PHX Reporter

Today is World Photography Day, a celebration of the art, craft, science, and history of photography. This date marks the moment in 1839 when the French government officially released the patent for the Daguerreotype method, revolutionizing photography by making image capture faster and more accessible. Named after French artist Louis Daguerre, World Photography Day has been celebrated for nearly two centuries.

In honor of this day, Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) highlights one of its own – Photography Faculty George ‘Kip’ Sudduth. Since 2013, Sudduth has inspired students and the community with his passion and expertise, extending his influence throughout the Maricopa County Community College District for even longer.

Sudduth’s love for visual arts began in childhood. As a young boy, he enjoyed drawing. In seventh grade, his fascination grew when he joined the science club and was introduced to working in a dark room.

“When you’re in the dark room and use the equipment to make your small images appear larger,” explained Sudduth. “It was like magic. The magic of developing is what really hooked me.”

That was back in the 1960s. In 1970, Sudduth enrolled at Louisiana Tech University earning his Bachelor of Fine Art/Painting, then spent the next decade traveling the world learning his craft and exploring various art forms including drawing, sketching, painting, and mixed media in addition to photography. He apprenticed in Rome with Master painter Manlio Guberti and studied painting with Steven Greene at Temple University's Tyler School of Art also in Rome. In 1982, he earned his Master of Fine Art in Studio Art from Louisiana Tech University as a graduate teaching assistant.

It wasn’t until the mid-1980s that Sudduth began teaching art offering his expertise in an array of classes including illustration, graphic design, painting, photography, and art history. Having worked throughout MCCCD at sister schools including Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC), Glendale Community College (GCC), and Scottsdale Community College (SCC), Sudduth joined PVCC in 2010 where he includes the history of art and photography as basic principles.

“I don’t believe you can teach photography without its history,” Sudduth said. “I teach photography as an art; images being composed. Teaching students art design and composition as well as the history of Art enables students to ‘do’ the art of photography.”

Sudduth has exhibited all over the world including Italy and Mexico; his photography is collected by several colleges and universities. He was a finalist for Scottsdale's Canal Convergence event appointed ‘Master Artist’ to a local Apprentice program won a grant through Phoenix Arts program in 2022.

Currently Sudduth’s latest work is on display at PVCC’s main campus in Phoenix AZ The exhibition is free and open to public

“Personal observation with photographic visual phenomena defines relationships my photography” he said “I have utilized several multimedia techniques this show potential viewing pure light shot without optics relation design final works”

Reflecting on experiences shared “While working Italy under master painter taught invention form key artmaking… purity white light referential non-referential objectivity offers glimpse into visualization process If give images chance SEE certain realization both you displayed”

For more information about PVCC’s Fine Arts program learn more about inspiring work classes visit website And celebrate World Photography Day using hashtag #worldphotographyday share photo encapsulates your world