ABOUT PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS OF COLORADO

Our Mission and History

At Professional Photographers of Colorado, we are a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of our membership through education, support, and the promotion of professional photography. Our organization was founded by a group of passionate photographers who recognized the need for a community that could help elevate the craft of photography.

We are committed to providing our members with the resources and tools they need to succeed in their careers, from workshops and training sessions to networking events and industry connections. We believe that photography is an art form that should be celebrated and respected.

OUR MISSION
To enhance our professional photography industry, especially in our area, by bringing in the best talents in the industry to help educate our members, encourage sharing between our members, and the unity and support of each other.

OUR GOALS

To encourage the sharing of knowledge and talents within our membership.
To encourage and support the growth of our individual members through participation and service, which result in earning credits towards our state Fellowship Degree as well as degrees with PPA.
To advance all types of photography, not only as a profession but also as an art form.
To promote and create relationships between our members which will help share and support their ideas and businesses.
To promote proper, ethical, and legal business practices of our members with regards to each other and their clients.

The association conducts it's ongoings under the PPC’s By-Laws which are the governing document of the organization. These were first established in 1961 and have been updated periodically over the years to maintain current relevance; most recently in 2012.

2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

We believe that the art of photography is constantly evolving. Our community is solely operated by volunteers who are dedicated to the growth and progression of Colorado's photography industry. Whether you're new to the field or an experienced veteran, we welcome everyone to join our team and work towards a common goal of elevating the photography community in our great state.

Michael Ryno, M.Photog., CPP

PRESIDENT

HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO

Jessica Vallia, M.Photog.Cr., CPP

VICE PRESIDENT

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO

Jeff Jackson,

CPP

SECRETARY

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO

Phillip Rubino, M.Photog., CPP

TREASURER

CASTLE ROCK, CO

David Snyder,

M. Photog., CPP

BOARD ADVISOR

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO

Ellen Nelson,

M. Photog., CPP

FELLOWSHIP CHAIR

EVERGREEN, CO

Kory Bumgardner, M.Photog.Cr., CPP

SOCIAL MEDIA CHAIR

GOLDEN, CO

Alison Gibson

MEMBERSHIP CHAIR

ENGLEWOOD, CO

Samantha Hardcastle,

CPP

EDUCATION CHAIR

PUEBLO WEST, CO

Lisa Ruffing,

CPP

SPECIAL EVENTS CHAIR

CASTLE ROCK, CO

Carrie Cleghorn,

CPP

SPONSORSHIP CHAIR

MONUMENT, CO

Jeff Johnson,

M.Photog.Cr., CPP

IMAGE COMPETITION CHAIR

LONGMONT, CO

Chuck Townsend

CPP

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

LONGMONT, CO

Jon Berndt,

CPP

WEBMASTER CHAIR

WESTMINSTER, CO

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR PAST PRESIDENTS

Gina Lantz

Corey Zentner

Jesse McLaughlin

Coleen Graybill

Chris Waldron

Gary Phillips

Carl Lindbloom

Susie Knezel

Jeff Johnson

Thomas Henn

Patti Healy-Kelly

Jill Bailey

Rick Avalos

Megan Anderson

Christina Alpert

Jack Avalos

Jack Avalos Honorary Scholarship Fund

Jack Avalos 1926 – 2020

The Jack Avalos Honorary Scholarship was created by Jack’s son, Rick Avalos and Jeff Johnson years ago. The funds are used by PPC to help members advance their photographic education by helping them financially to attend photography workshops and conventions such as the PPC Conference, Imaging USA, a PPA Affiliated school or many other PPA affiliated events.

Avalos Fine Portraiture was founded by Jack Avalos in 1947 and continues to serve southern Colorado under the management of Rick Avalos (son). Family portraits, photograph restorations, character studies, and underclass school portraits are the main areas of expertise. Jack held the Master of Photography and Photographic Crafstman degrees from the Professional Photographers of America. He earned numerous national and international awards for his photography. His mission along with son Rick is “To Capture Memories Of Our Clients For A lifetime Of Enjoyment.”

Jack has been a mentor to many, an example of how one should treat people. With his infectious smile and sense of humor he made friends everywhere he went. A life long member of PPA and ASP, he was forever the champion of professional photography and the ultimate family man.

Every year, the PPC and Master Photographer and Past President Jeff Johnson hosts the Queen City Salvage Fine Art Photography Event – a fundraising event for the “Jack Avalos Honorary Scholarship Fund”. This fund was created to not only honor our dear friend and Lifetime Member for PPC and PPA but also give back to future photographers and their education. Jack has given so much to the industry as a whole, and he wants to continue to help others with their career advancement through this grant.

In 2024 PPC will be working with the Avalos family & Jeff Johnson to reimagine this event and raise even more funds for this important scholarship program, details coming soon.

Image courtesy of Cliff Lawson

Jack Avalos of Professional Photographers of Colorado. Image created by Cliff Lawson.