It’s not your father’s slideshow! The Colorado Pro Photographer Showdown transforms the traditional photo presentation into a high-energy celebration of image, sound, and storytelling. On Tuesday, November 19, five award-winning photographers—each with distinct voices and visual styles—will project their best work on the giant screen of the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. Paired with dynamic music and curated editing, these 10-minute showcases promise a night of awe, emotion, and inspiration.
This one-of-a-kind event invites audiences to experience a stunning variety of imagery—from Colorado’s rugged landscapes to distant corners of the world. Between each performance, party breaks and live music by DJ Mowgli of Stand Alone Entertainment keep the energy high, creating an atmosphere that’s part gallery, part concert, and part celebration of creative vision.
The first 2025 Pro Photographer lineup was chosen from Durango’s lively community of professional photographers. Each artist brings decades of experience and a deep understanding of the Four Corners’ visual landscape, providing a rare chance to see the world through five sets of masterful eyes.
Meet the Photographers
Michael Lutfy, a graduate of the Brooks Institute of Photography, has a career that spans film, publishing, and photography, including over twenty years as an Editorial Director for Penguin-Random House. His landscape and wildlife photography adventures have taken him around the world, but his heart stays in the dramatic light and textures of the Southwest. His images evoke a “sense of place” that combines both grandeur and subtlety.
Shaun Stanley, a veteran photojournalist, has used his camera to capture everything from global headlines to quiet moments of humanity. His assignments have included traveling with Pope John Paul II’s press pool and covering Operation Enduring Freedom aboard the USS Enterprise. Now, his personal projects focus on Colorado and the Four Corners, where he explores the relationship between people, landscape, and light. His work demonstrates the power of photography to inspire empathy and understanding.
Nick Kogos, with over 25 years behind the camera, is a Durango-based photographer who has captured the spirit of the American West through landscapes, wildlife, and action sports. His relentless pursuit of light has resulted in over a million images—each combining artistry with storytelling. Whether capturing a fleeting desert sunset or a snowstorm in motion, Nick’s photography reflects a lifelong dedication to the craft.
Shanda Akin is a world traveler and retired U.S. Air Force veteran. She has visited 48 countries—and counting—turning her passion for exploration into compelling fine art and commercial photography. Her published work, The Beauty of Durango, highlights the region she calls home. Currently working on a Master of Arts in Photography, Akin continues to exhibit her work nationwide, lead workshops, and share her belief that beauty is both a destination and a discovery.
Divine Windy Boy represents a new generation of storytellers. She is an Ignacio-based photographer who brings a strong voice for Indigenous representation and truth-telling in media. A member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe and the first descendant of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, she documents community life and culture for the Southern Ute Drum. Her portraits and photojournalism combine authenticity, reverence, and resilience—offering a rare window into lived experience.
With its combination of powerful imagery, creative energy, and community connection, the Colorado Pro Photographer Showdown is more than an event—it’s a tribute to the art of seeing.
Tickets and schedule: durangoconcerts.com
