Esta Soy Yo: Shape and Form

Esta Soy Yo offers a space for our students to use photography as the basis for self-exploration. This semester, students reflected on the intersectionality of their identities and how they’re represented in their families, in loved ones, in memories, and even in tangible objects. Presenting these reflections and expressions in their many shapes and forms via photobooks and mixed media pieces, our students begin their own journeys of growth as they’re grounded in what they value and where they gain their strength.

TEACHING ARTISTS: Coffee Kang and Emily Berl
TEACHING ARTIST ASSISTANT: Jax Borrego
MENTORS: Alondra Costilla, Ambar Navarro, Dianne Preciado, Evelyn Hang Yin, Gaby Biasi, Harper Kennington, Josie Rodriguez, Lani DeSoto, Lorena Ochoa, and Michelle Nieweg

ESY A

ESY B

Alé Rivas, age 16

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Everything is based on intimacy in relationships, romantic and platonic—the warmth and tenderness that happens when no one is watching. Your world lights up to a soft orange hue. Elements of passion and happiness create a beautiful aura. It’s cliché, but with the right person, nothing else matters. You may have even put someone on a pedestal without knowing, seeking their approval and attention. The warmth is suddenly gone.

I choose to be the subject of every photo because of how intimate the whole process felt. The lighting represented the soul of my partner. How bright it shines in my world and how much space I let it take up. As the story progresses, it changes its softness to a more cold tone, symbolizing us drifting. The background lighting also changes when I absorb their emotions by staying together, losing myself in them.

ABOUT ME

My name is Alé Rivas, and I am from the Inland Empire. I am 16 years old and a junior in high school. I consider myself an artistic person exploring and experimenting with different art mediums. I express myself best through my paintings and drawings. The people who I see as my family are the reason behind who I am and are an influence on my life. Their stories are a part of me, and I hope to share that. My sister is my biggest inspiration and guidance. She reminds me that I am capable and worthy of self-love. Because of her, I have gained confidence in what I do. I am at my full potential when in a space where I feel most comfortable enough to express myself.

Everything.

Aranza Trujillo, age 17

ABOUT ME

Aranza Trujillo is a 16-year-old first-generation Latina. Her pronouns are she/her/hers. Aranza loves to capture beautiful moments, whether taking pictures on a disposable camera, phone, Instax, or digital camera. She would say she is a devoted and responsible person and is determined to try new things and meet new people. Her biggest inspiration is both of her parents, which she grew up seeing struggle to find a job because of their legal status. They have always encouraged Aranza to take advantage of all the opportunities that come her way. Although her parents came here with nothing, they did their best to provide for their family. One thing Aranza admires about herself is that she is a caring person, and hopes she can express this through the use of photography. She wishes to continue exploring photography, poetry, and different mixed-media pieces. After high school, Aranza hopes to continue her photography practice and build her portfolio as she transitions into college.

 
 

Raíz de Amor.

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: In my zine Rooted, I dedicated this project to describe my roots in my religion, culture, love, and family. Through my artwork, I try to represent my background and values that have influenced my perspective on the world. For me, being rooted means being in touch with journeys I have encountered that have altered my thinking. These can be moments I shared with my family or my experience with love. I have also included a few words in the back of the zine which hold a deeper meaning. Although sharing my poetry can be a vulnerable experience, I believed this poem heavily resonated with my photographs and decided to include it. I hope the audience learns more about me as a person and connects with the images and the poem in unique ways.

Ashley Romero, age 15

ABOUT ME

My name is Ashley Romero Gomez. I am 15 years old and a 10th grader at James A. Garfield High School. This semester is my 4th semester with the Las Fotos Project. In the past, I enjoyed participating in Esta Soy Yo and Digital Promotoras classes. I've been highly encouraged to grow both individually and as a photographer by the previous classes at Las Fotos Project. I enjoy using photography as a way to see myself as something different and find new ways to see the world through a different lens (no pun intended). This semester, I was able to connect with myself on a deeper emotional level. My inspiration is my sister Maria. She has paved a pathway for me to be who I am because she has taught me to be true to myself. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, and I am always on the lookout for Gothic Literature and horror fiction books, especially Isak Dinesen and Silvia Moreno-Garcia.

 
 

Unknown.

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Learning to embrace and understand my feelings has been a difficult journey. I have never really felt seen on an emotional level. Lately, I have tried to understand how I feel and be ok with my feelings, even though it can be difficult. The title of my zine is 'Unknown' for many reasons, but the main one is that feelings have always been unknown to me in different ways. Feelings are the one truth that has my brain scrambling for an understanding. The zine begins with a picture of me in a black dress with pages all around and a rose coming out— blooming in a place you would have never thought. Throughout the zine, there are many stages of my life. From the corner of my elementary school to the different routes I take every day and finally, the path to my house. When the zine is opened, you can see a letter that I wrote to myself. It's a letter I have written my feelings on, just like the zine.

Atlantis Dance, age 16

ABOUT ME

My name is Atlantis Dance (she/her). I’m 16 years old. I’m half Mexican, a quarter Vietnamese, and a quarter Black. I’m a Taurus, and my favorite color is green. I was born in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. I grew up in Venice Beach and moved to Minnesota when I was 10. I moved back to LA four years later. It is my second year living in Boyle Heights. I’m a Junior at Grand Arts Visual & Performing Arts School. In my free time, I enjoy journaling, meditating, going to the beach, thrifting for clothes, doing my makeup, and taking pictures. I’m self-aware, curious, open-minded, intuitive, big-hearted, introverted, particular, observant, emotionally mature, and down to earth. I hope my career allows me to travel and discover fashion and food from all around the world. I would also like to have a perfume and candle business.

 
 

Before a Peaceful Sleep.

I took this photo after I made my bed. My cat started kneading the blanket, and the moment was calm and quiet. I feel like this photo represents me well because I love to relax and make my room cozy. The painting on my wall is by Gustav Klimt. My mom and I have had that painting ever since I could remember, and we say that the mother and child represent us.

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: I focused on taking photos of times that felt surreal and made me feel good. I enjoy taking pictures of nature and warm-colored lighting. My goal for my photos is to enjoy being in the moment because I’m in my head too often. I have a lot of anxiety, so photography helps me capture positive moments. I want others to feel at ease when they see my photos. I love being a part of LFP because of the great opportunities and exposure to artists outside our class. Working with the other students has been fun because I love seeing everyone’s projects. It gives me inspiration for future projects of mine. Creating a collage type of book with my photos has been my favorite project we’ve done at LFP.

Brooke Kamille, age 18

ABOUT ME

Brooke Kamille is a young experimental photographer pursuing a career in nursing. With her passion for finding new forms of self-expression, Brooke began experimenting with film photography, using point shoots, spending her paycheck to buy film, and excitedly getting her images developed. This led her to the Las Fotos Project, which exposed her to her newfound skill of digital photography. Now, using photography as a form of self-exploration of identity and as a self-documentary. Growing up in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles, her home has always brought a diversity of individuals from different walks of life, opening her eyes to all that’s out there. Exposing herself to as many opportunities as possible, Brooke is currently uncertain of the career path she wants to take but with the influence and support of her loved ones, she can find guidance in this world of uncertainty.

 
 

LOS COMPAÑEROS, en negro y blanco.

COMPANION: [noun] a person with whom one spends a lot of time with. A photo of raw intimacy, I wanted to portray one of the many emotional connections one can have with their companion. I loved sharing this moment with my partner. We never had the chance to capture such an intimate moment with one another. This is ABRAHAM: my companion.

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This semester, I delved into the many parts of myself inside and outside of the studio. Las Fotos Project allowed me to explore new forms of self-expression through art. My focus was exploring my relationships. I have learned that connection with others has always been significant for me, but deciding which are healthy and which are holding me down is prevalent in my photo book. Above all, I’ve learned to have a relationship with myself. I question, “what do I truly want?” because I’ve struggled to understand who I am, but I’m growing with who I am. The LFP (Las Fotos Project) community was able to release these questions and emotions I carried with me, and I was able to express myself in refreshing ways.

Emma Gonzalez, age 16

ABOUT ME

My name is Emma Gonzalez. I’m 15 years old and don’t know what I will do with my life. I feel as though everything around me is moving quickly— I can’t stop and take a breather. Being busy with school and sports, it feels as if life is passing by quickly. While this isn’t always a bad thing, I feel left out. Taking on a photography class during my freshman year of high school allowed me to realize the importance of taking pictures. I began to take photos of everything from winter sunsets to friends at school and family events. Looking back on my photos, I know I captured images that make me feel like I didn’t miss out on too much. Being able to relive moments of my life through photographs helped me realize that I have had a good time in everything I do during the short time I have been in high school.

 
 

Gracias Srta. Rubiales.

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This zine, Gracias Srta. Rubiales is dedicated to my Spanish teacher. When I was in middle school, a language was required to take. In the four years I took Spanish, I learned to write and read fluently in Spanish, then took AP Spanish Language and Literature. Ms. Rubiales would help me overcome my public speaking fear and help shape the person I am today. I wanted to show the appreciation I have for her and all teachers. Growing up with teachers as parents, I can understand the mistreatment from students and staff they receive. Not only has this created a poor work environment, but it has also forced many out of the profession. While this is not the case for all educators, many don’t receive the recognition they deserve. In this attempt to spotlight my teacher, I want to thank all the educators for their dedication.

Eztli De Jesus, age 16

ABOUT ME

Hi! My name is Eztli. I’m 16 and from East LA / Boyle Heights. My biggest inspirations come from the people I love, which are my friends and family. They inspire me to do what I enjoy, and seeing them be resilient and get through their struggles helps me believe in my strength. Art has been an impactful part of my life ever since I was young, and I love exploring every aspect of it. After high school, I’d love to pursue a career in the film industry and travel the world! I enjoy listening to music, reading books, taking road trips, Matcha, and Chai, and I love sushi! I like doing photography on the side, and this is my second semester being a part of Las Fotos. Being involved in Las Fotos is great because I get to learn so much from everyone around me, and it’s an amazing experience that opens up so many opportunities. I’m excited to come up with new ideas and explore my creativity this semester.

 
 

Tonantzin.

I wanted my final photograph to be a self-portrait because I rarely allow myself to be the one in the frame. I notice beauty in others but rarely look for it in myself. This project allowed me to feel more comfortable in my skin and appreciate my body for everything it does for me. I hope everyone can find beauty in themselves someday because we are all worthy of self-love.

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: My project was an adventure from the start. I didn’t have a specific idea planned, but it allowed me to learn. This semester, I wanted to explore more with studio lights, candid photography, and self-portraits. I wasn’t able to shoot in the studio this semester. However, I improvised a studio setup for my final photo. It forced me to get creative at home. My ESYA class has helped me so much in my artistic journey. In the future, I hope to bring pieces of my culture and loved ones into my work and accentuate my creative talent in the studio. I think photography is one of the most powerful, beautiful tools to exist. I feel so lucky to be a part of a program that allows me to explore my identity through photography, and hope to use my photography to represent my community.

Georgina Valencia, age 17

ABOUT ME

My name is Georgina, and I am a senior at John Marshall High School in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. I've been interested in expressing myself creatively since I was very young but got discouraged much of the time and lacked motivation. However, I found comfort in journaling and eventually developed an interest in photography which I now consider one of my favorite hobbies. My favorite pictures to take are those of landscapes and scenery. I have recently started exploring portraiture more and find this interesting as well. Most of my interests revolve around self-expression because they serve as a way to relieve stress. After I graduate, I want to study English and pursue a career in education.

 
 

Motherhood.

My mother planting flowers at my grandmother's grave.

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Over the semester, I focused on photographing my family through portraits and capturing the things and places that reminded me of them. I remembered my grandmother while taking photographs relating to our culture and extended family and honored my father through photos of his handwriting and favorite hobbies. I photographed my family along with my closest friends to show the resilience that resulted from our close bond.

Hailey Guerrero, age 18

ABOUT ME

My name is Hailey Guerrero. I am 18 years old and a current freshman at ELAC. I’m a GuataSalviexican (Guatemalan, Salvadoran, Mexican - American). I am an August Virgo, and I love love love music. I was born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in both Echo Park and Boyle Heights. I have always wanted to be an artist. I love to capture the moment and tell stories about myself, my culture, my community, and the people around me. I am passionate about being a voice for the people. I want my art and photography to impact a person’s life. Growing up, one of my biggest creative inspirations was my dad. He has always supported me when it comes to my art and has taught me to express myself. I want my photos to be a reflection, even if I am not in the photo. I want to be a professional photographer, capturing photos of concerts, different countries, different people, etc. I want people to look at what I do and say 'Hailey did that.'

 
 

Barajas.

Barajas in Spanish means a deck of cards. In life, you have to take what you are dealt. Barajas is the last name of my dad. I took this photo during a mini carne asada he threw for my birthday. My brother posed for me. Little did I know that this would be my last birthday with my dad. Although it wasn’t a big party, he made me feel special, and it was one of my favorite birthdays. My dad was one of my biggest supporters. I love to honor him through my photos.

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Taking photos while trying to come up with what I wanted in my photobook was somewhat of a challenge. Things would come up during planned shoots, so I felt I wasn’t doing my best. I later realized while putting my book together, I took more raw, in-the-moment photos and captured the feeling of that specific moment. Toward the end of the photobook process, my father passed away. I felt so lost and alone and sidetracked. I wanted to honor him through my work, as I’ve always tried to do. I made a collage of photos I took of him and highlighted him as much as I could. This photobook helped me connect more with myself— I feel more secure of myself as a person because I was able to express myself in it.

Itzel Ramos, age 19

ABOUT ME

My name is Itzel Ramos. I am a first-generation immigrant student currently studying Biology and Chicanx Studies. I was born in Sinaloa, Mexico, but I grew up in the Bay Area. My passions include health care, educational equity, and immigrant rights. I like to explore the intersectionalities of identity through digital photography. This includes photographing my friends, family, myself, and objects to convey my community. I center my art on the various creative practices I learned growing up with my grandmother. Whether through food, fashion, or crochet, I know that all art can bring us together and make a difference within our communities. With this in mind, I use photography to show the beauty and struggles of the people I love most. From activism to exploration, my community will always be the center of my dedication.

 
 

Seeds.

In this photograph, I wrote “wetback” with red paint on my back. I also put flowers around me to symbolize the ability to sprout despite others trying to bury us. By using different colors, almost all bright, I wanted to give a different message than the one you can see. It was my choice to look serious and unfazed. I want to show that even if we are recognized by these titles, we continue to show resilience and grow beautifully.

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Our community has expressed resiliency, sometimes without using words. In this project, I use photography as a remembrance and tie my identity as an immigrant, which has often felt dismembered and taken away from me back together. 'Hecho pedazos' translation, broken to pieces. I use old photographs, local immigrant issues, my room, and self-portrait to portray that in a raw and vulnerable way. I used self-portraits to express certain issues because I want the viewer to feel understood but pieced back as I have throughout this project. I try to evoke a sense of nostalgia and resilience with colors and untouched items inside my room and outside. It was crucial for me to portray myself in an unfiltered way by not thinking about the process as something that has to be perfect but rather something that has to be true to who I am and what I feel. Through this photo book, I hope to breathe life back into my identity that has been hidden, lost, and silenced.

Jessica Barroso, age 17

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: With the theme of shape and form in mind— I photographed various aspects of my identity this semester. I portrayed many memories and feelings through still lifes, candid shots, and portraits. I focused on personal traits I am proud of and others I struggle to accept. While taking images of my family’s Dia De Los Muertos ofrenda, I embrace my Mexican roots with great pride. With the help of this project, I also faced one of my biggest insecurities, being fat. In a photograph where I am half-naked, I allow myself to admire elements of myself that others might find unappealing. Although I struggle in finding time and energy to create photographs that are meaningful to me, the process of capturing significant places, people, and objects was incredibly healing.

ABOUT ME

Jessica Barroso (she/her) is a 17-year-old artist from South Central Los Angeles. Raised by immigrant parents, her upbringing and community have influenced the art she creates and has inspired her to share her story. Jessica began her journey in photography earlier this year through Las Fotos Project, and it is now one of her favorite things to do. Through her work, Jessica explores different aspects of her identity, such as her Latino culture, queerness, and womanhood (to name a few). Jessica creates art because it is healing and believes it is therapeutic, not only to the artist but to the audience who can connect with a great piece of work. While photography is not her only passion, she is grateful to have found a healthy hobby that has impacted her remarkably. Jessica hopes to gain more confidence in herself and her skills by continuing to practice photography and sharing it with her community.

MY Body.

i sit here tonight almost nude/ working up the courage to shoot/ a photo of myself where i am almost nude/ i hide in my room, door locked/ i can accept myself, but the world outside cannot/ again making me question/ if i love myself/ but this is the only body i’ve ever known/ the only one that has ever known me/ that every winter has shielded me from the cold/ if not this, what else?

Josefina Chavez, age 16

ABOUT ME

My name is Josefina Chavez. I am a 16-year-old Latina brought up in the heart of Los Angeles. If you truly know me, you know how important art is to my life. I’m in love with the world through my eyes, and I love to share that part of me with others through art. Being a Latina, I adore my culture and try to represent it in any way possible with pride. This part of me strongly comes through in my art, photos, music, and being a mariachi. The two people I admire are my father, Marco Chavez, and my tia, Anna Avilez. They are full of resilience, hard workers, and kind. My father and tia have shaped me into the person I am today. I could speak about them forever, how they always have the best energy in the room, can talk anyone’s ears off, and how in love I am with their characters.

 
 

Abrazame Más Fuerte.

Originally I intended to take pictures of family photos in my arms. As I looked down at the photo of my parents holding me, I couldn’t remember the last time love existed mutually as a family. A present father, an absent mother, there’s always room for tears. Sharing this photo exposes my vulnerability. Sometimes, all we need is a hug from our mothers. Sometimes I wish mine would hug me a little tighter.

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Growing up, my family encouraged me to be involved with my culture and represent it so I could carry it down through a new generation. My photographs from this year were related to parts of my identity. I focused on self-portraits to tackle my insecurity about being in front of the camera, and I've always loved the idea of having pictures as physical memories. I love to capture and look back on old chapters of my life. I go after every hobby that interests me. Las Fotos has allowed me to explore another creative outlet. I loved being able to learn and work with so many talented people. I admire all their different visions. My biggest outtake from this semester was self-love. Las Fotos helped me be consistent with the practices that helped me love and know myself.

Karime Cebada, age 17

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: When I look at my photos, there is always a hint of orange. For me, orange symbolizes fall, daily walks, and comfort. I took these photos on my daily walks outside. The moon was my primary subject. Its shape and color during the fall season captured my interest. I started the project focusing on bright colors and portraiture. These opportunities didn’t always present themselves. To get the picture I wanted, I had some difficulties with my camera and learned new techniques to adapt. I discovered I enjoy taking pictures in nature. I keep my eyes and mind open to the smallest details. Expanding this project looks like using more portraiture and retro styles of lighting. I find connections to my homeland through the photos I take. Seeing the moon reminds me of the sky in Mexico. I’m hopeful that I’ll see that sky again one day.

ABOUT ME

Karime Cebada is a 17-year-old born in Jilotepec, Mexico, and raised in Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles. She attends Roosevelt High School and is where she gets to learn more about photography. Karime’s passion for photography started when she heard about astrophotography. Ever since she was young, she loved the stars and moon and enjoyed learning about astronomy. The night sky and landscapes are common subjects in her photography. Karime wants her art to help people to appreciate what they take for granted. Karime wants to challenge the idea that Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles are known to have an unwelcoming reputation with no love for the land. Through her photography, she hopes to change perspectives and attitudes toward the land. She hopes people find comfort and peace while looking at her photos.

Where I Belong.

Jack, as I took this photo, I felt like you knew what your passion was. You remind me of a quiet and observant little girl. I acted like I knew so little. The way you listen to everything I say with so much excitement. Where you come from is calm and mellow, just like you, but you secretly loved the loud excitement of Los Angeles.

Kimberly Murillo, age 17

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: “Con mi amiga…” tells a tale of friendship— Between girls, there are often feelings of envy, so I wanted to create a piece that not only celebrated female friendships but also inspired girls to uplift each other. The first spread showcases my beautiful friend Catarina, it portrays her the way I view her— a beautiful creation of nature. The second spread celebrates the friendship of Valeria and Mary Jane. When creating their spread, I knew I wanted to do so in a manner that was reminiscent of the initials lovers carve on trees. The last spread features images of myself taken by my friend Catarina. Since I included images that demonstrate how I view her, I thought it would be beautiful to include images that show how she views me. When you open the zine, you are presented with a friend that discreetly follows everyone around: loneliness.

ABOUT ME

My name is Kimberly Murillo (she/her). I am 17 years old and a senior at Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet High School. I was born in Monterrey Park, but I have lived in Huntington Park all my life. I am of Mexican descent, so my culture influences my work. In my photos, I like to pay homage to my culture by including subtle cultural elements. My grandmother has been a big inspiration to me. Since I was little, I have seen my grandma create, which inspired me to create art of my own. I have always been interested in photography, which heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over quarantine, I began taking self-portraits to document my changes throughout the pandemic. Self-portraiture is a style of photography I continue to explore at Las Fotos Project. I am grateful that through Las Fotos Project, I can pursue my interest in photography more in-depth.

Back of "Con mi amiga..."

Leah Flores, age 15

ABOUT ME

My name is Leah Flores. I am a 15-year-old Mexican-American queer teen photographer based in Los Angeles. I was born to teen parents in a low-income minority household and spent much of my time moving from place to place. Having my environment change constantly, I learned to adapt quickly. I enjoy spending most of my free time alone in my room, listening to music, experimenting with my style, and even playing with different makeup looks. I am curious about the world around me and learning more about myself. When I’m older, I hope to continue to be able to express myself through my art and create a portfolio I am proud of. My goal for the near future is to apply to and attend the California State Summer School for the Arts and further my education and skills in art. I am interested in pursuing photojournalism, as it allows me to tell a story in a single photo.

 
 

Mamá.

This is my grandma. She is the oldest of 14 kids and raised 6 of her own. She is one of the most hardworking people I know and has provided not only for her family but also for her community. It was her birthday, we all got together to celebrate. In this photo, we are using sign language to sing happy birthday. I wanted to document this moment with my family while we signed the word “Mom.”

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: My project is about connections or relationships with people around you. Recently I have started a new chapter in my life with new experiences and new people. I started to think about the people I have in my life and my relationships with them, whether it's family, old friends, new friends, or acquaintances. I wanted to photograph people in the moment, capturing the memory. One of the things I like best about photography is everyone sees the world in their unique way. Taking a photo is a way for someone else to look at the world the way you do or relive a moment you experienced. During my time with LFP, I explored different parts of myself and everything around me. I have become more comfortable with myself. With that as my motivation, what started as simple practice became a project I'm very proud of.

Madelaine Garcia, age 17

ABOUT ME

My name is Madelaine Garcia, I use she/her pronouns, and I am 17. I am an older sister and also Guatemalan. I was born and raised in Los Angeles and currently live near Koreatown. My biggest inspiration is my mom. She inspires me in many ways, from moving here on her own to raising my brother and me. It makes me proud to have her as a mother. I have found an interest in wanting to become an art director. I am still deciding what path to take to reach that goal, but I know everything will line up in the end regardless of whichever path I choose.

 
 

Tender Heart.

A tender heart has a love for various things, such as people and memories they have created. A heart that has been taken advantage of, but then discovered a love for myself. Keeping the drawn-out heart close to my chest symbolizes my love for myself while also cherishing those memories. The photo captures me in a vulnerable state while also showing my roots with my traditional earrings and shawl, both handmade from my Tierra querida Guatemala.

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Working on this project opened doors for me and allowed me to develop my voice and gain experience showing my art through photography. I was surrounded by a supportive community for this project while also having control over what I wanted to showcase. It is satisfying to look through my photos and remember how I felt when I took them. Furthermore, enjoying other people's works and seeing how they portray themselves in this project helped me understand them on a deeper level, which helped me create bonds. Having a mentor through all of this was appreciated because they taught me many lessons on how to improve my photos and critiqued my work in a way that didn't discourage me. Instead, it helped me create more ideas for this project, which made me feel more confident in the photos I took each week.

Marilyn Flores, age 15

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: My swing has a history. In 1975, when my mom was only 3, My grandfather placed a swing in front of the house to overlook Trinity Recreational Park. My mom talks to me about a time when the swing was a seesaw. The seesaw would attract all the kids that came to the park. One day the chain broke, and all the kids went flying off it. The swing has changed over the years, but the chain links remain the same. My grandpa added this new addition for my oldest brother Junior. Who is now 30 years old. He passed it down to my brother, who then passed it down to me. I spend countless hours swinging on my swing. I listen to music and get lost in my world, listening to the birds chirping. I do my morning stretches and watch the sunset. I love my swing.

ABOUT ME

My name is Marilyn Flores, and I am 15 years old. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. I am a sophomore at West Adams High School. I am an artist who enjoys singing on my swing and loves to collect vintage dolls and theme park stuffed animals. I enjoy painting, drawing, and taking photographs. I love creating Tik Tok videos and dream of becoming a make-up artist for photo shoots or movie sets. I am friendly but can be an introvert. Although I am an introvert, I love singing Disney songs and enjoy listening to jazz. I like to meet people who are interested in the same things. I love to ride big roller coasters and travel with my madre whom I admire. This past year, I’ve learned to sing the lyrics of songs that I enjoy. I hope I learn to ride my bike before the year ends. I hope people can accept me and embrace my neurodiversity.

My Swing.

Millie Lombera, age 16

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Adentro y afuera translates to inside and outside. The front and back covers of the zine represent how I show myself on the outside— quiet and serene. Meanwhile, when the zine is open, you start to see all the different layers and imperfections that make me the person I am today. A style found in this zine is a frame within frame photography and double exposure. This helps to show, what you may see on the outside, is not always what’s happening on the inside. Through this project, I explored the idea that we can be many different versions of ourselves. What people think they know about me may change once they get to know me better. It takes time and dedication to uncover a person's story, and we may be hiding certain parts of ourselves on purpose. The point is to find this journey within ourselves, too.

ABOUT ME

My name is Millie Lombera (she/her). I’m 16 years old and an 11th grader at Roosevelt High School. I was born and raised in Boyle Heights. I come from two very hard-working immigrant parents who inspire me to work hard. They have shown me my advantages and not to take them for granted. Living in a creative area where people have different talents has made me a curious person who wants to learn about everything the world has to offer. At some points, I felt intimidated by how many talented people lived here— this made me feel like I never belonged anywhere. Then I came to Las Photos. This program has given me so much joy and support in discovering myself. I’m still unsure what I want to do in the future, but I feel a little more at home.

adentro y furea.

Selene Medina, age 18

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: My project focuses on the different aspects of myself and who I am. Before beginning this project, I felt very closed off and unsure of how to portray myself. Identity is complex and personal, and it's impossible to restrict ourselves to one box, so I captured myself in several different forms. I decided to represent myself through specific details I note throughout my day. As I navigated through this semester, I learned more about myself and how I view myself. Being surrounded by many creative people made it much easier to get inspiration and motivation to express myself correctly. As the semester progressed, I began to feel more confident in my decisions and how effectively I depicted who I am and what I represent.

ABOUT ME

My name is Selene Medina. I use they/she pronouns. I am an 18-year-old from Lincoln Heights and currently attend Cal State LA. I enjoy taking pictures of my community and highlighting details that make it unique. I take photos for people to see the beauty in low-income neighborhoods while also bringing awareness to the racial injustice that occurs around us. Other art forms, especially music, have always helped me with inspiration for taking pictures.

¿quién soy?

Over the years, I have become more self-critical of who I am. As I look deeper into myself, I find my younger self and see how much I've grown and how much I've stayed true to myself.

Sophia Quintero, age 16

ABOUT ME

My name is Sophia Quintero, and I use she/her pronouns. I am Mexican Honduran. I was born in Long Beach but grew up in LA. I am 15 years old and in 11th grade at Cortines High School of Visual and Performing Arts. The words I would use to describe myself are kind, introverted, intelligent, and tall. I would love to be an actor, whether that’s for movies or theatre. I like that I’m independent. I feel I’ve always preferred to work alone, but collaborating is something I’ve learned to do. Elizabeth Olsen inspires me to become a better actor— I love her in movies. I also like Johnny Depp. The variety of characters he can play is impressive. Some turning points were when I moved schools. I was super nervous, but I’m happier at this school. I think I’m more content at this point in my life overall.

 
 

Two Homes.

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: My zine is about my home, and due to having divorced parents, I have two. I have always had two homes my whole life, and I wanted to share that through my zine. The images I presented are quiet images of windows and little knick-knacks of objects my dad has. I used these images because they matter to me, like the rose from my dad’s wedding, which my now stepmom gave me during the ceremony. The little green light across the way reminds me of home. The succulents on the kitchen window are my mom’s. She loves plants, even if she can’t always take care of them. The greek sculpture is something in my dad’s house. He has a love for antique objects. His whole house is full of old-looking stuff, and as he’s always said to me, he was born in the wrong century.

Sky Cruz, age 19

ABOUT ME

My name is Sky Cruz. I am a 19-year-old Mexican-American photographer from Monterey Park. I enjoy exploring my community with my family, shopping, grabbing coffee, and trying different foods at new restaurants. In my spare time, I love reading books at home (especially fiction and YA novels) and practicing my painting skills. Recently my family and I started a monthly themed painting group, where we paint with an audience on Facebook Live. I am also working on my vegan and cruelty-free makeup line, Heavenly Sisters. I like my photographs to focus on the present and capture personal things. Whether it be of my family or our daily adventures, I continue to make these moments the focus of my photography. I am also beginning to experiment with still-lifes, self-portraits, and collages. This semester at Las Fotos Project, I am working on improving my self-portraits because I am interested in doing fashion photography in the future.

 
 

The Splitting Image of My Mother.

In this photo shoot, I dressed as my mom did in high school. She had bright red hair and long eyelashes and loved wearing her favorite team jerseys or t-shirts. My self-portrait gives people an idea of what my mom looked like as a teenager through me. Even though my mom gave me the idea for this shoot, taking the photo with graffiti art in the background was my choice because it incorporated my modern style with a ’90s outfit.

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This year my main focus was to become more comfortable photographing self-portraits. I wanted to show my identity apart from my family— the people I value and spend the most time with. I wanted my portraits to show off my creative side. This year I wanted to do something different and put myself in front of the camera. I took on the challenge and vowed to overcome the anxiety and fear I feel in front of the camera. Overcoming my fear, I took interesting photos and photographed those I felt closest to. Every photo I took this semester evoked an array of emotions in people. Whether it be happiness, fear, or amusement—whenever my ideas come to life, I feel my confidence at its highest. I hope to create more visually stunning photos in the future.

Vincent Rosado, age 16

ABOUT ME

I’m Vincent Rosado, a 15-year-old musician, artist, and sophomore in high school at Los Angeles College Prep Academy. I am Chicano, born in Boyle Heights, and have lived in Los Angeles all my life. I always enjoy taking Las Fotos Project classes, especially Esta Soy Yo, because it has helped me immensely in defining and shaping who I am now as a person. I love my Mexican culture and love to include it in my art. In addition, I love going to Mexico with my family every year and spending time with my grandpa and family there. I enjoy and appreciate all kinds of art, and I want to contribute to it by improving my music skills as well as becoming a cinematographer and filmmaker. I love to express my thoughts and feelings through my art and receive feedback from other artists.

 
 

Mexico City on film, July 2022.

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Mexico (City) on film, July 2022— The city I always hear about but only went to when I was small and never remembered the experience until this Summer. These images represent how I see Mexico City. Honestly, that trip was a transformative experience that I hold dearly. When we go to Mexico (Baja California), we always see my grandpa Arturo, who I care deeply about. He is one of the only people with who I can be myself without being judged. I met some family members who I had never met before on this trip, including my tia Natalie, who is super cool. We connected immediately when we met, and her dad, Tio Marcos, was also helpful and nice. This trip was something that I’ll remember through all of the good and bad experiences. I enjoyed it all, and it made me feel connected to my culture.

Yulissa Gonzalez, age 17

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Memories of a Vivid Past reimagines my childhood memories and the foundation of my identity. Creating a project based on identity and self has been the most challenging thing to do. I struggled to take self-portraits because of the vulnerability that comes along with them. In order to discover different aspects of my identity, I had to explore the foundation that my identity was built on; my childhood. In our adolescence, we often recall sounds, scents, and visuals that have the power to transport us to a familiar time or place from our past. I wanted to resemble these childlike memories that are embedded into my memory, and capture the feeling of being a child again. This zine takes a chronological path of memorable times; from primary school to my abuelito’s garden, to new memories I am creating as I grow older.

ABOUT ME

Yulissa Gonzalez is a 17-year-old Mexican-American artist. She grew up in Los Angeles, where her passion for art ignited. Art paved the way for her to embrace her Mexican heritage and envision stories that deserve to be told in her community. Yulissa expresses her creativity through a variety of artistic mediums such as digital illustration, silkscreen, painting, and recently photography. Her artwork focuses on the visual storytelling of Black, Brown, and Indigenous people. Yulissa is determined to become a professional artist and attain a degree in illustration. She distributes her art throughout LA with her murals, stickers, and screen-printed shirts and tote bags! She has enhanced her artwork with the help of mentors in different mediums and practices. Yulissa gravitates towards any opportunity to participate and intern at many large art companies. Her work has been highlighted by many professional artists like graphic designers at Nike, photo curators at Netflix, and animators from the Discovery Channel!

Page 1 & 2 of Memories of a Vivid Past.

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