Woodland Park residents will see one of their own, wildlife photographer Dana Lee Stoner, compete in the Colorado Photography Week “Showdown” on November 18 in Durango. The live, big‑screen competition pits five professional photographers against each other, each presenting a ten‑minute program of their best images set to music, with a total prize pool of $12,000 at stake.

Stoner, a longtime member of Reserve Our Gallery since its opening in 2021, has built a reputation for capturing dramatic wildlife scenes, from Alaskan grizzlies to elk and moose in Steamboat Springs. Her work has been a staple of local art shows, the Mountain Arts Festival, and Mueller’s annual exhibit, making her a familiar face in the Woodland Park art community.

The Showdown differs from a traditional exhibit by delivering a cinematic experience. Audiences in Durango will watch each photographer’s curated visual journey, ranging from sweeping mountain vistas to intimate wildlife portraits and vibrant urban scenes. According to mountainjackpot.com, the event showcases “distinct artistic voices” and offers viewers a chance to see the world through each photographer’s eye.

While the competition takes place in Durango, Stoner’s participation brings national attention to Reserve Our Gallery and the broader Woodland Park arts scene. Residents can still view her work locally at any time, as the gallery remains open for public viewing. The event also highlights the growing prominence of Colorado’s photography community, an industry that benefits from local support and exposure.

What’s next: The Showdown will be streamed live on November 18 in Durango, with a possible viewing party at Reserve Our Gallery to be announced by the gallery’s management. Residents interested in attending the live event or learning more about the competition can visit the Colorado Photography Week website at https://coloradophotoweek.org/.

Sources: mountainjackpot.com