2025 Pro Photographers
The photographers are listed in order of program appearance, determined by random drawing.
Five professional photographers based in Durango were selected to participate in the inaugural Colorado Pro Photographer Showdown. In future editions, participants will be chosen through a juried selection process. The lineup is subject to change if any selected photographer is unable to fulfill their commitment.
WHEN: November 19, 2025 | 7:00 PM
WHERE: Fort Lewis College Community Concert Hall
Michael Lutfy
Michael Lutfy is a freelance photographer based in Durango, Colorado whose portfolio includes landscapes, wildlife, travel and commercial photography. After graduating from the Brooks Institute of Photography, he began a career in film, photography and publishing. He was an Editorial Director for Penguin-Random House for 23 years, producing photo-intensive books on motorsports, cooking, photography and health. His passion for landscape and wildlife has led to many adventures around the world and Southwest, seeking those unique locations and dramatic light to capture a “sense of place.”
Shaun Stanley
Career highlights include inclusion in Pope John Paul II’s traveling press pool, coverage of Operation Enduring Freedom aboard the USS Enterprise after the 911 attacks and documenting the legacy of the Atomic Age in the American West. Shaun’s personal projects focus on the dramatic light, people and landscapes of Colorado and the Four Corners. Shaun is driven by his belief in photography as a force for creating an emotional response in the viewer for understanding and positive change.
Nick Kogos
Nick Kogos is a Durango-based photographer with more than 25 years of experience capturing the beauty of the American West. Originally from the Midwest, his career has taken him through Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico, where he focuses on landscapes, wildlife, action sports, and lifestyle imagery. Known for his visual storytelling and relentless drive, Nick recently passed a personal milestone of over one million images captured. Whether chasing light in the mountains or documenting everyday moments, he brings dedication and artistry to every frame.
Shanda Akin
Shanda Akin is a freelance photographer based in Durango, Colorado, whose work is rooted in a deep love for the natural world. After retiring from a 25-year career in the United States Air Force, she turned her lifelong passion for travel and storytelling into a full-time photography business. Her portfolio spans landscapes, fine art, commercial, and real estate work, with images captured across 48 countries and counting. Shanda regularly exhibits her work, teaches workshops, and judges competitions nationwide. In 2023, she published The Beauty of Durango and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Photography from the Academy of Art University.
Divine Windy Boy
Divine Windy Boy is a photojournalist and portrait photographer based in Ignacio, Colorado. A member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe and a first descendant of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, she has worked for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe for the past seven years. Since 2022, she has served as a reporter and photographer for the Southern Ute Drum, covering community news and cultural events. Divine is a member of the Indigenous Journalist Association, Colorado Press Association, and Society of Professional Journalists. Her photography reflects a strong commitment to honest storytelling and Native representation in media.
