La Plata County middle and high school students, who have an interest in photography, are encouraged to apply for the Alpine Bank Youth Photography Showcase. This event, held Nov. 17-22, offers a chance for students to exhibit their talent in a professional setting, up to 100 student made photographs will be selected for a weeklong gallery show at the Durango Arts Center and students may offer their work for sale. In collaboration with the upcoming Colorado Pro Photography Showdown, selected entries will be featured online and showcased at the main event on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at Fort Lewis College, in addition they will also receive two complimentary tickets to attend the showdown. The entry deadline for this opportunity is Monday, Oct. 20.
Jack Turner is the Director and owner of the Colorado Pro Photography Showdown. He began a career within the ski business; working in the Olympic Games, World Cup events, adventure traveling, producing various shows and races. In 1997, after a snowboarding expedition in Iran, Turner assisted in creating a slideshow for the World Ski & Snowboard Festival’s Pro Photographer Showdown. Wanting to bring the show to his hometown of Durango, he is kick starting his event modeled after the Pro Photographer Showdown held annually in Whistler, British Columbia. In part, he also wanted to introduce the opportunity for local youth to participate and be highlighted in this inaugural event.
“I am just so excited that our sponsors and the community have made it possible for kids all across La Plata County in middle and high schools to have an opportunity to not only participate and showcase their work during the [Colorado Pro Photography Showdown], but to introduce themselves to the community.” Turner said. “Students can log on to photoshowdown.org/youth-showcase to submit their work – our deadline is Monday, Oct. 20 and we are looking to take 100 student submissions, their work will be blown up and exhibited at the Durango Arts Center in a gallery exhibition from Nov. 17 to Nov. 22, which is the week of the Showdown, and all 100 students will be getting two tickets to the event on Wednesday. Students will also be allowed to sell their image displayed at the Durango Arts Center and will not be charged a commission fee.”
“This will be an amazing opportunity for our young people who love photography and want a larger platform to express [their love for photography], this is also an entryway to meet local professional photographers, hangout with our sponsors, and enjoy a really fun evening on Wednesday, Nov. 19 for the Colorado Pro Photography Showdown.” Turner said.
The deadline for La Plata County students to apply is Monday, Oct. 20 and all submissions can be turned in at https://photoshowdown.org/youth-showcase/ . Entry is free and students may submit one photo entry each. Photographs submitted must be taken by students; parental permission is required for students under 18 years old, and political or inappropriate photos are prohibited at the sole discretion of the Colorado Pro Photographer Showdown. Photograph specifications and official rules can be found online.
For more information, students and families can contact; contact@photoshowdown.org or Southern Ute Drum Photographer, Divine Windy Boy at dwindyboy@southernute-nsn.gov or 970-563-2252.
The Alpine Bank Youth Photography Showcase is free to apply to and is open to all middle and high school students in La Plata County; including public, charter, private, and home schools. This opportunity turns the spotlight onto youth photographers, serving as a platform for students to gain inspiration and positively impact their photography journey.