CMC Professional Photography graduate gives back

“GIVE” project donates a day of photography to non-profits

Applications for CMC alumni Rick Souder's "Give" project are due on May 9th, 2011

The creation of tantalizing food and beverage photographs is an exacting craft, one that Colorado Mountain College Professional Photography program alumni Rick Souders has elevated to an art form.  His delectable images grace advertising campaigns and annual reports worldwide; his clients include Boston Market, Izze, Einstein, and Pepsi.

Souder’s work has won wide acclaim in his photographic niche, garnering him recognition as the “Top Beverage Photographer” from the World Food Media Awards in 2005, 2007, and 2010.  He is among a number of notable photographers who got their start at Colorado Mountain College’s Professional Photography program, a list that includes photographic peers Gabe Rogel, Carr Clifton, and the Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist Pat Davison.

The Denver-based photographer is now turning his success into a chance to give back to his community, through a philanthropy project titled “GIVE”. “GIVE” donates a free day of professional photography and retouching, valued at $10,000, to a non-profit organization whose programs can benefit from compelling, professional images. Previous winners have included Freedom Service Dogs, Bridgeway Homes and A Walk to Remember.

The deadline for “GIVE” is May 9th, 2011.  To qualify for the contest,  email the following information electronically to Souder’s gallery at GIVE@SoudersStudios.com:  The name of your non-profit, your non-profit Tax ID, your organization’s address and phone number,  and a contact name for the application.  Then write a compelling story about how a free day of professional photography will impact your non-profit and the people and programs you support.  Give’s Charity Directors will review all applications and will select a winning organization.