ENTER THE COLORADO PRO PHOTOGRAPHER SHOWDOWN
The Colorado Pro Photographer Showdown is Colorado’s premier live photography competition, showcasing five of the state’s most accomplished professional photographers before a live audience. Selected finalists will compete for $10,000 Best in Show and other cash awards during Colorado Photography Week.
Photographers will be given up to 10 minutes to present their life’s best work on the big screen at Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College on Wednesday, November 18, 2026.
Photographer finalists will be provided a $500 production stipend and three night’s lodging in Durango during Colorado Photography Week (conditions and restrictions apply)
For 2026, entries are restricted to professional photographers whose primary residence is Colorado. A blind jury will review all eligible entries and select five finalists and two alternates based solely on the quality of their work.
All photographers will be notified by email whether or not they have been selected as a finalist. Please DO NOT contact Colorado Photography Week to inquire about the status of your application, as we are unable to provide updates before official notifications are sent.
Review all contest information and complete the entry form below. We look forward to reviewing your work and wish you the best of luck in the selection process.
KEY 2026 DATES
| Aug-15 | Submissions Open, 10 images for review |
| Sep-16 | Entry Deadline (11:59 PM MDT) |
| Sep-21 | 20 Semi-finalists selected and notified |
| Semi-finalists required to submit an additional 10 images | |
| Sep-25 | 5 Finalists and 2 Alternatives selected and announced. |
| Oct-23 | Preliminary photographer shows due for review (may be edited afterward). |
| Nov-13 | Final Production Deadline |
| Nov-17 | Showdown Rehearsal |
| Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College | |
| Nov-18 | Colorado Pro Photographer Showdown |
Showdown Rules Summary
(Complete Official Rules must be read and agreed to in PDF below)
1. Photographers must agree to abide by the rules, regulations, permissions, and deadlines of the Colorado Pro Photographer Showdown.
2. Photographers may only enter once. Multiple entries will result in immediate disqualification. Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.
3. Photographers must be 18 years of age or older at the time of entry (born on or before July 15, 2008) and must be a Colorado resident provable by a valid driver’s license or other government identification. Age and I.D. will be checked after selection of semi-finalists.
4. All photographs and program production must be the original work of the photographer submitting the entry. See exceptions in Official Rules for technical assistance.
5. Photographers selected as finalists agree not to publicly display or disclose their final Showdown presentation prior to the event.
6. Photographers grant Colorado Photography Week and the Colorado Pro Photographer Showdown permission to use their name, likeness, biography, and submitted images for the promotion and marketing of the events, including but not limited to websites, social media, advertising, news releases, printed materials, event programs, and media coverage.
7. Except for the promotion and operation of Colorado Photography Week and the Colorado Pro Photographer Showdown, participants’ personal information and images will not be licensed, sold, or otherwise monetized by the event organizers. This promotional use includes marketing the Colorado Pro Photographer Showdown and related ticket sales.
8. Before applying, photographers must ensure they have a strong body of work that can ultimately support a cohesive, themed presentation lasting 8–10 minutes.
Read the Terms Conditions Rules and Regulations
Submit Your Application