Developing the Moment

ABOUT ME
Alé Rivas is a 17-year-old artist based in Ontario from the Inland Empire. They have always been in touch with their creative side, exploring crafting, painting, and photography. Their use of photography allows them to showcase their view of the world around them. Alé is able to capture their experiences and emotions that are caused by their own community. Having experienced a strong sense of alienation throughout their life, Alé Rivas is a firm believer of advocating for those who feel as if they do not belong. Incorporating elements of nature in their work, Alé wishes to help people realize that there is beauty and love within oneself.

ARTIST STATEMENT
I am human before I am an artist. A camera is the most powerful tool used to document and preserve history. Through my understanding of photography, I will always use my creative power to uplift and bring awareness to current events. It is not a political or radical move to want people to be free. I do my best to incorporate my beliefs into my work.

Amanda Arellano, 19

ABOUT ME
Amanda Arellano, a 19-year-old Latinx student photographer, was born in the East L.A. area and currently lives in the Boyle Heights area. Alongside being a college freshman, Amanda is a resilient, creative, and empowering activist with special needs. Their mom is an important inspiration to them. Furthermore, what Amanda likes best about themselves is their ability to be resilient and to persevere through difficult times. Moreover, Arellano’s life changed upon receiving their first computer at a coding class. After receiving an iPad from a YouTube club, motivating them to start filming their own videos. In 2021, as a result of joining a women’s empowerment/rights film class, Amanda created and presented “The World Through Our Eyes,” a film exploring the standards of society obscuring each alumni’s identity. Amanda identifies as a creative, and as a unique event photographer who enjoys portraiture and candid photos. They plan to work in the computer science area.

ARTIST STATEMENT
My work’s themes include different types of looks and aesthetics and photos of advocative or private events in the Boyle Heights area. Most of my work is portraiture and candid photography. Thus, while shooting, I try to find the perfect moment. I try to manipulate everything in a studio environment, like directing the poses that my subject makes to create eye-appealing and memorable photos for events that might speak a powerful message.

ABOUT ME
Andrea Popoca is a 17-year-old photographer. She started taking an interest in photography at 12 years old and continues to develop her practice with Las Fotos Project. Andrea’s photography aims to tell stories of the people and places she comes in contact with, allowing her to step out of her comfort zone and grow into a more outgoing artist. Recently, Andrea has taken an interest in sports photography, taking pictures of high school sports. Photography has given Andrea exciting opportunities to network with new people and travel. She enjoys photography and hopes to inspire and share her passion through her work.

ARTIST STATEMENT
I enjoy capturing candid moments—especially being able to freeze a joyful moment. Sports games are fast-paced and thrilling, which is why I enjoy sports photography. I can take action shots as well as memorable crowd shots filled with emotion. I’ve had the opportunity to work with Angel City Football Club and gain professional experience on the pitch. I have learned new skills and techniques, such as adapting to rapid changes, which I will take into my developing career.

Ariana Perez, age 17

ABOUT ME
Hello, I’m Ariana Perez. I am 17 years old, I go by she/her pronouns and I am from Placentia. I attend Troy High School and I am a senior. I enjoy doing activities where I can express myself creatively such as photography, poetry, piano, and violin. A passion of mine is storytelling and with photography I am able to take it to a new level. I currently have 3 years of photography experience and I am planning to continue. I started my photography journey in Las Fotos Project at the height of the pandemic, beginning in Esta Soy Yo and continuing to CEO. Being involved with Las Fotos during the pandemic and throughout high school helped me deal with the solitude and loneliness that quarantine had brought me. Las Fotos allowed me to express myself in a way that words could not explain and find pride in the work I create.

ARTIST STATEMENT
I seek to capture the vibrant tapestry of emotions that define the teenage experience: love, confidence, and the undeniable spirit of youth. By delving into the complexities of relationships, self-assurance, and the myriad expressions of love both for oneself and others, my art becomes a mirror reflecting the kaleidoscope of emotions that define this unique and fleeting chapter in our lives. It is how I am trying to find myself.

Arturita, age 18

ABOUT ME
My name is Lelis, I am 18 and I am Salvadoran-American. I’ve been doing photography since I was 10 and I first started off working with film. A lot of my work is a reflection of my mental health struggles and certain periods of my life. Music and art are a big factor in my life and they are something that inspires me. Growing up with a very ethnic name I grew terrified of being known and being ‘out there.’ Although I am still very much terrified, I’m glad to be a part of this Las Fotos Project community. I don't know if I’ll ever get rid of that fear of being known but my goal for the future is to work with artists at their shows, behind the scenes, etc.

ARTIST STATEMENT
This was my first ever concert “gig” which was very exciting. I've been wanting to do this type of photography for years so I am very grateful to have been able to shoot at this concert. This was a very cool show so go listen to SadGirl.

ABOUT ME
Astrid Sanchez is a non-binary photographer from Los Angeles that has expanded into portraiture. Since joining Las Fotos Project, they have explored different niches of photography and learned the ropes of the medium; however, portrait photography called to them most. For them, portraiture has opened their world to properly convey a subject’s identity and story in a controlled, studio environment. Focusing on queer and experimental styles, Astrid strives to tell compelling stories to shine some light on who they are as an artist.

ARTIST STATEMENT
Astrid Sanchez is a queer portrait photographer based in Los Angeles, California. Throughout their time at Las Fotos Project, they have worked with different niches and styles that have set a foundation for their expertise as a portrait photographer. For them, portrait photography has opened a new door to express themself using a unique and vivid experimental style. Through their lens, Astrid captures a kaleidoscope of human expression portrayed with elegance.

ABOUT ME
Catherine Rodriguez is a freshman studying Design and Media Arts at UCLA who began their photographic journey with their mom’s old film cameras. Their love of the arts has no end–they have played violin in L.A. Philharmonic’s Youth Orchestra since 2014, participated in Inner-City Arts since 2016, and learned to shoot analog film at CalArts’ Community Arts Partnership in 2021. Continuing to explore new mediums whenever possible–painting, graphic design, vocal performance, to name a few–they believe that creation for emotional and communal expression is as vital to society as traditional forms of academia. With the discovery of Las Fotos Project in 2020, Cat has further focused their visual crafts, vulnerability, and explorations of life, culture, and community through photography.

ARTIST STATEMENT
I had the opportunity to begin a residency photographing concerts for The Ford Theatre where I learned to be decisive in the moment. I have become passionate about portraiture, especially since I’m drawn to fashion and studio photography. I am growing my confidence and directing skills, having photographed more subjects this semester than any previously. My sights are on film and creative directing and I aim to create more vulnerable and complex work with my photography in the coming years.

ABOUT ME
I’m Eztli De Jesus, a 17-year-old Mexican-American artist in the making from East L.A. Photography is one of my favorite creative outlets that’s allowed me to express myself. I strive to highlight my community and loved ones in my work. I enjoy shooting all kinds of photos, but portraits are my favorite. Portraiture allows me to highlight others' personalities and emotions. I think there is something so beautiful about capturing people whether it be through candid imagery or staged. I believe our bodies are able to tell stories in different ways whether it be an image of eyes or hands, those small details are all a part of someone's story and being. Aside from photography, I am passionate about all kinds of art forms, journalism, literature, and advocating for my community.

ABOUT ME
Karime Cebada is 18 years old, born in Mexico State and raised in East Los Ángeles, and is currently attending East Los Angeles college. She enjoys painting, journalism, and exploring, and is also very creative when it comes to poetry. She is drawn to Bruce Weber works since she loves the iconic models Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington. Karime has always been passionate for old vintage designs and fascinated by anything that has to do with models that dominated the 90s. This sparked her interest in neon and strong feminine colors. She dreams of pursuing classic pinup photography and retro modeling. She wants people to feel empowered and connected with the models’ energy when they see her work. She is talented at capturing the essence of family and intimate friendships, when viewing her work people find warmth and comfort. Her goal is to continue the art of legendary classic photographers.

ARTIST STATEMENT
I like to project excitement and comfort upon my audience when my art is viewed. For that I like capturing portraits with different backgrounds or eras that people can connect to. I am inspired by various old vintage designs like class pinup, neon, and retro. My goals are always to be innovative, accessible, and enthusiastic. I like capturing families and intimate friendships because they can carry so much emotion, happiness, and unity portrayed. I demonstrate my art through portraits but candid photography is my main preference.

ABOUT ME
My name is Leah Flores, I am a 15-year-old Mexican-American queer teen photographer based in Los Angeles. I joined the Las Fotos Project when I was 14 years old and immediately fell in love with photography. I like spending most of my free time alone in my room, listening to music, experimenting with my own personal style, and even playing with different makeup looks. When I’m older, I hope to continue to be able to express myself through my art and create a portfolio that I am proud of. I enjoy taking candid and portrait photos, but I also have an interest in exploring other areas of photography.

Meadows Stevens, age 17

ABOUT ME
I discovered photography at 15 in a time I most needed an outlet when the 2020 quarantine coincided with my mother’s sudden passing. I gravitated towards my camera to express my emotions and ideas, empowering myself to take a more personal creative path. While I was diving into portraiture and editorial more deeply and beginning to photograph friends and family, this new medium began to play a significant role in my life. As I continue exploring my identity as a mixed Latina teenager coming of age in L.A., I plan to make projects that not only benefit me, but my community and the people I surround myself with in order to say something meaningful. I am finding a balance deepening the connection to the external world and my internal world, and I look forward to what is yet to unfold within my imagination, letting my creativity lead the way.

ARTIST STATEMENT
Moving to L.A. from Las Vegas, I yearned for a big city experience unlike any other and in El Sereno, I discovered both authenticity and vulgar truths about the place that became my new home. After five years of growth, I’ve become determined to use my photography to shed light on the things I love about my community, its people, and the real L.A. experience using an editorial and documentary approach. With my work I aim to explore the contrasting softness and strengths at the heart of my world.

Mia Joy, age 17

ABOUT ME
My name is Mia Figueroa. I am a Latina photographer based in Los Angeles. I feel most at home in El Sereno, where I grew up. Photography is something I am extremely passionate about because I can convey one feeling in multiple ways. I have had the great opportunity to work for Angel City Football Club and other organizations. Using motion with the subjects in my photos brings a certain feeling, with the potential to change the story of the photo and I can't wait to learn more ways to explore this. I focus on lifestyle and portrait photography. Family, whether it is my own or others’, inspires my art most. Being able to capture a connection is what inspires me to keep shooting.

ARTIST STATEMENT
Once I put my eye behind the lens, it’s just me and my subject. Meaning and intention behind the photo is what defines me as an artist. I first got into photography during 2020 during the peak of COVID. I could only take pictures of my surroundings and my family soon became my favorite subject.These limitations led me to figure out that I love taking portraits of people. It was the simplicity of one small moment caught in time.

ABOUT ME
MaryJane Joya is a 16-year-old high school student based in South Central, Los Angeles. Maryjane majorly focuses on special events, but is most comfortable with studio portraiture. Maryjane has done many types of gigs this year, notably, a wedding in Bel Air and concert photography for the Ford Theater. They are heavily inspired by their family and Las Fotos Project mentors. Maryjane greatly appreciates all forms of photography niches, and this semester they have tried concert, engagement, wedding, and maternity photography. After graduation, they wish to study abroad majoring in photography and run their own photography studio.

ARTIST STATEMENT
Hello! My name is Maryjane also known as Mj, I am a 16-year-old high school student with a specialty in events and environmental portraiture. This semester I have been focusing on building up my clientele and commercial work. I have had the pleasure to venture out and try new things such as concert photography and wedding photography. I have had so much fun this semester with the gigs I have been hired for and meeting new people! My photos reflect components of bright happy colors and a sense of joy!

ABOUT ME
Ruth Gutierrez Ortiz (she/her) is a queer photographer from Highland Park. Her work has gone through an adventure of stories during her time at Las Fotos Project. First, she used photography to capture the beauty of places around her and grew into capturing the beauty and essence of people. Ruth’s work shows personality in a bright, colorful, and thought-provoking way that conveys compelling, magical, and truthful portraits. Ruth is constantly creating and striving to try new creative outlets. Currently, she is working on incorporating mixed-media into her work to hone her magnificence.

ARTIST STATEMENT
Ruth Gutierrez’s work is bright with emotions, colorful with magic, and immersive with personality. She seeks to use photography as a way to tell and encompass a greater story, beyond the subject’s presence. A career where she can focus on portraiture and creatively experiment would be the ideal path where she thrives.

ABOUT ME
My name is Samantha Ramirez and I am a 14-year-old immigrant, artist, and athlete, and I have been with Las Fotos Project for three semesters. I was born in Mexico where I lived for 7 years before my family moved to the U.S. to find a better future. Because we moved around a lot, I was always struggling with my identity. Las Fotos Project gave me an outlet to explore my identity. It introduced me to what art can be and how a single moment captured in time can tell a story. Through my participation in LFP, I created work that I used for my application to LACSA, where I currently attend school. LFP taught me how to create from my heart and share that message with the world.

ABOUT ME
My name is Sandra Luis Grijalva, I am 16 years old and a junior attending Warren High School. This is my third semester at Las Fotos Project. Photography is something that I discovered when I was a freshman through my aunt and I have loved it ever since. It is my form of expression and I feel like my images reflect exactly what I'm feeling in the moment they are being created. I’d say that I’m an introvert and I keep to myself a lot and my photography is a reflection of that. I like to associate my feelings with color. In the past, blue reminded me of isolation, now it has become comfort; orange meant fear and now it reminds me of bravery; and red was anger and over time it has become my peace.

ARTIST STATEMENT
This year was about finding myself and I'm glad I did. I learned how to love myself and find the spark that I thought I had lost. I learned to find happiness in the little things and to appreciate the small and big moments in my life. All the anger and resentment I had of the past slowly began to fade away as I began to feel at peace throughout the creation of these images.

Uzuri Ray, age 16

ABOUT ME
Hi, I'm Uzuri Ray, a Mexican-American 16-year-old underwater photographer based in Boyle Heights. I began my journey with photography in 9th grade when my mom enrolled me in Las Fotos Project because she had a passion for photography and she wanted to share that with me. Through my photography I aim to capture special memories by being the historian of my family. I focus most on candid portraiture. By shooting in lifestyle I am able to capture my models‘ true personality and the truly happy moments. In all my photos I want my viewers to be able to feel as though they are in that moment experiencing the emotions in my photos.

ARTIST STATEMENT
I began my relationship with water at the age of 6 when I began swimming competitively. Ever since then I've had a deep connection with water and I always loved to be in it. At the beginning of this year I began photographing underwater. I found that through photography I can express the deep love I feel for the water.