Our Board

The ASMP Colorado Board of Directors serves and invests in our photography community throughout our region. Please send general inquiries via email to ASMP Colorado.

ASMP Colorado Board of Directors

ASMP Colorado President, Beauty Kussoy, is a fine art photographer based in Denver, Colorado, specializing in cinematic editorial work for clients worldwide. Her practice centers on portraiture and luxury brand storytelling: imagery rooted in diverse narratives, film-inspired aesthetics, and the belief that the most powerful photographs are human-centered.

Born to Indonesian immigrant parents in Southern California, Beauty’s path to photography began early, capturing her first images at age 12 and finding profound inspiration during formative summers in Manado, Indonesia. She holds a BFA in Fine Arts from Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, where she first joined ASMP as a student member in 2018.

Beauty now serves as President of ASMP Colorado — approaching leadership with the same intention and care she brings to her creative work. She’s committed to building sustainable chapter infrastructure: consistent programming, inclusive initiatives like Shutter Sisters, and a community culture that prioritizes connection over competition. Her goal is to create space where photographers can show up as both artists and advocates, supported at every stage of their journey.

When she’s not photographing or organizing, you’ll find her writing, mentoring, or deepening her creative practice.


ASMP Colorado Vice President, Howard Paul, is a Denver B2B photog working in the corporate, industry, editorial and macro specialties.  He is happiest photographing a 300′ wind turbine or a 3mm screw—perhaps even with the same lens. In recent years he has developed extensive fine art and documentary bodies of work.  He also has substantial experience in the not-for profit world, serving on boards at the national, state and local level, as well as an association’s executive director.


ASMP Colorado Treasurer, Katherine Payne, is a commercial product photographer with a sharp eye for detail and a collaborative mindset. She sees photography as the perfect blend of art, science, and history—and a powerful way to tell impactful stories. She believes a rising tide lifts all ships, and enjoys working with teams of all sizes to create images that are both intentional and effective. Based in Denver, she’s worked on projects across the country and is always looking for the next creative challenge.


ASMP Colorado Sponsorship Liason, Rick Souders, is an honors graduate of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. Rick’s award-winning photography has garnered international acclaim, being prominently featured in advertising campaigns, magazines, annual reports, and on the internet in over 60 countries. He has rightfully earned the reputation as the “Mile High Food and Beverage Guy” in Colorado.  Rick has been recognized with the prestigious Lifetime Member Award from the ASMP.

His impressive portfolio includes exhibitions at notable venues such Epcot, the International Photography Hall of Fame, and displays in Times Square. Rick’s artistry was further solidified when he was named the Best Beverage Photographer in the World for three consecutive terms at the World Food Media Awards in Australia. His creativity with lighting, color, texture and mood gained him sponsorships with several industry leaders, including Mamiya Corporation, Chimera, ProFoto USA, and X-rite, who have recognized him as one of “America’s Top Pros.”  Rick is also an author and a lecturer.  He is currently completing a personal cookbook project.

Also, a dedicated philanthropist. He recently served as Co-President of the ASMP Colorado chapter and Secretary on the Executive Board of Foothills Art Center. Rick is currently Chair of the Golden Public Art Commission, and an Advisory Committee member for Colorado Mountain College and Rocky Mountain College of Art and design. Rick states “Giving back is not only fun and rewarding, but it is also my privilege.”


ASMP Colorado Education Liason, Shawn James Loseke, has maintained a professional photography practice while also serving as an in-house photographer for Morton Buildings Inc., Colorado State University, and Forney Industries Inc. I have had photography published in multiple publications, exhibited photographic artwork in several local, national, and international venues, and in private collections. I have three degrees in Photography, starting with an Associate in the Applied Science of Photography from the Colorado Institute of Art (1994), a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from Colorado State University (2003), and a Master of Fine Arts in Photography from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco (2017).


ASMP Secretary – 2026: Amanda Deutsch


ASMP Colorado – Past Presidents:

Paul Trantow – Past President, 2008 – 2012

 

Caleb Tkach – Past President, 2015 – 2017
Paul Weinrauch – Past President, 2018 – 2020
Katie Warnk – Past President, 2020 – 2022

 

Rick Souders, Sponsorship Chair rick@soudersstudio.com 303.384.3128
Rick Souders – Past Co-President, 2024 – 2025
Jen Magnuson, Past Co-President: 2024 - 2025
Jen Magnuson – Past Co-President, 2024 – 2025
Samantha Behrens
Samantha Behrens – Past Vice-President, 2025