PHOTOS: 15 images to inspire you for National Photography Month
Our photographers choose their all-time favorite shots of the MSU Denver community over the years.
Amanda Schwengel
May 24, 2023
May is National Photo Month, so RED asked its professional and student photographers to curate a selection of their favorite shots over the years and tell us why they like them. This gallery will take you on a trip through celebrations and remembrances, arts and sciences, mountains and plains, and will give you an inside look at the people behind the lenses of some of our most thought-provoking images.
Visit the full stories to read more about some of the people featured below:
MSU Denver Music Education student Hannah Baty at at Euclid Middle School on Dec. 5, 2022. Why: “I loved that I was able to capture this frame right at the moment that Hannah’s students were running by.” Photo by Alyson McClaran
A rainbow appears over campus during Homecoming on Oct. 1, 2022. Why: “I was about to leave campus, when suddenly the rain stopped and the most beautiful rainbow appeared. I have been to campus thousands of times, and that evening it was unlike anything I have ever seen.” Photo by Alyson McClaran
A MSU Denver graduate throws her cap during Commencement on May 12, 2023. Why: “I approached a student at Commencement and asked if she would throw her cap at me — and in one throw of the cap, I captured that image.” Photo by Alyson McClaran
MSU Denver Hospitality alumnus and Amtrak Winter Park Express train conductor Brad Swartzwelter welcomes skiers to the train March 25, 2023. Why: “This was my absolute favorite shoot for RED. I love how this photo sums up the story in one shot and frames Brad with a bit of motion.” Photo by Amanda Schwengel
MSU Denver alumnus and poet Bobby LeFebre on Aug. 27, 2019. Why: “I loved this shoot because Bobby’s calming energy was great to work with, and it got me excited about the vibrancy of the arts, neighborhoods and voices of my new city of Denver.” Photo by Amanda Schwengel
Back country skiers at Loveland Pass on Feb. 7, 2021. Why: “It was a freezing day in January, and I was trying to scramble up an icy ledge to get close enough to the skiers with a long lens — a good reminder to push yourself to capture the best image.” Photo by Amanda Schwengel
Isaac Hoffer performs a backflip during taekwondo class May 3, 2023. Why: “The taekwondo class was a full performance that included breaking boards and backflips! And I was surprised to learn that MSU Denver’s program is one of the oldest in the country.” Photo by Polina Saran
Carlos Frésquez with his mural "Night of the Barrio Moon" on Sept. 2, 2022. Why: “When we were taking this photo, a man appeared in a window above us and yelled, ‘Hi, Carlos, I used to be your student many years ago! I loved your class!’ It was a very special moment for all of us.” Photo by Polina Saran
Alyssa Ridder and Connor Sullivan work with a 3D printer to help design costumes for MSU Denver's Department of Theatre and Dance on Oct. 21, 2022. Why: “I loved learning about the unique and innovative process of 3D costume-modeling, which makes the process so much faster and more sustainable." Photo by Polina Saran
Florentino Becerra and Ammalise Diodato participate in the nanotube demonstration at the STEM event for blind and low-vision students April 23, 2023. Why: “This photo touched my heart when it was captured. The picture tells a story of perseverance and belonging in the classroom despite significant challenges.” Photo by Josh Geurink
MSU Denver Dance student Ikeya Rasberry-Green performs at the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre on Nov. 12, 2022. Why: “The image showcases students’ colorful creativity and dedication to the art of dance beyond movement.” Photo by Josh Geurink
Rapper and producer Jelie performed during the Umoja Conference at MSU Denver on Oct. 20, 2022. Why: “I love the photo because it shows the emotional expression of music through a silent image.” Photo by Josh Geurink
Local musicians came together in City Center Park in Aurora on Sat., June 27, 2020, for a violin vigil in honor of Elijah McClain. Why: “Demanding justice for the 23-year-old who died as a result of police actions, a number of musical groups played and people protested in the park as police gathered and formed a barricade, urging them to leave and threatening arrest and tear gas on the crowd.” Photo by Sara Hertwig
A graduating student throws his cap at MSU Denver's Commencement on May 5, 2021. Why: “This man was part of the 2020 graduating class, and he was devastated when he learned he missed a second graduation due to a thunderstorm (the first was due to Covid), but at least I was able to get photos of him on stage.” Photo by Sara Hertwig
Participants protest the Dakota Access Pipeline at the Standing Rock Reservation on Nov. 5, 2016. Why: “This photo was made the morning after we arrived in North Dakota. Here, a procession of water protectors arrive on horseback in an effort to bolster support for the NoDAPL (DAPL stands for Dakota Access Pipeline) movement. We all learned so much on this trip, and it’s stuck with me since. Photo by Sara Hertwig
