
ESTA SOY YO: LAYERS
Dear Viewer… The students of Las Fotos Project invite you to a multitude of worlds. The Esta Soy Yo: Layers class is where student photographers are further identified as artists. They used photographic art-making to explore concepts of creativity, identity, and self-discovery.
The students created photo assemblages, collages, and zines to ask significant questions, explore internal dialogues, and leave gentle reminders or messages to their future selves. Both symbols and language are embedded throughout the students’ photographs to intentionally explore their heritage, highlight their daily interactions, and uplift those around them. These artworks reflect fragments from their past along with current passions, worries, hopes, and aspirations. As their confidence grew with each activity, the students became immersed in their emotions and capabilities, to slowly manifest all the layers that make them who they are.
Capturing the beauty around them in this way allows these artists to achieve their maximum expression. At the same time, they encourage the viewer to imagine, find inspiration, and practice kindness to themselves.
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHERS
Alejandra Gonzalez, 17
Anna Vasquez, 16
Betsy Mariano, 17
Haley Santibanez, 17
Ixchel Cruz, 15
Jaanai Alvarez, 17
Janessa Valdez, 17
Myla Aranda, 16
Natalia Barajas, 12
Ruth Gutierrez, 15
Xochitl Cruz, 16
Yvonne De Los Santos, 15
TEACHING ARTIST
Bella Granados
MENTORS
Alejandra De la Fuente, Ana Rivas, Jenna Benty, Julia Chavez, Lisa Amezcua, Martina Ibanez-Baldor, Mayan Alvarado-Goldberg

Alejandra Gonzalez, 17
Alejandra Gonzalez is a young photographer who was born in Las Cruces, New Mexico but currently resides in East Los Angeles. She grew up moving between both the US and Mexico, making it hard for her to keep hobbies, except for one, photography. Even when she did not have the money to buy a camera, she still watched videos on camera settings and equipment. She loved learning how to play around with lighting, double exposure, etc. When she received her first camera, she spent most of the time exploring the medium. In particular, she enjoyed capturing pictures of her family and the beautiful landscape when she would visit her dad in Mexico. Through those photographs, she discovered the art of storytelling. It was not until she joined Las Fotos Project that she truly grew the confidence to further explore her artwork. At the moment, she is working towards her career path in art therapy by learning about different art mediums and their role in healing. In her personal experience, art therapy gives a person the option to communicate verbally or nonverbally while improving mental well-being both physically and emotionally. Her goal is to end the stigma surrounding therapy and mental health in her community.
Hover to the right of my bio and click on the arrow (or swipe on mobile) to read about my project.
My photography usually represents my current state of being— I try to avoid categorizing my art. I enjoy manipulating essential house items into interesting props for my images. Being able to document my mental health journey through photography has helped me stay sane through many hardships. In this class, I learned how to utilize the materials I have at home to give them a new meaning and got to explore my past, my present, and my future while working with mixed media.
#1: Sitting, Waiting, Wishing
For this artwork, I wanted to create an analogy between Halloween movies and anxiety. The Halloween movies I would watch as a child would always have the same plot, wait for the ghosts to come out on Halloween, the day they feel as if they belong, scare the kids, and the protagonists would have to save the day. There’s all this chaos, but at the end of the day, it goes back to normal. I have the same relationship with this mental illness. When I know I’m going out, I get this tension in my chest, however, once I’m socializing I feel as if I belong, and my negative thoughts turn off. Only for me to get home and feel drained, those thoughts turn back on and it goes back to normal.
#2: Homage to the Women I Grew Up With
For project #2 I wanted to illustrate nostalgia. The window represents protection from the outside while bringing light in. Every object here is a memento of the women I grew up with. They remind me of the highs in my childhood, of my grandmas watering their plants, taking my first picture on a point and shoot, and of my sister and I coming home from elementary school and listening to Taylor Swift.
#3: Clean
For this project, I filled my tub with balloons. Growing up, taking showers was doable until I left the people I grew up with. The balloons embody a celebration when I can get myself out of my bed and into the shower. I can think about the future without worrying about how I will get there. The landscape in the background portrays those thoughts of the future while providing comfort. I feel content looking at the details where the sun hits or how the shadows look. The landscape gives me hope, which is hard to find on certain days.

Anna Vasquez, 16
My name is Anna Vasquez. I am a 16 year old photographer based in Los Angeles. Raised in Baldwin Park, California, I am currently a Junior at Sierra Vista High School. I do portraiture/self-portraiture. My work is inspired by my personal style as a way of expressing myself. I started my pursuit of photography 3 years ago by taking pictures of nature and my sister. I have been featured in a few publications such as Brite Light Magazine, ""Migrant Mama"" wheat-pasting and mural, along with the ""Migrant Mama"" Virtual Reality Experience and more.
In the near future, I plan to go to college for photography/art history. Hopefully, I am able to travel the world for photography. One day, I would like to publish a book about my work; showing how far I’ve come!
Hover to the right of my bio and click on the arrow (or swipe on mobile) to read about my project.
I started this class a day before my sixteenth birthday and decided to base my projects on my age and how society/the media has portrayed the teenage years versus how it is. Throughout my pictures, I show how I am still trying to find out who I am and what my purpose is. I hope when looking at my work, you feel and understand the emotions I went through while making this project. I was able to learn more about myself, whether it’s the little things or the harder topics that people tend to stray away from.
#1: Sweet Sixteen
sixteen
Am I supposed to feel different? I am finally sixteen, yet I feel the same. Why isn’t this like the movies? Shouldn’t I suddenly be wiser; I’m finally sixteen. Why don’t I recognize myself? I’m sixteen now, I should look and feel older. I am happy to be sixteen, but why do I feel so sad? Why isn’t anyone celebrating with me? I’m finally sixteen, but why don’t I feel like it. Do you know who you are? I still don’t know who I am.
#2: Get Out of Your Imagination
The image I took is of me in fairy wings. I’m almost halfway into being an adult, and I am still trying to grasp my childhood. When I was little, I would get “trapped” in my imagination. I would tend to make up stories about being a fairy after watching too many episodes of The Winx Club. One of my all-time favorite things to do when I was little looked at the sky when I would be on a swing or just lying on the ground. One of the materials I used was pictures and art clips; one of the clippings being clouds. When I look at this project, it makes me feel nostalgic. Right above my picture, there’s this girl who seems to be yelling wake up. I did this because when I was little I would dream about being a fairy. Now that I’m “older” I need to wake up to reality.
#3: Darkness
This picture describes how I’ve felt during these past few years. The saying “It’s dark right now, I can’t see any light around me” means so many different things to me. The feeling of wanting to be in a dark secluded area, just to feel safe by yourself. I tend to spend more time alone than with other people. It felt so lonely during the quarantine. We’ve been out of the social norm for 9 months. Throughout that time, I had learned new things about myself and had to face the demons in my head at times. I was able to express myself using fashion and makeup as well, which helped with making me seem like everything is okay. The current state of time has given me worse anxiety; sometimes all I see is darkness.

Betsy Mariano, 17
Seventeen-year-old Betsy Mariano (she/her) is currently a senior at USC Hybrid High School in Los Angeles, California, where she was born and raised. She started photography because she wanted to find a way to permanently capture memories, and she hopes to take photography with her wherever she goes. She specifically loves photographing landscapes because she is not typically surrounded by nature where she lives. Aside from taking photos, Betsy’s hobbies include baking and listening to alternative music. In the future, she would love to pursue a nursing major because she loves helping people. She hopes to use photography to have motivation to continue to explore new places.
Hover to the right of my bio and click on the arrow (or swipe on mobile) to read about my project.
I hope the audience can really see what I wanted to show in different perspectives. For me different perspectives is really important to me because I’ve always liked envisioning myself as many things. I learned that my creative mind can take me to different places.
#1: Pups View
For my first project, I wanted to focus on points of view. I attempted to write from my dog Toby’s perspective because I wanted to show his emotions. Before I got Toby, I felt like I was missing out on the classic childhood story of being a kid raised with a dog. Because Toby is my first dog, our relationship is similar to what I would have liked it to be in my childhood. I remember not sleeping the night I got him because he was whining, and that was the moment I realized that I was going to dedicate all my energy to taking care of him. On the glass I wrote, “Shes my best friend, mom caretaker… I’m her son, happiness, and shoe-eater,” because I wanted to show how much love and care we have for each other. The broken glass is significant also to our relationship. He annoys me and I annoy him.
#2: Layers of Betsy
I would describe my project as meaningful and volumized. My inspiration for this piece of art came from my interest in point of view because thinking in other people’s perspective keeps me in check with reality. When I was creating this project my goal was to share my point of view to others and I wanted the audience to feel questionable.My favorite part about this project is all the colors I put in it.
#3: Growth
I would describe my project as self reflection at its finest. My inspiration for this piece of art came from my past because it was really dark for me and I wanted something good to come out .When I was creating this project my goal was to show my reflection and I wanted the audience to feel like there is always a great outcome out of a bad experience. My favorite part about this project is that I created this online.

Haley Santibañez, 17
My name is Haley Santibañez, I’m 16 years old and l attend Stern Mass High School. What l like best about being a photographer is that I can express my thoughts and emotions through images, but most importantly I can use my art as a form of activism. Not only can l share my views of current real-world situations but I can provide people with information that will bring awareness.
Some of the things that have inspired me to continue photography are my mentors and the students from Las Fotos Project. My mentors push me to do my best and support me in every way possible. The students of Las Fotos Project help inspire me to be more creative and have an open mind so I can see things that I didn’t think could have meaning. Some of my future goals that l want to accomplish are to continue photography after high school and grow my knowledge on it so that one-day l can be able to teach photography to others. Another goal for me is to have my photos used to spread information and awareness on important subjects that our world is facing.
Hover to the right of my bio and click on the arrow (or swipe on mobile) to read about my project.
What I hope my audience to experience when seeing my art is a sense of inspiration and empowerment. I want them to be inspired by my images and go and create their very own art by expressing the same emotions as myself. I also want them to feel moved by each of my images.
#1: A Wilting Home
This project was inspired by a sense of belonging and home. In this project, I took a picture of my grandmother’s living room. The colors contrasted each other creating a soft and warm texture, making me feel comfortable, and one day I hope to have the same feeling when I create a home of my own. I placed flowers around the image knowing that by the time the image is posted the flowers would have died. I did this because I want to symbolize that all good and beautiful things will come to an end. My grandmother’s house has been put up for sale, and I will no longer be able to call this place home— like the flower, it will no longer be alive or home.
#2: Konnections
For this project, I used a record as the base and as the image, I chose to use a power line that is located near my home. I decorated it with different colored buttons that I had each of my family members pick that represented them. Then tied the thread around the buttons and connected it to the powerline. What this image symbolizes is that you don’t have to have the same preferences to have a connection to your loved ones or people you care about. Differences are what empower us to have stronger bonds. The addition of the light bulbs on top of the powerline represented the empowerment of our relationships that brightened our way to who we are.
#3: Letter for the Future
In this project, I chose to photoshop this image because at that moment in time I was overwhelmed with negative thoughts about my appearance and whether my photos will come out the way I want them to look. I decided to add flowers around me to symbolize love and desire. I want to be able to love and appreciate myself without having to always bring myself down. I overthink everything, which has caused lots of complications in my life. That is why I added a dark and demonic hand reaching over me, it represented all the negative thoughts that are constantly causing me to rethink my self-worth.

Ixchel Cruz, 15
Ixchel Cruz is a 15-year-old photographer and filmmaker from Los Angeles, California. She is a Sophomore attending Eagle Rock High School and uses photography as a way to capture moments that tell a bigger story. Photography is meaningful to her as she gets to pursue her passion and express stories through her art. Advocating for important issues inspires her to continue her photography as well as documenting life and the journey that comes with it. After high school, she plans on graduating from college majoring in film production to achieve her dream of being a cinematographer. She hopes to join the peace corps after college to help others and document life in third world countries with her storytelling. Ixchel wants to travel the world in the future and capture her experience through her photography. She has a lot of passions and hopes to use her voice to make a difference in the world and her community around her by speaking up about important issues for those who can’t speak up for themselves.
Hover to the right of my bio and click on the arrow (or swipe on mobile) to read about my project.
My new “normal” consists of my entire day being on electronics due to the pandemic halting all my activities and routines. The news echoing from the living room informing of the latest dilemma, I try to focus on the positives in my life overcoming new obstacles during this pandemic.
#1: Home Alone
I let out a sigh as I glance at the time on my computer. I’m too tired to continue working so I decide to stop here and pick it back up in the morning. The sun shines through my blinds as I peek open my eyes. I freeze realizing I slept in, I didn’t wake up early to finish homework like I had planned. I continue this cycle as my work continues to pile up screaming at me to hurry up.
#2: Character Development
You have always looked up to people. This led you to not see yourself as a leader but more of a follower. Due to your shy behavior, you found it more comforting to be average rather than express your true nature. At some point, this turned into obsessing over what others think of you. You were always so concerned about whether or not you would fit in because you despised the idea of standing out. The world is going to judge you no matter what you do, so live your life how you want to. The moment you stop caring about what others think of you is the moment you will truly start living.

Jaanai Alvarez, 17
My name is Jaanai Alvarez, which means God answers in Hebrew. I am 17 years old, living in Los Angeles, California. I would describe myself as active, optimistic, and goal-oriented. I have enjoyed playing basketball for 7-years, and I am currently playing for my high school’s varsity team. I like trying new things as often as I can because I believe that new experiences make great stories. I like to be involved in various activities at school and at church that helps me stay connected with others while hearing their stories. My interest in photography stemmed from the idea of storytelling. The power of images amazes me as they are able to capture so much more than what meets the eye. My journey as a photographer has just begun, but I lean towards telling my story and capturing my surroundings. Currently, I enjoy taking images of my daily life, family, favorite activities, and hobbies. Photography helps me explore my identity and express how I’m feeling. In college, I hope to continue to use this creative outlet to help me cope with new beginnings.
Hover to the right of my bio and click on the arrow (or swipe on mobile) to read about my project.
In this class, I was challenged to explore my identity and what that meant. Overall, these projects helped me explore different aspects of myself, my family, being a woman, and my growth. Through the development of my learning, this class has allowed my work to be a reflection of myself and consequently been an opportunity for me to see my identity from a different perspective.
#1: La Cultura
I captured two cacti plants in my backyard for this project. I decided to use this image for this project because of how prominent cacti are interlaced in Mexican culture. For this photo to glass transfer, I used old images of my parents when they were younger and pictures of my siblings and me. My image of the cacti connects my Mexican background to my family and how they are both “roots” to my identity.
#2: Mujer
“Mujer” (woman) is a photo assemblage I created, including a self-captured, black and white image of my back, framed with magazine cutouts of women’s eyes and mouths. My face is hidden in the image, to allow the viewer to see themselves in my work. The eye and mouth cutouts represent the idea that women support one another. We speak up and watch out for each other. This project further emphasizes that I am continuously uplifted by the women in my life.
#3: Growth
For this collage I used an image of myself, reaching towards the camera. This project challenged me to be in front of the camera. I used this collage as an opportunity to self reflect on my past self, the theme that I chose to focus on was growth. I decided to include objects from space in this project as a reminder of how big the universe is and how much room there is for self-improvement. That despite past mistakes having the mentality of growth, will keep moving me forward.

Janessa Valdez, 17
Janessa Valdez is a 17-year-old photographer who was born in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley. She decided to start photography because it is a form of expression and she wanted to be a part of something so beautiful.She is interested in photographing nature around her neighborhood or anywhere she might be able to take beautiful photos with her family because it makes her feel connected to both the human and non-human world that surrounds her. She also loves to photograph sentimental objects that can tell a story to her audience. In her free time, Janessa enjoys watching baseball and her favorite tv shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Criminal Minds, but always makes time to photograph anything that catches her eye. In the future, she would love to keep photography as a hobby when she travels the world working in the medical field as a pediatrician.
Hover to the right of my bio and click on the arrow (or swipe on mobile) to read about my project.
I would describe my photography as a world of peace and calmness. Perhaps looking at the beauty of the simple things in life. My photography comes across as being calm because most photos I take I think are simple yet hold a strong message. My emotions influence my photography or just how I view the world we live in. Why not capture a beautiful moment? The thing I like most about being a photographer or artist is that I am able to express myself and show my beliefs or perspective on the world and how I live in it. I make art to get in tune with myself. It is also like self evaluation. Art is a way for me to understand my thoughts and feelings and express it in a beautiful way. I begin a piece of artwork by understanding and allowing myself to accept it and express it. When I say a photograph of mine “turned out really well,” I imply that I love the quality of the photo, the memories and feelings captured in it, and that I was able to express myself in a beautiful way. I want others to feel at ease or peaceful when they view my photos. I want them to understand the mood or what I am trying to get across simply by gazing into it as a mirror and interpreting it as they wish. I love that I am able to express myself through photography and that others can get inspired to do the same or interpret my photos in their own unique way.

Myla Aranda, 16
My name is Myla Aranda and I am a 16 years old photographer based in Los Angeles. This is my first year in the Las Fotos Project and I enjoy it a lot because I am able to express myself and do what I love. Since art has always been a major factor in my life, I enjoy drawing, reading and photography. These hobbies have been a way for me to escape from the real world and into my bizarre and creative mind. As a teenage photographer based in Los Angeles, some of my photography includes film as well as digital photographs in which I am able to represent my culture and who I am as a person. In addition, some of my dreams and goals in life are to attend college in San Francisco or New York. I would like to major in medical science as a psychiatrist or in film production as a film producer.
Hover to the right of my bio and click on the arrow (or swipe on mobile) to read about my project.
My projects revolve around who I am as an individual. I express the devotion of love and peace I have within myself through my photography as well as the many lessons I’ve learned while growing into the person I am presently. Each photo represents an emotion, situation, or how I view the world we live in which anyone can see through their own perspective. As in life we are able to shape our own reality through our minds and hearts; individuals also are able to see these realities through their own perspectives.
#1: Your Mirror
In Japan, the meaning of Koi Fish is good fortune or luck. They also are associated with perseverance in adversity and strength of purpose in which I believe we are all capable of having. As you view this photo, you may see your reflection. This is your mirror. In fact, the world is your mirror and it loves what it sees. And if you do not like what you see well then, there is always room for self improvement.
#2: First Day of My Life
This photo captured represents the first day of my life in which I spent a really meaningful day with a new friend. It holds a powerful meaning of change. Although most people do not like change, I think it is good. Yes it is uncomfortable, sometimes sad or frustrating, but it is not until you realize that change is okay, which is when the first day of your life begins.
#3: Within Yourself
Resolve your own traumas from within and express your emotions. Open your heart although it may be the most painful experience you’ve ever encountered. But opening your heart will allow you to melt your old ego and become the best version of yourself. You will create love, peace, and happiness within yourself in which you could feel from the bottom of your toes to the palms of your hands. And every soul you touch will feel this beautiful energy. This energy and reality that is so delicate in which you created from within yourself.

Natalia Barajas, 12
My name is Natalia Barajas, I am 12 years old, and I like to travel. Two of my favorite places to visit are Colorado because of its mountains and hiking trails and Yucatan, Mexico, where I enjoy swimming in the cenotes. Overall, I like staying active by playing basketball and going to the beach to boogie board with my family. Generally, I'm funny and shy unless I'm with my family. My favorite colors are purple and yellow because they are my favorite basketball team's colors, the Lakers. For college, I would like to attend the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. My goals are to succeed in school, get better skilled at drawing, and become a doctor or an artist. I would also like to travel and take photographs of my culture and other subjects that inspire me. I am very excited to grow my photography skills and incorporating my art into my practice.

Ruth Gutierrez, 15
My name is Ruth Gutierrez. I am 15 years old and was born and raised in Los Angeles. Currently I am attending Eagle Rock High School. I’m inspired by the women who raised me. They have taught me life lessons I will always keep close to me. No matter how big or small, they have all had a part in making me the person I am today. They have shown me unconditional love and have helped and encouraged me to do whatever I set my mind to. They have pushed me to chase my dreams even when they seemed too big and far away. They rally together to cheer me on any chance they get. They are a large, if not the main influence in my photography. There are many times where I’ve thought that my work isn’t good enough. They encouraged me to keep working on my love of photography and to keep working and improving on my passion—for that I am grateful.
Hover to the right of my bio and click on the arrow (or swipe on mobile) to read about my project.
When the audience sees/reads my work, I want them to be able to convey to whatever world I set my work in. I want the audience to feel the emotions I was feeling when I worked on my project. Through my body of work, I learned to enjoy more of the calm feelings of happiness, peace, and acceptance.
#3: Journey of Self
To be on a journey of self-discovery. Trying to constantly answer questions that one asks themselves over and over again. Some of these questions are scary, ones that you’ll try to avoid for as long as possible. Though at some point on your journey, you have to ask yourself a question that will possibly be the most difficult to answer, are you ok with yourself?

Xochitl Cruz, 16
My name is Xochitl Cruz, I’m 16-years-old and I am a student photographer based in Los Angeles. I've Been with Las Fotos Project for five semesters, having started my freshman year. My life revolves around my photography and love for planning shoots where I have complete creative control. My favorite parts of my creative process are building Pinterest mood boards, picking out what music I’m going to listen to, what my model will wear, and the ideal area for shooting. As a teenager, I use my creative outlet to explore myself, my culture, my past, present, and future. After high school, I want to move to the UK to attend the London College of Fashion and intern with Together Films (a film distribution and marketing nonprofit). My dream is to work on both film and fashion sets as a Creative Director, flying around the world for work and vacation.
Hover to the right of my bio and click on the arrow (or swipe on mobile) to read about my project.
This semester my overall body of work surrounds the theme of identity and the sub-theme of adolescence. My time at home has been filled with me revisiting things because of the comfort they bring me. I’ve been thinking a lot about time – the time I’ve spent in adolescence and how little time I have left. I’m closer to being an adult than I am to my first year in high school. Everyone has talked about how significant this pandemic has been – in the sense that this event will be in future history books – meaning we’re living through a historic event. The past and the future are feelings that bring me happiness – the fact that I will, and already do have memories to look back on. When taking pictures during quarantine, I wanted to make up for lost times – the phase during my “normal” life where I didn’t want to take pictures of anything because “ew high school!” I want to capture the happiness, the sadness, the raw emotions, the weirdness, and everything in between that I experienced during my time inside and out.
#1: The Oldest of Three
My main theme when working on my project was identity, and the sub-theme was older adolescence. My natural defense mechanism or just a natural profile is an empty face. She looks kind of mad, kind of sad, and overall out of it. Decorating my glass transfer are stickers and an info card with things about me. On the back of the glass, there’s a little poem talking about how I feel about where I am. The glass in front of my image serves as a window or mirror for you to look at me, and all the information I’ve provided should tell you everything about me – but for some reason, it still doesn’t feel enough. That’s how I’ve felt throughout quarantine, but also throughout my time as a teenager—weirdly shallow and a bit of a mystery.

Yvonne De Los Santos, 15
My name is Yvonne De Los Santos and I am 15 years old. I am quiet but expressive on the things that I care about. I’ve had people talk to me about things in their lives that were very different from my own life that got me thinking about how I could share or express my ideas and myself. I wanted to learn something new and find different ways that could put those thoughts out there for others to see. I wanted something simple but challenging to see how far I would go with it. I found out about photography through people online and a friend who showed me their own photos. I want to be able to create pictures so that people can question the focus on my images. Joining Las Fotos for the first time has given me the opportunity to try this out and how I am able to bring art and creativity into the photos themselves where others can understand the meaning behind them.
Hover to the right of my bio and click on the arrow (or swipe on mobile) to read about my project.
My experience at Los Fotos Project has allowed me to learn the functions of a camera and ways to take pictures from different angles. I enjoyed digital photography because it was difficult but also easy to do since we had to learn how to use the tools in the program, but I was able to visualize what I wanted to do and have fun with it as I was doing it. In the future, I would like to learn how to better focus my images and improve the way that I can bring more meaning to these photos.
#1: Capable of Ease
Taking a photo of yourself can be difficult or awkward for a lot of people. This is something that I felt while I was going through the process of taking photos. I am not that confident about taking pictures yet, especially when the subject is myself. I wanted my photo to focus on how it was not just myself but my younger sibling who looked way more comfortable when taking the shot unlike me. The poem that I wrote along with the piece was to capture the way that I felt during that photoshoot.
#3: Carefree
Can someone tell where time will lead them? This is one of the questions I ask in my piece. Does he know what will lie ahead for him now and the future. Time is never something that can be told just like what will happen in the future. My little brother is still young so he doesn’t know much about the world and how it works but as his older sibling I have seen how it is. Time isn’t something that you can predict but something that you have to accept and go along with it.
Thank you to our Esta Soy Yo: Layers Student, Jahana Tellez-Dominguez (not pictured), for your dedication to photography and creativity this semester.