photographer!

Link to Video

Unsolicited Recognition - It never gets old hearing or reading that someone, especially the model, is praising your imagery so many years after it’s creation. Model: Andrea Thompson. Location: Tulum, Mexico. Client: Colorado Crush.

Pro Bono - Attended and photographed the Montessori Children’s House of Denver’s 7th Annual International Day Celebration. I rarely work for free (read above post) unless it’s a true non-profit, creates realistic advancement in my career or it’s for a family member or close friend. I guess I’d have to say this assignment is just one way of ensuring my (girlfriends) little boy receives a quality education. My pleasure.

View a SmugMug Image Gallery and Purchase Prints & Merchandise at MCHD 7th Annual International Day Celebration

Red Curtain – John Goodman of KTCL 93.3FM – Brazil – Mexico – India – Spain

Very Bright – Very Talented Children

International Cuisine

Assignment/Behind the Scenes - Created images of Connor Martin of the Colorado Mammoth for Jackson’s Bar and the 2011 Snow Angels issue of Mile High Sports Magazine. *Final layout and BTS video will be posted after publication.

BTS Video Still

Self Promotion - I receive a lot of emails saying – “join us – we’ll make you a star,” and I have no idea where this ADCake website came from or where it’s going but – what the hell – I’ll jump on board for awhile!! Chooo Chooo.IndexStock/Photolibrary/Getty Images? - Received a Commission Statement from my Stock Imagery Representative and decided I’m going to splurge and buy a Happy Meal for myself, my girlfriend and her little boy.
I shouldn’t complain considering 99% of the stock images that I have distributed – suck or are outdated!

Assignment/Behind the Scenes - Created images of Knowshon Moreno along with three beautiful young ladies for Jackson’s Bar and the 2011 Snow Angels issue of Mile High Sports Magazine. BTS - We (a producer, an art director, a makeup artist, a stylist, 3 models, 2 clients, an assistant) were supposed to photograph 2 other Bronco players as well, but they decided not to show up, call or cancel, but that’s the way of many NFL and NBA players. Thank you, Knowshon.
*Final layout and behind the scenes video will be posted after publication.

Knowshon Moreno, 2011. ©Don Cudney

Joy Espinosa, 2011.

Press Release - See post listed below for explanation.

ASMP - Exclusive or Inclusive? No Photographer Left Behind. I am flattered. If there was one goal that I set out to accomplish as a Board Member of the Colorado ASMP that goal would be to get the ASMP National to decide whether the ASMP is an exclusive organization of media photographers that only accepts accredited media students, emerging media photographers and established media photographers or if the ASMP was an all-inclusive organization that accepts photographers of all experience levels, skill levels, education levels and genres; In other words – anyone with a camera. The ASMP seems to be hung up on the word “professional.” As far as I am concerned – in 2011 – the word “professional” carries no weight. Anyone that made a dollar today is – “a professional.” I digress. Why would I care about the membership of the ASMP? Why would I care about exclusiveness? Without going into a long back story and revealing years worth of direct research with active art buyers – the ASMP has become crowded and not-as-useful a resource for art buyers. Why? Too many wedding photographers (not Media), emerging (I don’t know what I want to do) photographers with no experience – the clients that hire me off the ASMPs Find A Photographer link can’t afford to hire someone with no experience – they just can’t – and worst of all – photographers? that call themselves “part timers.” Alright – I have to think anyone reading my weblog would have to agree – “you are either a photographer or you are not; there is no part time.” Yes, maybe someone shoots 3 jobs a year, but they are still a photographer 365 days a year, right? Maybe the ASMP should rate photographers by how much income is generated by photography – oh wait – they already do. LOL. “I’m a 100%er what are you – oh a 43.5%er – awesome.” I could go on and on and on, but the ASMP in my opinion – views it’s members like a commodity rather than something original and worthy of respect. I prefer to be “involved in/volunteer for” an Exclusive organization – the ASMP has just made it too easy to become a member. A lot of quotes have been thrown around on the ASMP Leadership Thread but I think the most fitting is – “one bad apple can spoil the whole barrel.” Maybe I’m that bad apple? My resignation from the ASMP Colorado Board will follow.
P.S This is no reflection on the current Colorado Chapter of the ASMP – I believe the local Chapter has kicked ass over the past 8 months and made some real changes to our events calendar, social media and our overall reputation. Heck – I think we even have a few new members…those poor bastards – LOL.

Some Creative Criticism = Change the name to American Society of Professional Photographers
drop the “Media” all together and stop riding the coat tales of past and present Media photographers

Self Portrait - I’m not very fond of the self portraits people create while freshening-up in the bathroom, but I thought this Lunch Break created a fairly nice composition.

Self Portrait, 2011.

Photo News? - I feel for these girls family, but I can’t help but think - is this incident a candidate for the Darwin Awards?

Just For Fun - Katana, 2011. Remember that little kid in the movie Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome? Yeah – that kid.

Katana, 2011.

Assignment/Behind the Scenes - Traveled out to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park (and Broadway Studios East) to photograph Andre Akpan of the Colorado Rapids for the November 2011 issue of Mile High Sport s Magazine.
*Final layouts and behind the scenes video will be posed after publication.

Andre Akpan, 2011. Outtake & Behind the Scenes

Assignment/Behind the Scenes - Spent a long day photographing 4 professional athletes along with 3 beautiful young ladies for Jackson’s Bar and the 2011 Snow Angels issue of Mile High Sports Magazine.
*Final layouts and behind the scenes video will be posed after publication.

T’was the Night Before Christmas and ……

Assignment/Behind the Scenes - Traveled out to Jackson’s Bar to photograph a few of the Denver Broncos along with a few beautiful young ladies, but the photoshoot was postponed at the last moment because of an important team meeting regarding Tim Tebo and his new position as starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos.

No Image – Nothing To Show

Photo Representation - A couple of my recent Colorado Avalanche/Mile High Sports Magazine layouts made the Wonderful Machine tearsheets page.

I thought you'd like to know that we're promoting your work on our tearsheets page, which also links to your
website. We also periodically mention our tearsheets page updates on Twitter (here's the most recent:
 http://twitter.com/#!/wonderflmachine/status/24924642103791616),  to get art buyers accustomed to returning
to our site weekly to see our  latest updates. The more we can get art buyers to engage and return  regularly
to our website, the better for everyone! We've also promoted  the page in recent email promos to the same end.
Peter Clark, Wonderful Machine Designer

Assignment/Outtake - Photographed Ben Willis of ontolo.com for an upcoming issue of Entrepeneur Magazine. Location: Broadway Studios East, Denver, Colorado. *Final layout will be posted after publication.

Ben Willis, 2011.

Assignment/Outtake - Received the honor of photographing Tamara Patterson, Jenn McGirl and Anne LaFlam of Summit Business Media/Benefits Selling Magazine. Jen Murphy, Hair & MakeUp.

Before & After

Assignment/Outtake - Traveled downtown to photograph Rich Fleck, General Manager at Merkle Connect – A Social CRM Agency for Direct Marketing News. I’ve photographed a lot of chairs over the years – particularly people sitting in chairs and nine times out of ten, those chairs are found/borrowed from – a lobby, an executive conference room or a company break room. *Final layout will be posed after publication.

Rick Fleck – Break Room Chair

The Set Up

Grip/Gaf/Behind the Scenes - Teamed up with Executive Producer, Doug Bunze, Cameramen, Cary Strandjord and Chuck Green along with Byron Velvick and Rick Mikesell of Trouts Fly Fishing to create a Denver episode of City Limits Fishing. Episode will premiere on Versus during January of 2012. A special thank you to the Downtown Denver Partnership, Inc. for the cooperation and assistance.

Byron Velvick, 2011.©Don Cudney

Location: 16th Street & California, Denver, Colorado.

Link to Images by Cary Strandjord

Tearsheets/Behind the Scenes - Photographed 12 of the Colorado Avalanche – Semyon Varlamov, Jean-Sebastien Giguere, Peter Mueller, Jan Hejda, Erik Johnson, Milan Hejduk, Kyle Quincey, Matt Duchene, David Jones, Ryan O’Reilly, Gabriel Landeskog, and Paul Stastny for the October 2011 issue of Mile High Sports Magazine.

Kyle Quincey

Tearsheet - Created images of Drew Moor for the October 2011 issue of Mile High Sports Magazine.

Just For Fun - Creating images of “the Client” always makes me more nervous than photographing the subject.

Doug Ottewill & Robin Carlin

Assignment/Personal Work - Jill Greenberg created a series of images called End Times – “The work featured stylized hyper real closeups of childrens faces contorted by various emotional distresses. The method for getting the children to cry, in some cases, achieved by offering the children candy, then taking it away, spurred allegations of unethical conduct and provoked the submission of numerous complaints to the art gallery that hosted a public showing of Greenberg’s work.” Alright – I didn’t go that far and my images are not a quarter “as cool” as Mrs. Greenberg’s – I just told them – “No Candy For You Today.” BTW – If your kid is crying and you want to make some money and confuse the heck out of them at the same time – take their picture; it works (almost) every time!

No Candy For You Today, 2011. ©Don Cudney

A Waste of Time - I think we’ve all said this at one point in our lives – “If I could only get back the last 2 hours of my life.” Do not watch – Death to the Supermodels – if you already have – I apologize. I am a sucker for Jamie Pressly and I enjoy watching movies that poke fun at photographers and especially the modeling industry, but beware. Bad plot and no nudity – alright very little nudity, but you get my point – bad plot. LOL.

“Yes, we shoot the he-she corpse.” – Oops … Spoiler Alert!

Tearsheet/Outtakes & Behind the Scenes - Photographed Kimbal Musk for the October 2011 cover of Entrepeneur Magazine. I rarely get this excited about a cover, but I’m pretty f-ing stoked about this one. I’ve help create quite a few magazine covers in the past, but a subscription-only cover is somehow more – mystique or exclusive?

Kimbal Musk for the (subscription only) cover of Entrepreneur Magazine, October 2011. Image by Don Cudney

Kimbal Musk of the The Kitchen Cafe, ©Don Cudney

Archive/Tearsheet - Photographed Harry Bull, Principle of Grandview High School for the cover of the October 2005 issue of School Library Journal. Yes, that is a Jerry Garcia tie.

“I love it. This image ‘says everything’ we wanted to convey about Tech Support.” – The Art Director.

Photo Assisting - Helped out my buddy and colleague Jim Yost on a photo shoot for an undisclosed business in the medical industry – is that vague enough?

BTS with Jim Yost Photography

Just For Fun – I have photographed this cat since he was a kitten (visit link) and never once has he asked me for a commission, print or CD; just love and lots of treats.

Fritz,2011. ©Don Cudney

Personal Work - I think Photo Editors, 1st Assistants and MakeUp Artists have their picture taken more often than any model, celebrity or politician on Earth. “Yo – Nick. Stand behind that piece of tape for me – would ya?”

Nick Heckman, Art Director/Photo Editor. ©DonCudney/Nick Heckman

Assignment/Behind the Scenes - Visited the Colorado Avalanche’s training center (again) to photograph Semyon Varlamov, Jean-Sebastien Giguere, Peter Mueller, Jan Hejda, Erik Johnson and Milan Hejduk for an upcoming issue of Mile High Sports Magazine. *Final layout will be posted after publication.

BTS Images by ©Michael Martin

Showing Semyon – THE Shot. (video still)

Don to Peter Mueller – “Do me a favor and scream – FUCK – into the camera lens.” (video still)

A Sneak Peek. Shhhhhhh.

Don Cudney’s iPhotography - Updated my iPhotography website recently. Check it out.

Assignment/Behind the Scenes - Visited the Colorado Avalanche’s training center at the Family Fun Center in Centennial, Colorado to photograph Kyle Quincey, Matt Duchene, David Jones, Ryan O’Reilly, Gabriel Landeskog, and Paul Stastny for an upcoming issue of Mile High Sports Magazine. *Final layout will be posted after publication.
Wonderful Machine - It took a bit of poking and prodding, but I finally convinced Wonderful Machine to list me under Portraiture on their website. I mean really – what is it that I get hired to do 90 percent of the time – portraits. Thank you Wonderful Machine – keep up the great work – and keep the clients coming!

Tearsheet - Photographed former Denver Bronco Matt McChesney for the September 2011 issue of Mile High Sports Magazine. Nick Heckman, Art Director. Doug Ottewill, Producer. Watch the Behind the Scenes video here.

Matt McChesney, 2011. Outtake. ©Don Cudney

Photo Contest - I don’t normally enter “photo contests,” (I participate in the biggest photo contest of them all – everyday – it’s called the business of commercial photography) but Chimera is a local company, a great product and a sponsor of the Colorado ASMP – so what the heck? I’m not sure what the winning content contributor will win – maybe it’s a Overhead F2 Lightbank. Please – Vote for my submission here.

Web Work - It’s kind of a “cool” feeling when I am shopping (online or offline) and encounter images that I created. I was recently surfing the internet looking for a new apartment and found this listing for Bridgwater Apartments. “Wanna see my portfolio? Go to Albertson’s.” – a friend of mine that designs product packaging for Proctor & Gamble.

Video Projects - Pretty Monkey Productions have posted their 2011 Denver 48 Hour Film Project (WORK) and the 2011 Denver 72 Hour Film Challenge (The Tuesday Night Righting Club) short films that I help create by acting as 3rd Camera Unit, 1st AC, Grip/Gaf and Production Assistant. Rodney Wilson, Director.



Assignment/Video - Attended the wedding of Jake & Sarah Salazar in Cherry Hill$, Colorado and created high definition video (and a few stills) for Josh Gold & MyCreativeDept.

A few stills.

A few video stills.

da PhotoBooth

Personal Project - Never – in my wildest dreams did I ever believe that marijuana would be grown (legally) inside huge warehouses and distributed at dispensaries throughout Denver – never.  But heck – a naked woman causes more controversy in Colorado than a warehouse full of “dope.” * I had to strip naked, give a blood sample and pass a lie detector test just to create these two images.

“Come back in 6 weeks – You’ll get better images then” – Head Horticulturist

Just For Fun- Sam Abell is one of the only photographers that I know of that can talk about the pursuit of photography without sounding like a stoned hippy from the sixties. Great interview and great guy. “Compose and Wait.”

Signed copy of Stay This Moment

Tearsheet - Photographed Tyrone Marshall of the Colorado Rapids during practice and at home grilling up some Jerk Chicken for the September 2011 issue of Mile High Sports Magazine. Nick Heckman, Art Director. Doug Ottewill, Producer.

©Tyrone Marshall, 2011.

Image Reuse - “Hi Don, Hoping that you still have this image somewhere! We need it to run in PLANADVISER September-October ’11 (see attached PDF to show usage.) The file name is, ‘Round Table_0087.jpeg’, and we need a file that’s 5″ in width. I’ll get back to you if I can find the date that this Round Table occurred! I think it was in April 2009. Reuse fee is $ XXX. Can you please send me an invoice via email? Thanks! Yours, AD”

©Don Cudney

Assignment/Behind the Scenes – Helped Josh Gold, Director & Executive Producer – produce a music video for Havok by operating a camera jib, directing a second camera unit, lugging gear and supplying a 2000watt generator at 4am in the morning. Rodney Wilson, Producer & Camera Operator. Kelso Kubat, SteadyCam Operator. Kristen Dalleske, MakeUp Artist & Costume Designer. * Video will be posted after public distribution.

Havok – In MakeUp

Video Still

FilmTools Car Rig

Moe’s Bar-B-Que & Bowling Alley

Tearsheets - Photographed Steven R. Gould for the cover and a feature story in the September 2011 issue of Vetrepeneur Magazine. Location: Golden, Colorado. “We have never done a B/W cover before. So you are setting a trend!”

Archive/Tearsheet - Cover of the Linda Anderson Catalogue for Concepts Direct, September 2000.
I honestly can’t remember the bears name.