Fin Boots '26: From Classroom to Gallery Walls
April 29, 2026
This year, Fin Boots ’26 has been recognized for his work in photography, earning distinction both locally and nationally while continuing to develop his craft at ESD.
Earlier in the school year, Fin was selected to have his work featured in the Dallas Young Artist Exhibition at Blue Print Gallery, a fine art gallery that represents established and emerging artists from around the world. The annual exhibition highlights some of the strongest high school artists across the Metroplex and provides young artists with the opportunity to present their work in a professional gallery setting.
Fin’s selection came after submitting his photography through his AP Photography class at ESD, where students are regularly encouraged to share their work with broader audiences. While the selection process is competitive and juried, the experience itself has already had a meaningful impact on his growth as an artist.
“This is meaningful because since then I have been recognized for more of my photography,” Fin shared.
In addition to his gallery recognition, Fin has also been honored in the annual fall contest hosted by the Association of Texas Photography Instructors (ATPI). Out of more than 6,700 entries submitted by students from over 130 schools nationwide, only 886 images were selected for recognition.
Fin earned two Honorable Mentions: one in Sports Action for Ride for Glory and another in Documentary/Street Photography for Fake Hat. The recognition reflects both his technical skill and his ability to capture compelling moments across different photographic styles.
Fin credits much of his development to ESD’s photography program and the opportunities it provides students to grow and share their work.
“One thing that I would like the readers to know is how fortunate we are as a school to have such a great photography program, and through Mrs. Gonzales, we are presented with various opportunities to submit our work to highly selective competitions,” he said. “Additionally, because of her teachings, we are able to secure multiple students within the top 3 of most competitions.”
Through coursework, competitions, and exhibitions, Fin continues to refine his perspective and expand his portfolio. His experiences reflect the strength of ESD’s visual arts program, where students are encouraged to pursue their creativity, take risks, and engage with the broader artistic community.
