The Peak Digital Imaging Society (PDIS) was established in Colorado Springs, November 8, 2000.
Co-founders Bill Young and Mark Kirkland, both photographers, pioneered this club.
In August of 2000, Bill was searching for the best digital camera to meet his needs. He walked
into Shoemaker’s camera store, Colorado Springs, where he was greeted by Mark. Together
they tried out many different cameras, practicing various lighting situations with the same shot.
Bill remarked: “I bet I am not the only one who wants to learn about different cameras before
purchase.” After this challenging practice session, Bill purchased a Nikon D-990 camera.
A bond formed between these two photographers, resulting in a camera club with monthly
meetings. This friendship began a journey into digital imaging photography, inviting new
members to join them along the way. Eventually, two PDIS members were honored as
“Colorado Professional of the Year” recipients.
Meetings started in Old Colorado City with a small room located in a bank. Within six months,
the group grew from three members to fifty, relocating to various venues until approximately
350 members were on the mailing list – including photographers from Egypt, Spain, Germany,
Switzerland, Canada, and Mexico. Club dues were never initiated by leadership teams to pay for
speakers or various meeting places. All leaders and participants volunteered their time. This
photo club continued to meet through the years, including Zoom support with PDIS President
Cas Foste during the Covid-19 pandemic.
PDIS hosted some well-known photographers and speakers, such as John Fielder, George Lepp,
Dan Burkholder, David Munch, John Paul Caponigro, Hal Gould, John McClusky, and Jeff Mallo.
Former President Bill Young and former Chairman Mark Kirkland promoted education with
seasoned photographers, themed competitions, instructional workshops, and framed
photographs shown in galleries. These co-founders were guided by a simple mission: “To
interact with others who want to bring joy to their digital imaging experience.” Result? Local art
galleries, stores, and meeting places are graced with extraordinary fine art by PDIS members.
Because of this balanced approach, PDIS attendees developed their individual knowledge, skills
and understanding within the expanding world of photography and digital illustrations – leading
to the processes of higher quality digital imaging, editing, and printing. As the years went by,
amateur camera buffs emerged into their own specialties as photographers.
Some members sold their artwork, started clubs of their own, established art studios, pursued
outdoor adventures, matted and framed their own artwork, built personal websites, created
their own careers, and became mentors in leadership positions. For example, PDIS Member
Robert Gray served as president of the Pikes Peak Arts Council.From the beginning of PDIS history,
competitions have been held three times a year. Selected
judges are invited to critique photo print entries of any size, volunteering their expertise,
interpretations, and time. Their recognition to winners is a highlight for PDIS members.
And, once a year, PDIS members learn how to think like a judge by choosing winners through
collaborating and scoring based on photography criteria. Again, recognition is awarded to PDIS
members who display exceptional examples of artwork.
This club looks forward to quarterly field trips as ways to practice their skills. Most of these field
trips are local but sometimes extend south to Pueblo or north to Denver. We have enjoyed
“shooting” trips to the Paint Mines, Denver Botanic Gardens, Garden of the Gods, Hudson
Gardens, Fountain Creek, The Space Foundation HQ Discovery Center, Cherokee Castle,
Carnivorous Plants, Gabriel Foundation Bird Sanctuary, and the Wild Animal Sanctuary.
PDIS proudly exhibits a Black and White Show in a local gallery each year. This show,
initiated by former President Cas Foste many years ago, continues to be a favorite among our
artists. She curated these shows and encouraged photographers to learn specialized techniques
of black and white digital images or illustrations. These exhibits have been seen at local places
like the Red Brick Wall, the Manitou Art Center, Dream Catchers, Plaza of the Rockies,
Cottonwood Center for the Arts, Shutter and Strum, Academy Art & Frame Co., and Library 21C.
During the past 25 years, there have been four presidents – Bill Young, Cas Foste, Linda Case,
and newly elected Diane Stewart. Each change of leadership brings a new perspective to the
club, while maintaining the original mission and values of the founders. Currently, the club
meets at Library 21C for monthly meetings, held on 4TH Thursdays, except for Nov / Dec.
PDIS history would not be complete without noting our annual Community Outreach Program:
“The Children’s Library Project.” Members mount approximately 100 prints in June and display
them at Library 21C during July and August. These prints are later donated to Hope & Home, a
local children’s foster care service. This program was initiated in 2023, by Linda Case. This year,
2025, this project was enhanced and extended to include teens (13 – 18 years) as recipients.
Our PDIS Communications Officer Larry McGough designed our first website and established a
rhythm of information. Collaborating IT Officer Brenda Herzinger is currently reconstructing a
new website and will send out newsletters, along with flyers as reminders for meetings and
field trips. Additional resources are often added to the PDIS website in preparation for our
educational programs and special speakers. Field trips require registration on our PDIS website.
PDIS continues to welcome new digital imaging artists — from amateurs to experienced
photographers and illustrators. CONTACT US: pdis.club or at the Academy Art & Frame Co.
Original Interview given by PDIS Co-Founder & 1st former President Bill Young.
Interview also given by Cas Foste, 2nd former PDIS President.
June 26, 2025: Written & updated by Linda C. Case, 3rd former PDIS President.