Capturing the Moment: ESD Artistry Shines at the ATPI Fall Awards
January 15, 2026
Across our campus, the click of a shutter is a familiar sound—a rhythmic heartbeat that signals a student is hard at work, learning to see the world from a new perspective. For our photographers, a single frame is more than just a picture; it is an exploration of light, a study of texture, and a moment of profound connection with their surroundings.
While most of the community was enjoying the quiet of the holiday break, the Association of Texas Photography Instructors (ATPI) was busy reviewing the best student work from across the nation. We are thrilled to share that our students emerged as leaders in this prestigious arena.
The ATPI Fall Photo Contest is a significant undertaking and a national benchmark for excellence in student photography. This year, judges evaluated more than 6,700 entries from 130 schools nationwide. Out of that massive pool, only 886 images were selected for recognition. For 13 of our students to be among that number is a testament to the depth of talent and the “eye” for detail fostered in our studios.
Leading the charge was Emory Simpson ’27, who earned First Place in the Animals category for the hauntingly beautiful “Something Found.” Emory’s work also garnered an Honorable Mention in Fine Art/Environmental Portrait for “Ethereal,” showcasing a versatility that spans both the natural and the conceptual.
In the complex Thematic “Layers” category—a challenge that asks students to look past the surface—our students achieved a remarkable sweep. Sophie Kharazi ’26 took Second Place for “Between the Lines,” followed by Riley Morrison ’26 in Third Place for “Lost at Sea,” and Meryl Tydlaska ’28 earning First Honorable Mention for “Nightly Movements.” Together, their work formed a visual dialogue on depth and mystery.
Our portraiture students also stood out for their ability to capture the human spirit. Wilson Smith ’29 received Second Place for his striking studio piece “Half and Half,” while Cassidy Brausa ’28 (“Nebula”) and Curtis Mathes ’27 (“Stare”) each earned Honorable Mentions for their evocative character studies.
The diversity of our students’ interests was on full display across several other categories:
- Ayaan Ali ’27 explored the boundary of reality with an Honorable Mention in Digitally Constructed Work for “Sky Fishing.”
- Fin Boots ’26 captured the energy of the moment with Honorable Mentions in both Sports Action (“Ride for Glory”) and Documentary/Street Photography (“Fake Hat”).
- Ariana Castilleja ’27 reached into the “Open” category to earn an Honorable Mention for “Euphoria.”
- Lizzie Lett ’26 found beauty in the horizon, receiving an Honorable Mention in Landscape for “Reflection of Time.”
- Brooks Prestidge ’26 brought the world home with an Honorable Mention in Travel for “Beyond the Bay.”
- Nahla Whittier ’28 mastered the art of the quiet moment, earning an Honorable Mention in Still Life for “Sonder.”
To receive an award from the ATPI is no small feat. It requires a student not only to master the technical aspects of a camera but also to have the patience to wait for the perfect light and the courage to share their unique vision with the world.
Please join us in celebrating these talented artists. Their success reminds us that at our school, every student has a story to tell—and sometimes, the most powerful way to tell it is without saying a word.
