Samford University Library hosts the Photographic Collection "God's Creatures, Critters and Creations" by George Ritchey. The exhibit includes more than 70 black & white and color images. The black & white images include silver gel prints using both standard and infra red film. The color photographs are produced in cibachrome and "R" format.

The images are showcased on the main entry level around the grand staircase, the lower corridor exhibit panels and in the Special Collection area also located on the lower level.

George Ritchey

After having studied visual production during the completion of his master's degree at LSU, George Ritchey has used photography for pleasure and to promote his contract interiors business. During the past 10 years he has begun to study photography more intently.

His studies in photography include workshops with Ed Clark of Life Magazine, John Show, Byron Jejorian, C.C. Lockwood, GAPW and Tom and Pat Cory as well as numberous courses at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Feature articles on Ritchey's photography have appeared in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, The Birmingham News and major releases by the Associated Press.

Ritchey's photography has won recognition in several juried competitions. Best in show award at the North Alabama Valley Arts Council juried fine arts competition, Best in Show at the Marion Institute fine arts exhibit and selection as the Best in Show and Purchase Award for permanent inclusion in the Gadsden Museum of Fine Arts Collection are all additional credits.

In the 1999 Leica/Compuserve International Nature Photography Competition, George had two of the finalists selected from thousands of images submitted. Two of his images were selected as finalists for recognition in the International Wildlife Federation juried competition for 2000.

Ritchey's photography is featured on the 25th anniversary cover of the Birmingham Magazine and in the Guide to Greater Birmingham published by the Chamber of Commerce. Ritchey's photography is also used in national publications: The Robb Report, Decor Magazine (The Fine Arts Journal), College and Planning and Management, and Educational Interiors Showcase are just a few.

Ritchey currently provides species and promotional photography for the Birmigham Zoo and Alabama Zoological Society. In February of 2001 the Birmingham Zoo hosted a photography workshop under Ritchey's direction for a group of gifted students from the Decatur School Board.

George Ritchey and his wife June own and operate Ritchey and Associates, Inc. in Birmingham, Alabama, a contract interiors and facility planning firm operating in five states.