Fifth generation Durango native Jack Turner has been a steady presence in the community for decades, with family roots of 160 years Animas Valley. Known for his boundless energy and deep commitment to place. Turner has spent much of his life creating opportunities for people to connect through shared passions, creativity, and service.
Turner’s interests are wide ranging, but two throughlines stand out: skiing and photography. A Durango High School ski team alum, Turner advanced to Junior Nationals, won numerous NCAA Championships with the University of Colorado, and was named to the U.S. Ski Team. He then went on to build a 35 year career as a coach, filmmaker, and storyteller in the ski world. His work has taken him to four Olympic Games in various roles and on snowboard expeditions as far afield as Iran. Locally, he served as vice president at Purgatory Resort, founded the Snow Monsters youth ski program, and continues to advocate for outdoor recreation as a pathway to community and connection.
This fall, Turner turned his longtime love of photography into something new for Durango: the Colorado Pro Photographer Showdown. Held in November at Fort Lewis College, the event brought together five professional photographers who exhibited their strongest work before a crowd of more than 500 people. More than a competition, the evening felt like a celebration of visual storytelling and creative risk taking.
A highlight of the night was the Youth Showcase, which gave local middle and high school photographers the opportunity to share their work alongside seasoned professionals. "Photography is practically an anonymous art, rarely experienced by a live audience, whether the photographer is a seasoned professional or just getting started. The Colorado Pro Photographer Showdown is a rare opportunity for live presentation and immediate audience reaction," Turner says. "My vision is for this event to become a signature cultural event for Durango, the State of Colorado, and beyond."
The best in show award was won by photographer Sean Stanley, whose striking images captured both technical excellence and emotional depth. Honorable mention goes out to local Ignacio photo journalist Divine Windy Boy who captures Native representation in media.
My vision is for this event to become a signature cultural event for Durango, the State of Colorado, and beyond.