Although already widely recognized because of his Tedx Talk, senior Sam Dykes’s passion for photography continues to shine.

Dykes’ love for photography stemmed from his Photo 1 class that he took in his freshman year. The interest came from his older sister, who he says has always liked the same things as him, so he figured it was worth a shot. After taking the class, he was hooked, taking a photo class every semester after that.

“I believe that photo opened my creative side, allowing for me to see that I enjoy doing creative things,” Dykes said.

Throughout his high school years, Dykes has had his work shown through a fair housing contest and received a Hays photography award. His photos are also on display in several galleries in New York.

No genius is without their mentor. Dykes often cites his photo teacher Angelia Perkins as the one he goes to for help and advice. His classmates have also helped, acting as a brainstorming team when he was short on ideas.

“We kind of bounce ideas off each other,” Dykes said.

His friends are also subject to be used, as both inspiration and models.

“He loves to do it,” senior Hunter Jewell said. “He often asks me or Cam [Cameron Guy] to pose as models,”

Along with photography, Dykes was also a part of the LHS soccer team with Jewell. Although he’s not as passionate about soccer, he was still a valuable member of the team.

“He was a good player and really reliable on defense,” Jewell said.

With his high school career coming to a close, Dykes looks to college, but he’s unsure if he’ll continue with photography.

“I’ll either be going to KU for architecture or the Milwaukee School of Art and Design for industrial design,” Dykes said.