digital promotoras:
Shaping Perspectives
The lifeblood that moves through us all can be traced not only to our cultures, but to our subcultures; teachers, leaders, chosen family found on our own islands of misfit toys. As we grow into the people we choose to be, the influence taken from those who see us as genuinely as we wish to be seen moves us forward most earnestly in authenticity— the teenagers who taught us to skateboard, the neon-haired parents who gave us rides home, the alternative sentinels who guide with kindness, who could never bring judgment.
Eschewing stereotype and preconceived notion, Digital Promotoras document the members of the subcultures which have influenced them integrally. Utilizing photojournalistic technique, the stories of those teachers, leaders, and chosen family are brought through the veil of obscurity to be displayed in the light, celebrating their beauty and intrinsic cultural value. From activists to gamers, queer youth to punks, Digital Promotoras honors the members of the benevolent underbelly, and how they help to shape a community.
TEACHING ARTISTS: Arlene Mejorado & Xelestiál Moreno Luz
TEACHING ARTIST ASSISTANT: Paola Jamie
MENTORS: Alex Zamora, Erma Rovera, Jeanne Heo, Jireh Deng, Kari Ramirez, Kat De Guzman, Lani Shing DeSoto, Leah Hubbard, Metz Garcia, Nicole Maturo, Rachel Martin, Sazan Pasori, & Susanica Tam
FEATUred
Photographers
Aimee Hernandez
Ash Romero
Atzin Soberanez-Peña
Delilah Mendez
Diana Martinez
Faviola Cruz
Gabriela Gatica
Jacqueline Hernandez
Jade Sanchez
Jessica Barroso
Juliana N. Hernandez
Katie Solis
Maelie Espinal
Mar-Isabella Montoya
Meredith Flores
Mya Ramirez
Riley Sotomayor
Salma Samano
Sascha Camacho
Semmia
Sofia Gurrola
Victoria Moreno
Vincent Rosado
Yahaira S. Guerrero
Aimee Hernandez, Age 14
Top: Together Bottom: Alone
Cross country: it‘s a sport of a team and a solo sport. Both of these pictures show people running because it‘s a competition over a long distance and time. When you practice for the races, you run as a team; you do a lot of things as a team but also alone. I chose to mainly photograph the runners because they are the ones who participate in this sport, but behind the pictures there is always your own team cheering for you, supporting you.
ABOUT ME
My name is Aimee Hernandez, I was born in South Los Angeles and have lived there my entire life (14 years). This completes my second semester at Las Fotos Project and again having the chance to pursue photography! Aside from photography I love baking, listening to music, reading and running.
Ash Romero, Age 16
Top: Determined Bottom: Within The Community
Students Run Los Angeles is a non-profit organization that trains students from middle to high school. Once a month, an elevated sense of energy is felt through the runners as they prepare to not only run but also overcome challenges. Each school has their own training regiment and builds a community within it. At Garfield High School, the community can be seen and felt throughout these photos as the students and coaches run and support each other to accomplish their goals.
ABOUT ME
My name is Ash Romero Gomez, I am 16 years old. I've grown both individually and as a photographer in my past four years at Las Fotos Project. I enjoy using photography as a way to explore my identity in different ways and find new ways to see the world through a different lens (no pun intended). During the past few semesters, I was able to connect with myself on a deeper emotional level. As a runner, I've completed the Los Angeles Marathon four times and will complete my fifth one in March. My inspiration is my sister Maria because she has paved a pathway for me to be who I am. She has taught me to be true to myself. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and running. I am always on the lookout for Gothic literature and horror fiction books, especially Isak Dinesen and Silvia Moreno-Garcia.
Atzin Soberanez-Peña, Age 15
Stomping Grounds
"You don't realize what you have until it's gone," a statement that repeats in my mind whenever I think of my old barrio. Highland Park was once a beautiful neighborhood full of culture, now it's become a hotspot for nightlife and cafes. Staples in our community have either closed or been replaced. But, one iconic landmark has remained through the gentrification of Highland Park, the Highland Theater. One of the victories we’ve had throughout the era of gentrification.
ABOUT ME
Atzin Soberanez-Peña is a 15-year-old Mexican Indigenous artist born and raised in Northeast Los Angeles and based in El Monte, CA. Watching films with her dad at a young age influenced her love and admiration for photography as well as cinematography. Peña found love in photographing the beautiful community of Highland Park, where she spent most of her time growing up. She highlights places that are special to her and the people of Highland Park before they’re gone due to gentrification. She hopes to capture more of Highland Park in future projects, as well as the impact that gentrification has on communities that make up the beautiful city of Los Angeles.
Delilah Mendez, Age 14
Street Canvas
Where some see the world as one large painting, others see it as one large canvas. When identifying subcultures in day-to-day life, one of the most common ones within Los Angeles can easily be missed: the beauty of street art. Los Angeles street art gives the city character and acts as a cultural map along its walls. The uniqueness each mural or tag brings to Los Angeles is a sign of the self-expression demonstrated throughout our city.
ABOUT ME
Delilah Mendez, a 14-year-old Mexican-American student, born and currently located in La Puente, California uses her constantly changing environment to capture small moments that one could easily overlook. As a detail-oriented artist she enjoys documentary photography and hopes to pursue it throughout the rest of her life. She enjoys music, having time to herself, and spending time with friends and family. Delilah receives most of her inspiration through visiting art galleries or painting, along with the city of Los Angeles itself. She feels that the city is one big photograph waiting to be deciphered. Delilah enjoys photography because she feels the camera lens speaks its own language and gives others an opportunity to view the world as she sees it when words aren’t enough to express its detailed beauty.
Diana Martinez, Age 18
Spirit
Our spirit is unseen, some may argue, yet in my mind our spirit can be seen in many ways. Living in Los Angeles, I’ve come to notice that most individuals have lost deeper aspects of themselves–the ability to observe. As I was waiting for the bus, I noticed a man playing El Diablo, requiring focus and coordination. It drew my attention and made me consider the ways mindful activities can connect people in the present moment.
ABOUT ME
Born in Los Angeles, Diana Martinez (she/her) is an 18-year-old chicana photographer. The premise of her work this semester was to capture the beauty that L.A. communities hold. Individuals naturally interpret art in their own unique way and she aims to capture her personal perspective in her work. She considers herself to be an optimistic person who finds inspiration in the diversity and vibrancy of her city. In a world where perspectives are diverse and subjective, Diana recognizes the power of her own narrative and seeks to amplify the voices of those who may not have the opportunity to tell their stories.
Faviola Cruz, Age 16
Cars. Camera. Action.
Cars have always been an interest of mine as I grew up with my brothers and as of today, the car community has expanded and is something I can see more of nowadays. This project just really shows a glimpse of what I further hope to photograph more about and really become the start of my car photography journey.
ABOUT ME
My name is Faviola Cruz and I am a 16-year-old artist born and raised in Boyle Heights. My pronouns are she/her. I’m a current junior at Theodore Roosevelt High School. Some of my hobbies include soccer, listening to music, making bracelets, photography and editing.
Within the past year I've expanded my photography experience with working and photographing at my school‘s 87th and 88th Roosevelt vs. Garfield Classic Football Rivalry game, and further work with Las Fotos Project in the spring and fall of 2023. These hands-on experiences have helped shape my skills and perspective of things when it comes to photography, knowing what it takes and the responsibilities within the workflow of being a photographer. Photography has opened a path of opportunities, allowing me to tell a story, share my work and create still photos of core memories of mine, becoming a journey I'd like to further pursue with the support of my family.
Gabriela Gatica, Age 17
Live Your Youth
For my project, I decided to focus on punk culture. These photos took place during the first show I ever went to. I decided to take my camera to capture how people feel free during the show. In the photos I took throughout the show I saw individuals express themselves through screaming, moshing, and crowd surfing. This is exactly what I wanted people who aren't familiar with the scene to understand as they see my work.
ABOUT ME
My name is Gabriela Gatica and I was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles. I am a daughter of a Mexican immigrant mother, a proud sister, and a friend. My family and friends inspire my work. They allow me to open my eyes to the beauty of the world. I am passionate about simple little things and having people notice the art in everyday life. I like to capture things that capture my attention such as moments people are having, animals, and objects.
Jacqueline Hernandez, Age 15
Life in Los Angeles
Seeing all the beautiful shops and places around Los Angeles is what inspired me to take these photos. All the beautiful scenery in the Little Tokyo area in downtown Los Angeles was eye opening, as everywhere I looked, there were amazing sights. From lanterns to rocket ships to buildings painted and lit up, everywhere I saw the exact sights I wanted to photograph.
ABOUT ME
My name is Jacqueline Hernandez and I am 15 at the moment. I am currently attending James A. Garfield High School and am a sophomore in 10th grade. I was born here in East Los Angeles! I joined this program because I was interested in other forms of art rather than just music and drawing. Photography was able to open my eyes to new perspectives of life as seeing the world through a lens is almost just as beautiful as the real thing. One of my biggest inspirations is my friend’s cat Lola F. as she is an amazingly beautiful, silly cat who can brighten up anyone’s mood.
Jade Sanchez, Age 15
Punk Foos
I photographed a punk show that was originally going to happen in Lincoln Heights but got moved to downtown Los Angeles. After an hour and half of waiting and trying to bribe the bouncers I finally got into the venue. It was ridiculously humid. I was extremely afraid of dropping my camera but I knew what I had to do. I wanted to capture the adrenaline rush of the crowd.
ABOUT ME
Hi, my name is Jade, I’m 15 years old and a first-generation chicanx. I was born and raised in the North East Los Angeles community of Highland Park. I love music, shows, cats, and exploring new ways of expressing and creating art. Creating art is important to me because it allows me to express myself and it brings me joy. With photography, I like capturing the moment and preserving the memory of it.
Jessica Barroso, Age 19
Professor Preciado
My project, “La Latina en Labor,” was created with the intention of capturing Latin American women in the U.S. in ways that defy the stereotypes associated with them. When it comes to the workplace, Latinas are most commonly thought to be farmworkers or maids, however the group is far more than that. I sought to photograph the diversity of occupations and, more importantly, careers that Latinas can take on, from social workers to art history professors to festival directors.
ABOUT ME
Jessica Barroso (she/her) is an artist from South Central Los Angeles, specializing in photography and poetry. She utilizes photography to express various parts of her identity, as well as to voice her opinions on numerous topics and issues that concern her. Through her work, she explores themes including body image, Latin American culture, queerness, and womanhood. Although her time with Las Fotos Project has come to an end, Jessica will continue to use photography as a tool for self expression and advocacy. In her free time, she likes to eat enchiladas, play with her two dogs, and ride the bus.
Juliana N. Hernandez, Age 18
Top: Where'd They Go? Bottom: Hot n Ready
I chose to photograph my brother and some of his friends because I have noticed how committed they are to being great bike riders. Adan (my brother in the gray Pro Club) and Ariel (black and white Pro Club) grew up in Echo Park, and Josue (black Pro Club sweater) is from Westlake. These teenage boys are on their daily bike ride around Echo Park, where they race, practice tricks, and often enjoy neighborhood foods.
ABOUT ME
Juliana Nayelli Hernández is an 18-year-old student whose main drive is focusing on academics and art. Both of her parents migrated from Mexico to Los Angeles and she is first generation. Juliana stands proud with her first-generation title, making it so 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 witnessed modern colonization firsthand and always found photography necessary to document change and displacement. Prior to Las Fotos Project, Juliana’s main creative outlet was dancing. She began dancing at the age of 7, and to this day, looks forward to her weekly hip hop classes. This being Juliana’s first semester at Las Fotos Project, she wanted to make sure she portrayed a feeling of familiarity through her photography.
Katie Solis, Age 17
Viva Palestine
I took this photo of a couple wearing Catrina-inspired makeup during a Día de Los Muertos celebration in Belvedere Park, East L.A. The couple stood out to me with their statement-making outfit. The woman is wearing a dress with “Free Palestine” written on the side, drawing awareness to the ongoing injustice happening in Gaza. I like how the image connects the culture of this holiday honoring the dead within the Latino community to the grief happening globally.
ABOUT ME
I was born and raised in Boyle Heights and am currently a senior at San Gabriel Mission High School. Some words I like to describe myself are passionate, caring and creative. I love documenting Boyle Heights as a way to gain a better understanding of where I come from, my family’s history, and as a way to appreciate the uniqueness of my culture. I am drawn to vibrant, colorful environments and want my images to evoke a sense of warmth and familiarity. I might be introverted at times, but with a camera I can definitely express myself. What inspires me to continue to take photos is my dad. Photography is a way for me to connect to family and the world around me. It helps me notice the little things in the world and to stay present in the moment.
Maelie Espinal, Age 13
Lavadero
I loved my babysitter. She wouldn’t just babysit me though, she would also help my family with the laundry. She was like my second mom, she would take me anywhere and everywhere. We would walk to this laundromat and spend all our time there. It was always empty so she would play with me and In return I would help her fold clothes. I treasure my memories of her, and this project is in honor of her.
ABOUT ME
Maelie is a Salvadoran Latina born in Los Angeles. She currently is in the 8th grade at Thomas Starr King Middle School and she hopes to one day be a surgeon and is drawn to the complexities of the human body. While gaming provides her solace in imaginative worlds, cinema fuels her passion for storytelling and emotion. Her comfort foods, Takis and yerba mate, show her diverse tastes. In this class, Maelie explored photographic styles, visual storytelling, and conveying emotional depth.
Mar-Isabella Montoya, Age 16
Caissons
In order to have a community, you must have the people who are proudly in them. In my case, my community would be the subculture which is marching band. I look towards my band fondly, as they’re all unique and spontaneous individuals—all teenagers looking to find peace together. These photographs here are the humans within the musicians, behind the instruments. I hope you, too, see them as beautiful as they are, and will always be.
ABOUT ME
Mar-Isabella Montoya is a 16-year-old musician, journalist and photographer, born and raised in Los Angeles, and proud daughter of Nicaraguan and Guatemalan migrants. Surrounded by the diverse culture of the city, she finds her artistry to attempt to celebrate humanism in our everyday lives. Mar-Isabella 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. The desire she holds to break down and grow with the world around her leads her to feel a larger connection in small moments which she sees as historical fragments of time that tell the whispered stories of humanity.
Meredith Flores, Age 15
Ants
I shot a photograph of a cup of flat coke sitting next to a solitary bus stop. Ants were climbing inside to make the shape of Africa. Kind of looks like a little planet inside an abandoned McDonald‘s cup. It was treated as trash, but new life arose from it. Next to these eerie organisms, lies a dead fly in the corner.
ABOUT ME
My name is Meredith Flores. I am a sophomore attending James A. Garfield High School. I have lived in East L.A. my whole life. I am a Scorpio, for the people who care about those things. One of my biggest inspirations is Lola Flores, my cat. I am a somewhat open-minded person who likes all types of music, except country. This year I discovered how fun photography can be. A newfound friendship with my camera was able to uncover new perspectives of life that I hadn’t seen before. My interest in photography has no limits, if I see something that looks cool, I'll take a photo.
Mya Ramirez, Age 14
Los Colores
It was a quiet moment in Mariachi Plaza. I stepped in the gazebo and felt connected with the scene. The women in the dress reminded me of old traditions and the papel picado is something that brings me back to childhood memories.
ABOUT ME
I am a 14-year-old Indigenous girl living in Pasadena; a brown girl that is constantly thinking outside of the box–but at times doesn't know where the box is. Having recently been diagnosed with ADHD, I see my life as a puzzle–every day I’m trying to put together the pieces but there are times that I feel like I just can’t get them to fit. I struggle with feeling accomplished and feel as though I am constantly searching for the next “big thing” in my life. But recently, I discovered photography. Photography has taught me to be present; to capture a vision that only I can see and share it with the world. Taking pictures gives me a chance to pause the fast moving world around me. It gives me a chance to quiet my mind and be present.
Riley Sotomayor, Age 18
Top: Bloody Mary's Bottom: It Wasn't Me
This work of art, “If Looks Kould Kill” was created in hopes to capture drag queens in their domain as they perform. They are known for their extravagant makeup, dress wear, and fiery/feisty attitude. I wanted to explore their persona and the performance they put on by looking for their dramatic moments–the moments where they're absolutely timeless and the moments where you see the face they put on.
ABOUT ME
Riley Sotomayor is a young female Ecuadorian/Guatemalan student at East Los Angeles Community College. With her photography and art, she hopes to captivate a diverse range of emotions along with lost moments in time because she understands that there is so much that goes on in this world. What everyone misses, she hopes to capture. Some of her influences are Tyler Shields, Damon Baker, Shannon Brooke, and Zhong Lin who make all very different art that defy norms both in photography and social standards. They inspire her to not get comfortable with her art and to continue breaking boundaries and exploring the work that she creates. She hopes to find the hidden things, the stuff we seem to miss, the emotions we feel or can't remember. She wants to help share everyone‘s different perspectives with her art.
Salma Samano, Age 15
For the Culture
Andrew Sandoval is a teenage skater from El Monte who is depicted in my photography series, “Skaters in El Monte.” His passion to skate began when he witnessed his friends skating and was compelled to start his own skating journey. Skating culture is composed of diverse types of skaters, and Andrew’s interests in skating is only to skate. Some of his favorite artists to skate to are Radiohead, Slowdive, and Knumears.
ABOUT ME
I am Salma Samano. I'm 15 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 one 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.
Sascha Camacho, Age 16
Black Enough
“Black Enough” is my exploration of claiming space as a Black Mexican queer woman, challenging societal attempts to limit my identity. Through photography, I create black spaces in everyday settings, embracing my diverse cultural background. Born into a mix of cultures, I acknowledge the beauty in the influence of my people on shaping the world, transcending the need for a specific upbringing. This series reflects my journey to authentically connect with and celebrate my identity.
ABOUT ME
Sascha Camacho is a 16-year-old creative from Los Angeles, California. While handling a camera is not new to her, it continues to play a crucial role as the foundation of her artistic intrigue. With an innate ability to absorb the world around her and mirror it in her creative process, she feels a magnetic pull toward capturing human emotion unaltered by conformity, whether it be through a lens or with a paintbrush. In this way, she becomes her art, offering others a glimpse into her perspective as a Black and Mexican queer teen navigating the complexities of life in this transitional state, both internally and in her surroundings. When everything else in her life is out of focus, Sascha finds clarity and solace in art.
Semmia, Age 15
Si Me Ves
Si me ves is a beloved project amplifying how youth in Los Angeles preserve their cultural heritage through fashion–not as a trend, but as a symbol of resilience, because we were the seeds covered by concrete. Semillas de tierras indígenas. We continue to love firmly and unconditionally. Si me ves is a visual representation of our cultural identities brought to the communities of Los Angeles.
ABOUT ME
SEMMIA is a 15-year-old artist born and raised in the city of Los Angeles. She expresses her values and beliefs through photography. She is connected with her family originating across indigenous lands of Oaxaca and Quintana Roo. She cherishes her relationship with her culture and uses tools available to her, such as photography, to express herself.
Sofia Gurrola, Age 18
Top: 562 Flea Bottom: Hot Girl Market
Swap meets get a makeover as Gen Z’s new wave of fashion creates a different flea market experience. “Hot girl market” and “562 flea” are one of the many flea markets that encourage thrifting for revamped, older styles. The demographic of vendors is mainly young adults who boast a unique style of clothing. In this photo project documenting thrift culture, flea market booths act as an extension of the vendors themselves.
ABOUT ME
Sofia Gurrola is an 18-year-old photographer who comes from South L.A. She spent her high school years in downtown Los Angeles where she dabbled in street photography. On the way to and from school, Sofia noticed all the life that traveled through DTLA. Street photography turned into photographing human connections at home and at events. In contrast to spontaneous photos, Sofia has recently started asking people to pose and participate in her photography. Event photography and portraiture are the newest art forms Sofia has been experimenting in. Currently, Sofia attends CSU Long Beach as a political science student where she plans to pursue the legal side of art.
Victoria Moreno, Age 18
York.BLVD
For my project I focused on car communities, experienced different environments, aspired to meeting new people and discovered my personal style as a result. I began with going to see supercars. Most rejected me there. They would make fun of my glasses, which I thought looked good. Despite getting little approval from one group I was able to be accepted in my classic car shows and was able to meet various enthusiasts, resulting in me taking this photo on York Boulevard of a beautiful 70s Buick.
ABOUT ME
Victoria is a passionate, driven person–although she has dealt with obstacles that feel seemingly endless–she never stopped trying to make things work. Being constantly out of her comfort zone, she pushes herself in different parts of her life. This includes photography, which she finds exhilarating.Through her time at Las Fotos Project, she felt uneasy in a new environment with talented people and foreign ideas that made her feel intimidated. However, she realized that this was the best opportunity she could ever experience. Looking back, she wishes to have talked to more people, been more outgoing and wanted to feel more sure of herself. But ultimately, she wouldn’t change a thing she accomplished at Las Fotos Project. With the semester coming to an end, she felt grateful for what she was given at LFP, and wishes for another semester to experience with such talented people and perspectives differing from her own.
Vincent Rosado, Age 17
Top: One Bottom: Two
The self-identifying art through graffiti. The subculture that I chose to photograph is graffiti culture. I am particularly interested in this because I want to combine drawing and photography. The walls are the canvas and the art is there already existing to be captured.
ABOUT ME
I’m Vincent Rosado, a 17-year-old junior in high school. I was born in Boyle Heights, and I have lived in Northeast L.A. all my life. I have always enjoyed taking Las Fotos Project classes; over time it has helped me immensely in defining and shaping who I am now as a person. I love to express my thoughts and feelings through my art and receive feedback from other artists.
Yahaira S. Guerrero, Age 18
Decolon!ze Your Mind
This piece is dedicated to all first and second-generation children of Indigenous and ethnic backgrounds. The most important thing we can do to honor our roots and ancestors is to decolonize our minds and take pride in our culture. This piece visually displays the process of decolonizing through clothing and emotions, starting from the way we and others portray ourselves everyday (the Americanized version) up to us fully reaching the pride and knowledge of who we are and represent.
ABOUT ME
Yahaira Guerrero (Yah-hi-rah, she/her) is an 18-year-old first-generation Chicana from Highland Park in North East Los Angeles, who is currently a first-year sociology major at Santa Monica College. Yahaira draws her inspiration from her community and peers. Growing up in a neighborhood that was rich in culture inspired her to take pride in her roots. Due to the ongoing gentrification of Highland Park, she has learned to educate herself and others about these social issues and find other ways to take pride and embrace her culture. She has been able to preserve and highlight her community and culture through photography and inspire others to resist social norms that make people feel like outsiders. Yahaira is determined and fearless when it comes to advocating for change and reaching her goals.