The LPS mentoring program is designed to help those who want to be mentored find one. We are fortunate to have a number of talented photographers who are willing to give back to the membership with their time and knowledge.
2026 Mentoring Workshop
The workshop will be held at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 801 Cleveland Avenue, Loveland, on August 22 from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm.
This event is free to all LPS members and the Fort Collins Digital Camera Club members. There is a $45 registration fee for non-members, which includes a one-year membership with LPS.
Check-in & Intro 9:00 - 9:30 am
Session 1 9:30 - 10:00 am
Intro to Photoshop, Tips & Tricks by JR Schnelzer
Portfolio Reviews by David Clack, Kurt Flock & Mark James
iPhone Photography by Lisa Schnelzer
Session 2 10:15 - 10:45 am
B&W Conversion by Cole Thompson
Creative Imaging by Rob Huffsmith
Session 3 11:00 - 11:30 am
Intro to Photoshop, Tips & Tricks by JR Schnelzer
Portfolio Reviews by David Clack, Kurt Flock & Mark James
iPhone Photography by Lisa Schnelzer
Lunch 11:30 - 12:15 pm
Session 4 12:15 - 12:45 pm
B&W Conversion by Cole Thompson
Creative Imaging by Rob Huffsmith
Session 5 1:00 - 1:30 pm
Intro to Photoshop, Tips & Tricks by JR Schnelzer
Portfolio Reviews by David Clack, Kurt Flock & Mark James
iPhone Photography by Lisa Schnelzer
About the Presenters
Cole Thompson
At the age of 14, Cole knew he was destined to be a fine art photographer after discovering the legacy of George Eastman while hiking in Rochester, NY. Deeply influenced by photographers like Adams, Weston, and Bullock, Cole developed a passion for black-and-white photography, viewing it as a way to capture emotions that lie beneath the surface. With his art appearing in numerous exhibitions and publications, Cole now measures his success by the personal fulfillment his work brings, rather than external accolades
JR Schnelzer
J.R. Schnelzer is an active professional photographer working in the areas of fine art collector prints, portraiture, nature and photographic illustration. He is co-owner of Western Exposure and the Colorado School of Photography. J.R. has over 40 years of experience in the photographic arts, winning his first national award in 1963. Since then he has won numerous awards and distinctions including the prestigious Nature Conservancy photo contest. His images have been published internationally and exhibited in galleries across the country.
Lisa Schnelzer
Lisa has served on the boards of two art organizations, promoting photography as a fine art medium. Her photographs have been exhibited in numerous juried shows, including the recent PSA International Print Gallery Show in Kolkata, India. She has also been highlighted in several publications.
Rob Huffsmith
Rob is the Senior Creative Director and Senior Photographer of Rock Ridge Photography Studios LLC. His love of photography goes back in time 50 plus years to the days of film. Rob's photography has earned him many awards over the years but that has not eclipsed his passion to create and to advance the craft into new techniques and experiences. He has always attempted to show Gods world in a positive light concentrating on the good in the world and the blessings of living in this time.
Kurt Flock
I have been a photographer throughout my adult life and joined the Loveland Photographic Society about 15 years ago. I have judged for LPS for many years and served two years as club president. Judging has broadened how I view photographs, including what photographers, judges, and viewers notice in the same image. Through positive critiques, I hope to help others grow in their photographic journey.
Mark James
Mark James is a Colorado-based landscape photographer whose black-and-white pinhole photographs explore the American West as timeless, meditative, and enduring. For more than thirty years, he has created what may be the most comprehensive body of landscape work produced with a pinhole camera, drawing inspiration from photographers such as Ansel Adams, Edward Curtis, and the Photo-Pictorialists. His work has been exhibited alongside Edward Curtis in Remnants of the West (Dubuque Museum of Art, 2017) and continues to evolve through books and portfolios inspired by his four-year Pikes Peak project and the legacy of his ancestor, Edwin James.
David Clack
David spent 45 years as a professional photographer, selling his work across the United States and internationally. For more than 17 years, he owned and operated the Illustrated Light gallery in Old Town Fort Collins. An award-winning photographer and experienced exhibition judge, he has developed a discerning eye for exceptional imagery.
If you are looking for a mentor:
Send an email to
- Your question or area of interest—be as specific as possible. For example: equipment, Photoshop, Lightroom, portfolio critique, composition, lighting, etc.
- Your expectations. Mentors are asked to help people find solutions, not be long term personal tutors.
- How you wish to be contacted; email? phone?
- We will help you find a mentor who is a good fit for your needs.
If you are a member and would like to volunteer as a mentor:
LPS runs on volunteers—it's what makes the group vibrant and successful. If you are a current LPS member and would like to become a mentor, let us know what area(s) you are interested in. This helps us connect you with the right individuals.
To become a mentor click HERE to email the Club Mentor Chair. Note that you must log in first.