EXPERIENCE
Owner & Creative Director - CUDNEY CREATIVE (formerly DON CUDNEY PHOTO) · Denver, CO · 1994 until Present
Built and sustained a successful freelance commercial photography and videography business for more than 30 years.
Created imagery featured on more than 200 magazine covers, in hundreds of print publications, and across digital and outdoor media worldwide.
Produces behind-the-scenes video content that attracts thousands of views annually across YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, and TikTok.
Recognized for creating compelling visual content, capturing professional-quality sound, and solving complex production challenges in diverse environments—from New York City studios to remote international locations.
Live Stream Camera & Spotlight Operator – RHINO Staging · Denver, CO · 2017 until Present
Collaborate with show directors, technical directors, video engineers, touring band managers, and professional sports organizations to coordinate live shots,
visual effects, camera movements, and lighting.
Set up, operate, and strike professional camera systems at major Colorado venues, including Ball Arena, Coors Field, 1STBANK Center, Paramount Theatre,
and Empower Field at Mile High.
Manage and coordinate crews of more than 100 stagehands during load-in, show execution, and load-out.
Ensure safe operations, efficient workflows, and strict adherence to demanding production schedules.
Staff Photographer – Mile High Sports Magazine/Haas Rock Publishing · Denver, CO · 2005 until 2018
Produced high-quality photography and behind-the-scenes video content featuring professional athletes and local models for print and digital distribution.
Photographed more than 60 magazine covers and numerous feature editorials.
Created portraits and editorial imagery featuring many of Colorado’s most prominent professional athletes and celebrities.
Managed creative planning, location scouting, production logistics, and sponsored advertorial integration for more than 10 years.
Studio Photographer – Concepts Direct · Longmont, CO · 1996 until 1999
Photographed a wide range of catalog products, including apparel, home décor, gifts, and collectibles.
Managed studio lighting, product composition, and image consistency across high-volume catalog assignments.
Assisted with the company’s transition from film to high-resolution digital photography in early 1999.
Sales Representative – Index Stock Imagery / Photolibrary · Denver, CO · 1994 until 1996
Managed inbound sales inquiries, assessed client needs, and recommended appropriate stock imagery and licensing solutions.
Processed, tracked, and coded invoices, sales documentation, and internal reports accurately and on schedule across multiple computer systems.
Maintained professional client relationships while supporting efficient sales, licensing, and administrative operations.
EDUCATION
The Art Institute of Colorado
Bachelors of Arts Degree in Commercial Photography and Film/Video Production, graduated 03/1994
Studied under award-winning photographers Paul Molony and Brad Bartholomew, whose mentorship helped shape a professional approach to
visual storytelling and studio lighting.
Graduated at the top of the class with a 4.0 GPA.
Received the Best Portfolio Award.
COMPETENCIES & SKILLS
Short- and long-form content creation and video production
Visual storytelling, composition, pacing, and direction of on-camera talent
Digital photography, video production, and post-production editing
Project management, social media strategy, and multi-location production
Crew supervision across photography, video, live-event, and broadcast teams
Proposal development for local, national, and international projects
Production timeline and workflow adjustments involving weather, client changes, and emergencies
Technical expertise in professional cameras, lighting, audio capture, and editing workflows
Research, fact-checking, and meticulous attention to detail
Multitasking, prioritization, problem-solving, and collaborative teamwork
Photography & Video Editing Software: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Bridge, Adobe Lightroom,
Adobe Plugins, Apple Final Cut Pro, Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve, Audacity
Productivity & Collaboration Software: Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, Slack, WhatsApp
Web & Digital Platforms: WordPress, Blogger, Facebook , Instagram, TikTok
ACHIEVEMENTS
Recipient of Gold, Silver, and Bronze Cubes from the Art Directors Club of Denver Annual Awards for excellence in advertising and editorial imagery.
Served as a judge on SHOOT! A Colorado Photographer’s Reality (CPT12), reviewing photographers’ work and providing constructive feedback.
Served on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Chapter of the American Society of Media Photographers (May 2005 – June 2009), helping guide
chapter operations and member services.
Published The Gulf Coast SKATE Review, a DIY skateboard zine documenting the Gulf Coast skate scene, road trips, events, and interviews with
prominent figures such as Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero, and Mark Gonzales.
Served as the Director of Photography on the short film How To Dispose of A Body.
Featured Behind the Scenes on Wonderful Machine’s weblog
(720) 243-1409 (M-F) 9am - 9pm MNT