DIGITAL PROMOTORAS:
Crossing Time
FEATUred
Photographers
Aaliyah Calderon
Anahi Garay
Andrea Ramirez
April Argueta
Atzin Peña
Bella Gomez
Chelsea Marin
Gabriela Gatica
Janelle Rivas
Jessica Murillo Lopez
Jocelynne Serrano
Juliana N. Hernandez
Karla-Isabella Montoya
Katie Solis
Katya Villalobos
Maya Miguel Hernandez
Mia Joy
Ryanne Arbet
Salma Samano
Starla Mendoza
Valerie Arrieta
Yahaira Guerrero
Zubi Sánchez
Step into the vibrant narrative of Los Angeles youth culture, as seen through the lens of our Digital Promotoras youth photographers. Inspired by archival journeys into local youth history, they meticulously researched and documented stories that are often overlooked. Using photojournalistic techniques, they unveil the beauty and embrace the diverse subcultures shaping their identities. Each student explored personal archives, revealing the cultural significance of hidden histories, combating erasure, and honoring community traditions. Crossing Time is a visual tour through LA's youth culture, where every frame is a testament to the power of research and storytelling.
TEACHING ARTISTS: Alex Westfall and Arlene Mejorado
TEACHING ARTIST ASSISTANT: Xitlali Martinez
MENTORS: Alma Lucia, Amanda Tapia, Brandon Tauszik, Bri Morales, Carolyn Cardoza, Erma Rovera, Jay Elizabeth, Jireh Deng, Leah Hubbard, Michelle Montenegro, Sonia Sanchez, and Stephanie Irineo
Aaliyah Calderon, age 17
ABOUT ME: Aaliyah Calderon, a 17-year-old photographer and first-generation Mexican American from East Los Angeles loves capturing the beauty around her. The Digital Promotoras program has helped her see things in new ways, making her stories richer. Aaliyah’s photos are all about sharing the beauty of her heritage and highlighting others’ stories. She wants her pictures to feel real as she finds comfort in capturing the beauty of her surroundings. She is encouraged by her mother’s unwavering belief in her abilities. Receiving her first camera from her mother was a pivotal moment in Aaliyah's photography journey, igniting a flame that would burn brightly as she honed her craft. Through perseverance and dedication, she found her voice as a photographer, using her art to shed light on the rich tapestry of culture, the intricacies of human connection, and the raw beauty of nature.
Abuelo Mío - Elias Ramírez
Born in 1964, he’s a sweet, strong, and fiercely independent old man. He walks throughout Indiana St. embarking on different adventures, completing daily tasks, and keeping up with his health as he enjoys taking care of himself. As he goes on with life, he enjoys simple things. His unwavering resolve and boundless kindness have served as beacons of hope in times of adversity, inspiring others to strive for greatness.
Anahi Garay, age 15
ABOUT ME: My name is Anahi Garay (she/her) and I’m a Mexican-American who lives in L.A. I love the sea and warm colors and my family. I'm 15 years old and in the 9th grade at Early College Academy. I don't know what I want to be when I grow up but I want to keep learning and find what is the best fit for me as I continue to make art.
The Start of Now
Two sisters re-create the start of a promise that will last a lifetime.
Andrea Ramirez, age 18
ABOUT ME: My name is Andrea Ramirez and I am an 18-year-old Mexican-American born and raised in East L.A. Photography has always been a part of my life. From a young age I would take photos with anything that I could, such as my Nintendo DS, iPod, my mom’s phone, and especially photos at the Chuck E. Cheese photobooth. However, in 2022 I was introduced to a more professional photography setting when I joined Las Fotos Project. I was able to gain support which assisted me to continue taking photos, but this time connecting my photos to my past, my community, and my family. To me, life is only enjoyable and worthwhile when you’re not alone, having friends and family and pets as well makes every day liveable.
Traviesitas (Trouble-makers)
This photo highlights the transition from girlhood to adulthood intertwined with a sense of rebellion. As childhood comes to an end, adulthood creeps in. I wanted to capture the essence of nostalgia; not only nostalgia, but also the anticipation that is experienced in that very moment. Despite the ongoing day, I was already thinking about how in a couple of years or even months I would miss this day with my friends. With adulthood approaching I am looking forward to new adventures!
April Argueta, age 18
ABOUT ME: April Argueta, a first-generation Chapina photographer rooted in the streets of East L.A., channels her immigrant upbringing into visual narratives. In her photography, she researches the intricate tapestry of Indigeneity juxtaposed against the backdrop of contemporary American life. She weaves together the threads of cultural heritage, illuminating the resilience and vibrancy of immigrant communities navigating the complexities of their new life. Her work transcends mere documentation, offering a deeply personal and empathetic exploration of what it means to forge new beginnings while honoring the legacies of those who came before us.
Tradición en Traducción
Huipiles, trajes tradicionales, and our everyday attire serve as profound connections to our persona and identity. This photograph captures the essence of the traditional Guatemalan Traje, a symbol of our homeland, and relocates it to the heart of East L.A. This community acts as a melting pot of immigrant families forging new lives, where elements of our cultural heritage find resonance in the neighborhoods we now call home.
Atzin Peña, age 16
ABOUT ME: Atzin Soberanez-Peña is a Mexican Indigenous artist born and raised in North East Los Angeles who currently resides in El Monte. Her initial interest for photography came from a mutual love she shared with her dad for cinematography. After taking classes at Las Fotos Project, this love solidified. Peña has always used fashion as a way to express herself and her identity as a Chicana. Gold hoops, gold chains, baggy clothing, and lip liner are some of the many staples associated with Chicana culture when it comes to style and these are things that you can find Atzin wearing at all times. Identity and expression are very special to Peña and she wants to use her work to highlight their importance as she is still growing up and finding more ways to express herself.
Straight Outta East LA
Growing up in East L.A., I have been constantly surrounded by people who are expressive with their style. I have developed a love for using fashion as an outlet to express my identity as a Chicana. Recently, there has been an uprising in interest for things such as street style, wearing gold hoops and chains, and brown lip combos in mainstream culture. Because of this, I wanted to use this project to pay homage to the roots of this style.
Bella Gomez, age 16
ABOUT ME: I'm Bella Gomez, a 16-year-old photographer born and raised in Echo Park, L.A. With an open mind and love for art, I see myself as a natural leader in my artistic endeavors. I have a passion for both makeup and photography and dream of blending the two seamlessly in my future career. What inspires me most are individuals who fearlessly pursue their passions, without letting society tell them what is or is not successful, while staying true to themselves. Through my lens I hope to empower and bring awareness of the perspectives of different cultures in my community. As I continue to grow, I hope to inspire others to embrace their unique talents and follow their creative instincts through my photography, just as I am starting to learn to do.
él[Ella]
My project is a black-and-white photograph of 3 Chicana women painted in clown makeup. This photograph celebrates the rich Mexican American culture in L.A., while still including a sense of femininity. It incorporates the strong and proud spirit of the Chicana identity, creating a powerful homage to its art and lifestyle. By showcasing this cultural narrative, my work aims to empower and honor the heritage of Mexican American women while capturing the essence of resilience and tradition that transcends time.
Chelsea Marin, age 17
ABOUT ME: Chelsea Marin is a 17-year-old photographer born and raised in Los Angeles. She has recently graduated from Downtown Magnets High School and plans to major in communications in college. Photography has always been present in her life whether it meant taking photos on phones or disposable cameras. Recently, she has enjoyed documenting her daily life activities, friends and family, and personal belongings of hers. She mostly enjoys photographing with a digital camera but hopes to explore film in the future. With her photos, she strives to convey happiness and comfort with the use of color and simplicity.
Reminiscence
For my project, I wanted to focus on how gender and culture may intersect while highlighting how progression as a woman gets hindered at times. Specifically, I wanted to look into my mom’s experiences and emphasize who she was before she had me and my sister. Looking at my mom’s experiences before motherhood is important to me because it allows me to appreciate the sacrifices she made for my sister and me.
Gabriela Gatica, age 17
ABOUT ME: My name is Gabriela Gatica. I am a Mexican-American artist based in South Central Los Angeles. Growing up, I always found photography interesting and appreciated how it made me pay attention to my surroundings in a different way. Before joining Las Fotos Project, I didn’t have the privilege to access a camera, but I knew I was interested in photography. Going forward I want to continue to grow my skills in photography and expand my voice as an artist.
Living my Youth, pt.2
I wasn’t drawn to photography until I started attending local DIY screamo shows. I was interested in how I was able to blend in and comfortably photograph the bands and the crowd enjoying themselves. As I got more comfortable shooting at shows, I grew to develop my own visual style. I love how my camera’s flash makes the crowd pop out against the background, and when combined with motion blur from a slow shutter, creates a sense of mystery.
Janelle Rivas, age 16
ABOUT ME: As I go through my sophomore year of high school, I've noticed how utilizing my photography has shifted the way I see myself and others. I’ve learned that there are more stories to tell than just mine. With that being said, Las Fotos has given me the privilege to not only further the way I view myself and others but also to tell stories of those who can not voice their own. Photography has given me the opportunity to connect with myself as I continue to figure out what kind of person I want to be in this world and what kinds of stories I want to convey. I hope that as I continue my journey with photography, others can connect with my art the way I do.
Sonreír(se)
How do we differentiate between what brings us true happiness versus what brings us temporary satisfaction? How can we define happiness for ourselves and others? For some it might be derived from materialism and status. For others, the simplicity of making other’s days and enjoying what you do in life is all you need. I took this photo on my recent trip to Guatemala and the biggest thing I grasped from it was that it's the little things that matter.
Jessica Murillo Lopez, age 16
ABOUT ME: Jessica Murillo Lopez is an artist who expresses her Mexican culture and various passions through her work. Having grown up in a cluttered childhood home, she savors the small things in life, capturing all stages of time poetically. She emphasizes enjoying the moment and meticulously caring for details in her photography to convey strong emotions. Although her understanding of photography techniques is currently limited, she never fails to execute prompts with great ambition and creativity.
Of Piles and Hills
I grew up in an environment where my childhood practically surrounded me. After a drastic move, the memories I cherished in my adolescence became locked away in mountains of boxes and hills of bags. Once tangible, my beloved memories now remain as echoes in my head. Until the time for unpacking is right, my belongings will remain in storage. What lies in those bags and boxes remains a secret between the old house and me.
Jocelynne Serrano, age 19
ABOUT ME: My name is Jocelynne Serrano (she/her). I am a 19-year-old Mexican-American born and raised in Los Angeles. Photography is an essential part of my life, it allows me to capture memories that will live forever. I enjoy capturing images of my loved ones since they inspire me in everything I do. Since taking this class, I’ve archived memories and documented my life.
Revisiting Childhood
I often dream of revisiting the past, not only mine, but that of my loved ones. I wish I could witness my parents as children, to hear their hopes, dreams, laughter, jokes, etc. I wish I’d spent more years with my sisters as kids. To dream, play, and joke around together. Although it is impossible to return, seeing these photographs transports me to simpler times.
Juliana N. Hernandez, age 18
ABOUT ME: Juliana Nayelli Hernandez is an 18-year-old student whose main drive in life is both academics and art. Both of her parents migrated from Mexico to Los Angeles and Juliana stands proud of her first-generation title. She can often be found taking on opportunities which were not available to her parents. Juliana was born and raised in Echo Park where she witnesses modern colonization first hand. Because of this, she has always found photography necessary to document change and displacement. Juliana aims to make sure she portrays a feeling of familiarity through her photography. You can find more of Juliana’s photography through her Instagram.
Pequena y Frágil
Pequeña Y Frágil is a memory turned into a physical image that represents the reality of poverty in the early 2010s. For many kids of color growing up in Los Angeles, it was the norm to reuse, reduce, and recycle. In this image and in our shared memory, my mother hand colors the pink converse fabric in black sharpie, soon to be used by my younger brother. The image in the middle captures my mother, the lady who pulled us through, enjoying herself at a carne asada in Elysian Park during the early 2000s.
Karla-Isabella Montoya, age 17
ABOUT ME: Karla-Isabella Montoya is a 17-year-old musician, journalist and photographer, born and raised in Los Angeles and proud daughter of Nicaraguan and Guatemalan immigrants. Surrounded by the diverse culture of her city, she uses her artistry to celebrate humanism in our everyday lives. Montoya draws inspiration from her inner circle, her friends and family, who embody the essence of her aspiration – to be a person for the people. She prides herself in being an unfixed and imperfect artist that grows and breaks down with the world around her. She finds larger connections in intimate moments, the historical fragments that tell the whispered stories of humanity.
American Dream Girl
How do first-generation children subdue their cultural values to compromise with the standards of the United States? Renee Anh Modina, a first-generation teenager experiencing college life in the United States for the first time, is the American Dream Girl. Though historically, I may find correlations, I may find coincidences, I may find statistics, yet I couldn’t find the exact sentiments behind these experiences. Renee Anh Modina, my American Dream Girl. Vietnamese-Filipino and American, the American Dream Girl answers my questions.
Katie Solis, age 17
ABOUT ME: My name is Katie Solis. I was born and raised in Boyle Heights. I am 17 years old and a senior in high school. With the support of my dad, I fell in love with photography. Photography has helped me with building self-confidence and capturing important moments in an artistic way. It has helped me develop a deep passion for the artistry in photography. I specialize in street photography because it makes me feel more connected to my family and the community around me. Photography has become a big part of my life and has helped me express feelings in ways I can't always describe.
Inolvidables recuerdos
My project reflects my grandmother's heartfelt memories of her parents' love and influence. Her life back in Mexico allowed me to see her parents’ deep impact on her. Their wisdom and courage was deeply rooted in every story she has told me, impacting my grandma's path of hard work and life journey. In this photo, I wanted to commemorate my grandmother's memories while preserving her strong soul with her favorite flowers surrounding her, the white calla lily.
Katya Villalobos, age 16
ABOUT ME: My name is Katya Villalobos. I am a junior at Grand Arts High School, and a first-generation Latina in the U.S., born and raised in Pico-Union. I’m inspired each and every day by the strong women in my life, which pushed me to join Las Fotos Project. I originally joined the program in hopes of expanding my knowledge in one of my favorite pastimes, photography. Instead, I found myself part of a beautiful community and discovered a stronger connection to my passion. Through my art, I hope and strive to document, protect and preserve valuable moments and stories, as well as to capture the beauty and diversity of my Salvadoran heritage and my American experience. I hope to honor my cultural roots and family and share my life and what I have to say through a lens.
Mi Tesoro Familiar
I wanted to showcase a visual representation of my family’s story. I’m inviting you into the heart of my home, the kitchen, where my fridge becomes a tapestry of my childhood memories. Each picture and magnet represents a story full of life, resilience, love, and the rich and beautiful heritage that flows through my veins. Being a first-generation Latina this picture is a love letter to my mother and her powerful journey and a celebration of our shared roots.
Maya Miguel Hernandez, age 15
ABOUT ME: My name is Maya Miguel Hernandez. I am 15 years old and a Mexican-Salavadorian, born in Los Angeles. I love playing sports and music. I play tennis and swim—I usually prefer tennis but I am much better at swimming. One of my main loves though, is music. I started playing the piano and violin at age 5 and have been playing for nearly a decade. Though piano is my first love, violin is my main instrument. Photography has also been in my heart since I turned 11. I was able to first learn street photography which might be the reason I love roaming around and finding new places to take pictures. I would consider myself a very calm and observant person, and prefer to spend my time alone feeling lost and free. This is the main reason I try to capture places that feel and look like emotions.
Rumination
A rumination is a deep thought. In this photo, the main structure you see is a playground. My project was focused mostly on my past and my current feelings. Creating this photo gave me mixed feelings as it gave me happiness in the moment since I love places that feel so isolated, but also gave me an impression of sadness since it reminded me of my messy childhood. It brings me a feeling of rumination.
Mia Joy, age 17
ABOUT ME: My name is Mia Figueroa and I am a Latina photographer based in Los Angeles. Photography is something I am extremely passionate about because I can convey one feeling in multiple ways. Family inspires my art most, whether it be my own or others’. Being able to capture a connection is what inspires me to keep shooting. Throughout my time at Las Fotos Project, I have had the great opportunity to work for Angel City Football Club, A Place Called Home and other amazing organizations. Using motion with my subjects in my photos brings in a certain feeling and can change the story of the photo. I can't wait to learn more ways to express this. Focusing on small details using lifestyle and portrait photography is how I show the world through my eyes.
My Angel Baby
I live in a multigenerational home first purchased by my grandmother who is pictured here in the backyard. While I haven't lived here my whole life, my nana always made the house feel like home to me. As a woman who raised herself independently, she finds joy in taking care of the people she loves. In this collage, I surround her with the people she has the fondest memories with – her parents.
Ryanne Arbet, age 18
ABOUT ME: Ryanne Shriya Sydney Arbet – the cinephile behind the lens. Hailing from the creative hub of L.A., she's not just an artist, but also a storyteller across mediums. Fuelled by her insatiable passion for the celluloid realm, she crafts narratives that transcend the conventional boundaries of family and ethnicity, infusing them with a dash of her multi-faceted experiences.
Ryanne's oeuvre is a symphony of cinematic finesse and photographic poetry, where every frame whispers tales of identity, memory, and perception. Her artistry blurs the lines between filmmaker, visual conductor, and a camera, weaving a tapestry of introspection and empathy that leaves viewers spellbound. In her world, the mundane dances with the surreal, inviting audiences on a journey of self-discovery and wonder.
Chained and Stitched
Our Family is a tapestry woven from threads of past, present, and future. In this piece, I delve into the intricate layers of our family history, intertwining archived photographs with current snapshots to illuminate the fluidity of our identities and the enduring bonds that connect us. By blending archival images with contemporary photographs of my brothers, stepdad, and mom, I seek to challenge conventional notions of family and identity, inviting viewers to contemplate the ever-changing nature of human connections.
Salma Samano, age 16
ABOUT ME: I am Salma Samano. I'm 16 years old and attend South El Monte High School. I am often described as being quiet but very determined. My interest in photography began after seeing the work of Bella Marguerite. I love the way she captures teenage life in a dreamy way, making viewers experience nostalgia. In my photography I draw inspiration from Larry Clark, Harmony Korine, and Spike Jonze. I have many career interests that I would love to pursue but becoming a film director is my absolute dream. Through my photographs I like to explore communities and friendships particularly in my home town of El Monte. Photography’s power to shift the moods of the people I photograph brings me so much joy. Photography is a medium that helps me move outside of my comfort zone.
Postcard to my Brother
My project centers around the memory of my late uncle Ivan, whom I never got to meet, yet feel connected to through the stories that my father shares with me. Despite my dad having a complicated relationship with his brothers, today he talks fondly of him. Ivan was born on November 7, 1967 and he loved to travel around the world and would write postcards to my dad. I focused on the only postcard my dad still has, as a way to honor him.
Starla Mendoza, age 14
ABOUT ME: Starla Mendoza is a 14-year-old photographer who was born and raised in Los Angeles. She has always been full of creative and unique ideas. Starla has always shown interest in many different things that express how she thinks. Photography has been the perfect outlet for her to show a different perspective of what goes through her mind. Throughout the years she started to be curious about her family's history, leading her to begin her family archival work. Starla has immersed herself in exploring her family history through the lens of a photojournalist. Through her interviews of family members, she’s not only learned more about them, but also about herself.
Queen of the School
My Titi (“Tee-tee”) is my grandmother who was born and raised in El Salvador. She has always been a very important female role model in my life. In this project I wanted to focus on what it was like for her to be a young woman in our motherland. Through archival storytelling, this project aims to help me understand my grandmother and connect with her in unique ways to a point where I started to feel more and more like her.
Valerie Arrieta, age 17
ABOUT ME: My name is Valerie Arrieta, a 17-year-old Ecuadorian-American artist. I enjoy fashion, listening to 80s music, and photography. I've always had a passion for taking photos, whether on my digital camera, film camera, or on my phone. Art has always been a creative outlet for me to express my emotions when the world feels overwhelming. I've been known to be a very observant person and always notice and remember the little things about the people I love. Photography allows me to capture those beautiful moments that people don't always show. I'm excited to see where my art takes me in life, and all I will create. My goal is to become a well known-fashion designer, some day have my own collection, and bring to life the sketches that lay in my sketchbook.
La niña dulce
I wanted to capture the innocence of a young girl playing dress up. This photo symbolizes my childhood memory of when I would dress up for fun. As we grow older, the vibrant energy we possess as children gradually diminishes. I wanted to tap into everyone’s inner child and bring back that feeling of nostalgia.
Yahaira Guerrero, age 18
ABOUT ME: Yahaira Guerrero (Yah-hi-rah, she/her) is an 18-year-old first-gen Chicana from Highland Park, North East Los Angeles. Yahaira is currently a first-year sociology major at SMC. Yahaira draws her inspiration from her community, culture, and peers. Growing up in a culturally rich neighborhood inspired her to document the vibrancy of her community and culture as it races against time. Due to the ongoing erasure and displacement occurring in her neighborhood of Highland Park, she has been able to photograph important parts of her community. Her work’s ultimate intention is one of preservation and advocacy, calling attention to the issues affecting her and her community.
Erased
The Highland Theatre located in Highland Park has closed its doors after 100 years. Like other businesses in the region, it was once locally owned, accessible and affordable. Today many are permanently closed, creating barriers to the native residents and playing a role in the erasure of a once lively place that served as the home to predominantly low-income families of color. These photos from 2016 and 2024 work to ensure that the soul and memories are never forgotten.
Zubi Sánchez, age 14
ABOUT ME: Hi, my name is Zubi Sanchez. I am Latinx and grew up in Los Angeles. I am 14 years old and will attend Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy for high school. I am a novice in photography but have always admired this form of art and self-expression.
$6.50
This picture was taken at Raspados Nayarit in Lincoln Heights. I chose this photo because I used to visit this place frequently when I was younger. However, I hadn't been there in a while, so I decided to walk there with my grandma and brother. We stayed for a while and enjoyed some delicious raspados. This photo conveys the idea that sometimes we forget about a place, but we can create new memories there and rekindle our love for it.