NEDERLAND — Ryan Storey’s gift for telling stories through his photography isn’t lost on those who have experienced his talents.

Kerri Hayes remembers working with Storey when she taught journalism at Nederland High School.

“Ryan is a great student and all around great kid. I loved his enthusiasm for photography,” Hayes, now a counselor at Central Middle School, said. “He would often come and ask me questions and tell me about shoots he had done. He has a real gift for telling a story through his pictures. He has learned how to capture the emotions of the moments that he is shooting, not just the people.”

Hayes said that Storey takes every opportunity to learn more and is not afraid of criticism because he understands that it helps him be a better photographer.

Storey, a senior at Nederland High School, is in his fourth year of journalism and is a head photographer who also designs pages for the yearbook.

“I’ve always been interested in photography but I didn’t start taking it seriously until I was in my sophomore year when Ms. (Kerri) Hayes gave us a lesson on photography. It sparked something,” Storey said.

Storey is a familiar face on campus taking photos during certain sporting events and has done some photography outside school.

Brian Hillsten, journalism teacher, commends Storey for his work and his work ethic.

“He is always dependable,” Hillsten said. “When I need someone to take photos I can count on him to step up.”

Storey will soon have additional work duties within the journalism department, helping to train the younger students about photography, Hillsten said.

Even though photography is a big part of his life it’s not what Storey wants to do for a career.

“My goal has been to go into the medical field since my freshman year,” Storey said.

Storey plans to attend Lamar University and major in either nursing or engineering, he said.

Ryan Storey is the son of Michael Storey and Lori Storey.

Mary Meaux: 409-721-2429

Twitter: @MaryMeauxPANews