Esta Soy Yo: (Well)Being

As a society, we are often desensitized to the idea of being well. We have been trained to cover up our feelings of being unwell and we seldom prioritize our mental health. In taking a deeper look at what makes us whole and what we need to do ‘well’, our Spring 2022 Esta Soy Yo students took this opportunity to combine image-making with mixed media techniques to portray what well-being meant to them. Their work shines a light on their journeys to discovering what it means to heal and recover within their daily lives. Uncovering what it is that contributes to our physical and mental well-being, the resources, and the community that uplifts us and supports us. Each student has taken this opportunity to discover more about themselves and take an honest look at their needs, oftentimes while living in a community that may not support their reflective journey. Each image begins to break those barriers of asking for support and having an honest conversation that sometimes just acknowledges that we are not ok, which, in itself is an accomplishment.  In placing our needs at the forefront, this exhibition not only intends to begin a conversation around mental health, but continue to change the narrative of wellbeing and what that means, especially given the events of the past two and a half years.  

TEACHING ARTIST
Evelyn Yin

TEACHING ARTIST ASSISTANT
Natalia Angeles

MENTORS
Alejandro Palacios, Alondra Buccio, Brittanie Renoj, Caroline Alfonso, Coffee Kang, Cristabell Fierros, Gabrielle Biasi, Juli Perez, Melina Garcia, Michelle Nieweg, Michelle Terris, and Stephanie Kropp

 

Addys Lopez, age 17

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: As a senior in high school, friends came and left along the way. From 13 to 17 years old, you change through the years in high school. The friends you choose to be with are the people who become like family to you, but you also begin to see yourself through them. In these pictures I have photographed, I wanted to demonstrate who I have become through these past 4 years.

Lizeth. Period 1, 8:27 AM, Course: H Adv Comp 12B. This picture is of Lizeth, one of my closest friends. Most of her face is covered by a mask, which shows that, in school, this is our new lifestyle: communicating through our eyes, rarely ever seeing each other’s faces, rarely noticing if someone is smiling or not. This new lifestyle has changed the way we communicate with each other.

Heidi. 7:37 AM. This portrait of Heidi, my best friend, shows her love towards me. The purpose of this picture was for her to be able to show with her hand some sort of symbol of how much she cares about me. In this image, I can see what the friendship between Heidi and me means to one another.

 

Cultura. LFP neighborhood. The purpose of this picture was to show the different depictions of the same religious figures. For example, La Virgen, and Jose y Maria with baby Jesus are all shown in the same display case. Growing up, I've always seen a lot of these religious figures, which made me want to make this photograph.

Persona. 11:27 AM, Boyle Heights. Behind every camera there is always a person. Behind this camera there’s Addys, taking pictures of the things around her, portraying herself in the pictures that she takes of her culture, her friends, and her family.

Cyanotype. This is a cyanotype self-portrait that was done in class. For this project, we covered the paper with the cyanotype chemicals. After we left it in the sun for a couple of minutes and ran it through water and hydrogen peroxide, the image began to show. This process added a calming effect to the self-portrait.

About Me: My name is Addys Lopez. I am seventeen years old and currently a senior at John Marshall High School in Los Angeles. I love being able to learn new things and to explore what I think I am capable of, and the way that things are. Something I recently discovered is that I am really passionate about taking pictures with a camera, as well as learning the meaning behind pictures that are taken. Ever since I joined LFP last semester in their Digital Promotoras class, I've learned how to take better pictures on a camera-- different aspects, different moods, different feelings. I found passion in taking pictures that show who I am, including the things and people around me, and I recently began taking pictures of how I am feeling in the current moment.

Angel Mia Torres, age 14

About Me: My name is Angel Mia Torres. I use she/her pronouns and I am an 8th grader (14). I live in Moorpark, CA and I am a Mexican-Puerto Rican-American. This will be my fourth semester at Las Fotos Project. Outside of school, I love making multimedia art like painting and sewing, listening to music, and taking care of my plants. I also do a bit of volunteer work with my family in my community. In my photos, I strive to capture the little moments of life and the things we don’t often look at or notice. Examples of this would be my Lost & Found project, a project where I focused solely on found objects. In the future, I want to be an artist who uses their art as a form of activism, and to use my voice to help others. I also want to become comfortable with my art and myself.

Friends. Suntanned bags, sagging with the weight of books and messy papers shoved to the bottom. They belong to the girls whom I know can hear my hushed voice and will listen. In return, I listen to them talk about their own challenges, or about the boy next door.

Under an open blue sky. With myself I can think and reflect, asking questions that only I want to answer, whether they be worries of my day, or something I forgot to do, like assignments due the next day or hour. It’s often easier to think, rather than speak.

A family of 4. My family has always been my number one support system, whether taking time out of their day to roll through the drive-thru of McDonalds for some fries while we talk about our days and struggles, or pushing me out of my comfort zone and into opportunities I would otherwise have missed.

Welcome home/back. Within a peach home, rooms are painted the colors of the sun and filled with evidence of life. The only noises are the hum of conversations hidden behind walls and the buzz of the fridge; a break from the world that sits outside.

 

Complex. Comfort can be found in anything; an object, a person, or a memory.

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: My project is focused on the places and people I find comfort in, be they myself, my family, or my home. These places and people allow me to take time for myself without the pressure of school and the anxiety of everyday life. They allow me to be my true, authentic self.

Aranza Trujillo, age 16

About Me: Hi, my name is Aranza Trujillo. I am a 16-year-old first-generation Latina who goes by she/her/hers pronouns. Whether I am taking pictures with my disposable camera, phone, Instax, or digital cameras, I love to capture beautiful moments. I would describe myself as a devoted and responsible person, and I am determined to try new things and meet new people. My biggest inspiration is my parents. I grew up seeing them struggle to find a job because of their legal status, so they have always encouraged me to take advantage of all the opportunities that come my way. Although my parents came here with nothing, they have done their best to provide for my family and I am very grateful for that. One thing I admire about myself is that I am a caring person. I always check up on my friends; you never know what someone may be going through. I aspire to continue expressing myself through the use of photography, and to inspire others with my work.

Soledad. The meaning behind this photo is to demonstrate the feeling of sadness and being alone. I used the blue light because blue represents sadness; “feeling blue”. The main purpose of this project was to capture the feeling of loneliness, even when you’re surrounded by company or loved ones.

Drowning. Anxiety is something that I struggle with on a daily basis. I wanted to bring representation to its range of different effects by using the plastic wrap to illustrate the feeling of drowning or suffocating in my thoughts and feelings.

ABC. The purpose behind this photoshoot was to capture some of my favorite spots in Lincoln Heights. My best friend, Arlene, happened to be wearing her Kids of Immigrants sweater and I loved how the sweater looked with this mural outside of the ABC Market. This image not only captures one of my favorite stores, it highlights the Virgen and my best friend who is repping first, second, and third generation kids of immigrants.

Huaraches. Whether it’s me wearing huaraches as a baby, or wearing them to this day, huaraches have been a staple fashion piece in my life for as long as I can remember. The feeling of excitement over my tias and tios bringing me a pair of huaraches from Mexico is an unforgettable memory.

 

My Identity. All of these pictures make up components of my identity. This collage highlights aspects of my culture, religion, and interests. I am a visual learner myself, so I wanted to create something that people could visualize and interpret in a variety of ways.

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: My project consists of multiple aspects of my identity. All of the images displayed in this project are components of my self image. If we focus on the images that show the Virgen de Guadalupe, my religious identity is represented. If we look at “Soledad” or “Drowning”, these photographs illustrate my feelings. I have always struggled to express how I feel with words, so I use photographs to creatively express my emotions. These images represent aspects of my culture and some of my favorite spots here, in LA. Being a visual learner allows me to create images that emphasize my identity. This project holds a lot of sentimental value, as it conveys who I am in a unique way. These colorful images allow for people to understand me in their own way.

 

Aster Sanchez, age 17

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The fear of change is one of the most common fears that people face. In my project, I wanted to focus on making change into a positive thing. Change can allow us to move forward in life, create new experiences, and help us grow. Throughout my childhood, I struggled in accepting change, as I was afraid of the unknown outcomes that might occur. I have found, though, that without change I wouldn’t have been able to overcome my fears, reflect on my struggles, make new friends, or loosen the idea of change being scary. The idea of change doesn’t scare me as much as it used to when I was younger. I have come to terms with the fact that change is a normal part of life, and it’s still okay to be scared of it. I’m scared of what my future holds, but ready to face the challenges that are ahead.

Time To Grow Up. I turn 18 this year. I graduate next year, and am expected to go to college the following fall. This is Teddy, and he’s the first stuffed animal I’ve had. He’s been with me since the start, and I imagine him calling out to me in this photo. He’s standing outside my home and watching me leave to start a new chapter. Time has flown by so fast, and I will miss the memories we shared.

Face Your Fears. I discovered that I had a fear of heights when I was 12 years old. I used to avoid activities involving high places, and used to freak out when I got on rides such as the Ferris Wheel. Then I realized that I didn’t want to be scared anymore. My family went to a small fair nearby and I rode all the rides. I had so much adrenaline, and enjoyed how high I was. I was fearless that day.

 

I Love You. I’ve always struggled making friends, which caused me to believe I wasn’t meant to have them. Then I met Chelsea, Darla, and Zyrah. These three have changed the way I view friendship, and I wouldn’t have survived this year without them. They all share valuable qualities of what makes a good friend. I will forever cherish the memories we’ve made and the time we have spent together. Thank you for letting me be your friend, and for everything you’ve done.

Preserve. Change can be difficult, but it’s how we grow. It can be the hardest thing to realize, the fact that you can’t hold onto something forever; sometimes you have to let it go. I learned that I would experience change at some point in my life. It didn’t matter if I wanted to, or if I was ready. Without change we wouldn’t be able to grow. I was able to discover things about myself, and will still learn more.

Third Time's A Charm. "I can’t do this" was an often-used phrase I would say throughout my childhood. I was insecure in my skills and had a lot of doubt in myself. Trying new things was a difficult task for me, as I would always get frustrated and give up easily. This was my first time working with cyanotypes, and I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to do it. After trying three times, I got a product I was super happy with.

About Me: My name is Aster Sanchez. I am a non-binary photographer from Los Angeles. I’m 17 years old and a junior at Dr. Olga Mohan High School. I first started taking photos of my toys when I was young, and over time my passion for photography grew. I enjoy photography because it allows me to shoot anything to my heart’s content. My work focuses on self-portraits and documentation. I use my work to express my creativity and explore my personal struggles to find new ways to reconnect with myself. I plan on continuing my photography and sharing my story through my work. Besides photography, I enjoy listening to music, playing video games, trying new things, collecting random objects, and creating different content through other types of art.

 

Atlantis Dance, age 16

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: My project is about places I enjoy being, places I find aesthetically pleasing, and special individuals I appreciate having in my everyday life. I also included a picture which represents how others perceive me by looking at my physical form. I chose to use a picture representative of how I look to others because I am curious as to how people view me, whether it be my physical form or my personality. I added a picture which I took at the beach, and which I really love, because that’s the place that makes me feel the most at home, environment-wise.

My Space. My room is my safe place, I spend a lot of my time here. I am always in the process of making it more customized to me. I am not a maximalist, because I can get overwhelmed easily. I keep my room slightly blank to add things I really love as I discover them.

My Feline Soulmate. These are my bestest friends: my cat, Vega, and my boyfriend, in the corner. My mom got Vega for me as a tiny kitten, when I was 6. I could not live without her. She’s watched me grow for 10 years, and I’ve watched her grow too. I feel like she’s my guardian. I always feel her looking out for me.

 

Golden Deers. Sometimes, when people look at me, or are just getting to know me, they tell me I look like Bambi, the deer. My family members tell me I remind them of a deer because of my long legs and soft facial features. I, personally, take being called Bambi as a compliment, because I love deer.

El Matador Beach. Going to the beach is my favorite thing to do, no matter how I’m feeling. Being around the beach relieves my anxiety and stress. I grew up in Venice Beach, so I find beaches very comforting.

Mom’s Friend’s House. This is my mom’s friend’s house in Boyle Heights. I used to go here often to have dinner. I love the house’s color, the plants, and the Victorian Architecture. I’ve slept over at this house before, the birds don’t stop chirping throughout the whole night.

About Me: My name is Atlantis Dance and I am a student living in Los Angeles. I have been interested in taking a photography class for a while now, and am excited to explore photography as one of my creative outlets. My family has encouraged me to get more into photography. My mom says I am a natural and take really good photos. Aside from photography, I am passionate about learning new languages. I would really like to learn to speak Spanish and French fluently.

Ava Preciado, age 16

About Me: Ava Preciado is 16 years old and native to Boyle Heights. She loves taking photos, dancing, and playing sports. Lately, she’s been discovering a new, creative side of herself because of a camera her grandfather gifted her. She enjoys spending time with her friends, writing poetry, and reading. She also has two friendly dogs who love to walk around. Since she was young, her dream has been to become a model. She’s always known that’s what she wanted to do. Her favorite place in the world is the beach, because this is where she feels free and calm. While she can admittedly be shy upon first meeting people, she comes out of her shell after spending more time with them.

Mixed Photos Have No Meaning. Mixed photos have no meaning. When people see this, some are impressed, some are stressed, some don't even care. It's up to you how your creative mind sees this. The meaning is up to you.

Lost Toys. Lost toys gain dust in her bedroom up above. Vibrant pink and blue lights start to lose their meaning as the days go by. Baby blankets stay barred to the corner of her bed while the assignments pile up in her head. Lost toys become memories as precious time passes.

FALLING REFLECTION. Reflections of a perfect life filter realities into a distortion. In this photo, it shows the cold exhaustion of a young teen.

Dolls Live Behind My Eyes. When I'm tired and can't seem to say goodbye, I turn to the dolls that live behind my eyes. They sit up straight and don't act strange. They use their manners and have no flaws. They sometimes fade as the day turns away, but when it’s bright they never try to hide.

 

Halt In Time. A halt in my mind has been holding me back since I was the age of nine. Distortion of feminine essence makes me look back and always wonder why. Pleasing always made me feel like I was needed. A halt in time has been holding me back since I was the age of nine. I shine a mirror on your wretched lies as I no longer sit and sigh.

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: I chose to capture these photos because I really like bringing attention to the imperfections and grimy aspects of life. I took the darker side of what we see and think about and turned these imperfections into art.

One takeaway from capturing these photos was having an emotion and creating something new. The most challenging part of this creative process was not being in front of the camera. The reason I joined Las Fotos Project was that I model, and wanted to get a better and more in-depth view of what my photographers try to capture. I also explored the styles I like.

I really had to come to terms with how I felt internally and how my mind, over the semester, created its true authentic emotions-- bright, dark, and high-level contrast at most times.

 

Carol Sum, age 15

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This project of mine revolves around adventure. Although my identity and heart remain at home, I enjoy wandering around the streets. These images show the locations I come across every day. Through these locations, I have found what I like and what I don’t. I believe that my creative images help me understand who I am becoming. At first, I was very afraid to discover the outdoors. It was not something I thought I would be open to, but I am glad I did it. By doing so, I slowly started becoming more outgoing, extroverted, and curious.

Train. Every so often, I sense that being in the Metro can be dangerous, but then I think about how millions of people use it as their way of transportation, and have no choice but to get used to the feeling of being in jeopardy in order to get home.

Comfort. It's hard for one to get comfortable somewhere that isn't home, but when you meet people who make you feel safe you will feel like you're at home. From there, you'll be able to discover more about yourself with those people.

 

Exploring. As I leave LFP every Saturday, I go by the Spring Street Courthouse. I feel attracted by the beautiful trees and flowers that surround it. It's very nice to be able to see the buildings in Boyle Heights and DTLA.

Glee. My balcony has very bittersweet memories, but as I see my little sisters play I feel like I am a child again, and forget all those previous times. They make me feel like a child, cheerful and kind once again.

Gloom. There are times when I feel very gloomy, but I know that isn't me, and that I can always cheer myself up through even the darkest days because of the joy that I carry inside of me.

About Me: I am 15 years old and a sophomore at Hollywood High School. I live in Los Angeles. Sometimes it can be hard for me to express my emotions and how I feel through words, so I was fortunate to have discovered photography in order to have something with which I can now show those feelings. I personally like to show those feelings through taking pictures of nature; the outdoors, flowers and sunsets. Although I can't verbally express those feelings, I can show them through my work and determination in life. I am very hard working, joyful, and outgoing with everyone (when I leave my introverted side). My mother inspires me to always push through in life because of how strong she has been through everything. I hope one day to be able to help others overcome their mental and emotional issues, because it is hard-- it is a lifelong journey. I hope to live a life full of joy, excitement, peace, and positivity.

 

Catherine Rodriguez, age 17

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: In the beginning of 2021, halfway through quarantine, our futures were still uncertain and no one knew how much longer the pandemic would last. Isolation took a toll on my mind and left me with a lot of time to reflect. The lack of support or certainty about the future was extremely draining. Experiences from the pandemic definitely informed my project this semester as I chose to capture fragments of my being that carried me through; my family, the violin, and nature. This semester I regained insight and self-respect with the help of Las Fotos Project. I felt welcomed and was uplifted every time I doubted myself, which I greatly appreciated. This is my second semester at LFP and I am thankful I was able to focus on myself this semester as I learned how to transform my being into art.

Evolving Reflection. I was home when this photo was taken. This is the very spot where I’d spend countless evenings looking out as the world seemed to (literally and metaphorically) be on fire, especially during quarantine. This is one of the first self-portraits I have taken. I often deal with heavy self doubt and hatred. Slowly, I am learning to appreciate and ultimately love my body and myself through portraiture and reflection.

Violin Cyanotype. Like a graphic score, this image is open for interpretation. The dark contrast of the violin bow (in the back) and white of the leaves; the weeds and baby blue color are really captivating. The image sparks feelings that are beautiful and pure, yet malleable.

 

Focused. I feel the most myself when I am focused, especially when focused on something I am passionate about, such as when I'm completing physics homework, analyzing a tree, or experiencing a friend's form of love. Here I was focusing on getting the image “just right”, considering ISO and making sure the shutter speed and aperture were correct. Although this photo isn’t perfect, I love the way it captures my personality, portraying the essence of my room and the moment.

Botas Vaqueras. Taken in El Mercadito at Boyle Heights, I admired the tenacity of the workers closing their shops late at nine PM. They looked like me and my family, and were most likely of Latin descent as well. These ‘botas vaqueras” are worn by many of my family members, especially at fun parties with rancheras. I have been wanting some, to feel more in place with myself and my Mexican heritage.

The Secret Garden. This image was taken in the garden behind my music class. This place has always brought me serenity and joy. Once class ended, I would lie here, gazing at the flowers or happily practicing violin. It felt really nice to be surrounded by green.

About Me: My name is Catherine Rodriguez and I am 17 years old. I was raised in South Central, and growing up I constantly switched schools, hopping from a private catholic school to a public school, and then to a charter. My early school years were very strenuous, but art served as a healthy escape. Every time I’d go out I would grab my camera and take pictures of any and everything. I have been fond of visual aesthetics since I was 11 years old, whether it was in the form of painting or photography, and I'm always excited to dedicate time to practicing my craft because it brings me great joy! I’m very proud and excited about my creative journey with Las Fotos Project this semester. In addition to the visual arts, I have also been a violinist in the non-profit YOLA of Harmony Project since 2014. I spend most of my time after school engaging in arts-related activities. At first, I didn’t understand why my mother forced me to join all of these after-school activities, I’d have much rather relaxed at home after a long day of school, but with time I've grown to understand that it's because my mother cares for me. She knew that instead of being in the streets doing who knows what, I deserved quality enrichment and education in any form. I will forever be grateful to her pushing me into the arts.

 

Georgina Valencia, age 16

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: My project focuses on appreciating moments in our lives, though time is fleeting. I tried to capture the essence of joy and life in my images to display how memories can be preserved through photographs. My first two photos show contradicting perspectives on the outlook of life; living in the moment and reminiscing about the past. The figures in the images illustrate the importance of being in the present, while also appreciating past memories. I wanted to use my perspective to capture images that invoke emotions of curiosity and joy. I used my family and places important to me to create my project, as these images reflect different parts of myself through them.

The World at Large. This picture shows my mom looking off into the distance on the large rocks by the water. Just as my mom seems small compared to the rocks, though we are small in the grand scheme of things it is important to live in the moment for times like this.

The Tree of Reminiscence. Taken at the cemetery where many of my relatives have been buried, this tree is one I’ve seen often since childhood. This picture captures the feeling of nostalgia for me, as the man also seems to reminisce, peering off into the distance, in line with the tree.

 

Happiness. Taken the night of my sister's surprise 15th birthday party, I wanted to capture her personality. The photo illustrates my sister as she can be seen happily smiling in her shiny dress and crown.

The Tree of Life. Made with items from my late grandmother's garden, I wanted to capture a part of her. I arranged the rose petal and clover leaf into a flower shape to represent the life of the garden.

Birthday Candles. This was taken the night of my younger sister’s birthday. I took this to capture the moment before the candle’s were blown, while they were still colorful and illuminated, illustrating my sister's fun and joyful character.

About Me: My name is Georgina. I’m a 16 year old junior from Los Feliz. The art I create or find enjoyable are pieces which can be interpreted in different ways, because I like to observe other people's perspectives. I think it is interesting to see how some find beauty in something that could be seen as mundane by others. I’ve been intrigued by expressing myself creatively since I was very young, but got discouraged much of the time and lacked motivation. I did, however, find comfort in journaling, and later found an interest in photography. My favorite images to capture are those which involve scenery and landscapes, as nature is very captivating and inspiring for me. Photography is one of my favorite ways to express myself to others as images can display emotions that are unable to be said with words.

 

Humairah Djafar, age 18

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: For my project, I tried to revolve around the emotions that have stuck with me for the past few years. It represents the built-up frustration I have hidden inside from the loneliness I created for myself by avoiding social situations, a result of staying home all the time because of COVID-19. It is clear that I am often stuck in a state of solitude since it is hard for me to bring myself to associate with others. However, I end up getting irritated with myself, as I want to be able to change myself for the better. I picture myself letting emotions loose, bursting and losing control at any second. I was inspired by the Disney movie “Inside Out”, in which the emotions inside of Riley’s head work together to rationalize her decisions. Within these images, I hope to illustrate the conflicting feelings I have in my mind.

Everything’s an AOT Reference. Though there is only one Aisah, thus it would be reasonable to only see one Aisah in the reflection, there appear to be four others in the mirror as well. Despite the original Aisah appearing to be in a fairly calm fortitude, one can see that the other Aisahs are doing more intricate poses. I wanted to convey the fact that although one may appear to seem calm on the outside, what goes on inside their mind is another story.

Put Your Hands Up!. The feeling of panic, confusion, and being trapped begins to rise as one is caught red-handed by their terrible actions, but what happens when one is caught by their own self? The feeling of guilt takes over their head, with multiple thoughts of clashing ideas beginning to argue with one another in the mindscape. I wanted to illustrate the feeling of being overwhelmed by the many emotions one holds, and the accountability we take upon ourselves for each circumstance.

 

Heartache!. Aisah is seen holding up a heart with bloodied knees, surrounded by a few weapons. She is also wearing a smirk on her face, despite the delusional state she is in. I wanted to demonstrate the chaotic breakdowns one may have from time to time, where this feeling of being on the brink of insanity is clearly caused by built-up stress. The heart being held up seems to indicate that Aisah is owning up to her true self.

Ill Intentions. This picture was inspired by the scenes in movies where the bad (or good) guy is throwing darts at a dart board with a picture of their enemy on it. It is also inspired by the shows where the bullied kid has their picture vandalized in an “angsty” and “edgy” way by people at their school. I hope to represent the feelings of frustration one has suppressed in themselves because of the high expectations they have had placed upon them.

Lament. In this collage, Amelia is seen prominently, reflecting upon herself with much on her mind. My brother, perched on the hill, appears to do the same. One can also see her and a friend vibing together, letting loose for a moment. Throughout the collage, there are snippets of eyes that seem to follow every move. I wanted this collage to represent the thoughts that cloud our mind, but are not explicitly mentioned for fear of reaching out.

About Me: Hello, my name is Humairah Djafar (she/her). I am 18 years old. I am an Indonesian-American, born and raised in Los Angeles. I am a freshman at UCLA majoring in pre-statistics, but I am considering switching into an environmental science major. I would describe myself as someone who is responsible, caring, and compassionate in her work. I hope to be someone who helps others and is involved within the community, such as an environmental scientist, civil engineer, or something elsealong those lines. What I like best about myself is that I am open minded to the opinions and ideas of others. Many people in my life inspire me, like my teachers and friends, as they taught me perseverance through their hard work. Above all, however, would be my mom, as I have seen her work hard for me and my family.

Jennifer Morales-Martinez, age 17

About Me: My name is Jennifer Morales. I am 17 years old and I was born here in Los Angeles. My parents are both from Oaxaca, Mexico. From a young age, my parents taught my brother and I to speak Spanish and tried to have us speak well, as they didn’t have the opportunity to learn very much Spanish themselves. Both of my parents speak Zapotec, and they would only speak it amongst themselves throughout our early childhood years because they wanted us to prioritize learning English and Spanish. My parents slowly began teaching us Zapotec so that when we would go visit our grandparents we could understand and converse with them. I think this has become such a large part of who I am, because not only am I able to understand Zapotec, but I can read and write a little too. Having the ability to speak the language of my ancestors gives me the opportunity to pass this tradition onto my children. I enjoy taking community college classes to broaden my interests and learn new concepts. Next year, I hope to attend a university in California to continue fulfilling my dreams and making my parents proud.

Family tradition. My family and I spend a lot of our time gardening. With their help, I’ve learned to better appreciate nature. I took this picture in front of my house while spending time with my family fixing up our garden. This is a special tradition that my family has, which they inherited from their parents. It serves as a way to bring my family together.

Self-Portrait. I took this picture when my family took a trip to Santa Barbara. This is one of the few self-portraits. In my project, I wanted to document my life and my experiences through my eyes. When I look at this photo, I like to think it’s how others see me taking pictures of them.

Night lights. I photogragraphed the street I live on because as I walk through my neighborhood I remember all of the memories I've made here. Although this makes me nostalgic, this street and the community that surrounds it have become my home. As I prepare to go away for college, I feel better knowing I will always have parts of this place with me. I’m happy to have these images to look back on in years to come.

Earrings made in Oaxaca. My parents' family members in Oaxaca send us items made there as a way to keep in touch. My parents aren't able to visit them, so instead we send each other gifts from our respectives homes. These earrings were sent by my aunt, and while they are quite heavy, wearing them makes me proud of my heritage.

 

Flowers from Zoogocho. My blouse is from Zoogocho, where women make and embroider everything by hand. This blouse is especially significant to my heritage as it was passed down from many women in my family. My mom was one of the few women who learned to make these types of blouses, and it was one of the few things she brought to the U.S. Wearing it makes me feel very special.

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: My work focuses on reconnecting with my ancestral roots. My parents are from Zoogocho, Oaxaca, Mexico, and immigrated to the States in 1991. Throughout my life, I’ve felt very connected to my heritage. Since I was a child, I’ve accompanied my parents to cultural gatherings, and they’ve stressed the importance of learning Oaxacan music-- now some of my favorite music to perform. My parents emigrated from Zoogocho to Los Angeles for my brother and I to have the opportunity to get a stronger education. Through this project, I wanted to document my experiences being a first generation Oaxacan-American living in LA. In my photography, I wanted to share the triumphs and struggles I've experienced, and explore the notion of home through photographing the streets and neighborhoods I've lived in. Although LA is my home, I still try to incorporate my Oaxacan identity into my daily life.

 

Jessica Barroso, age 17

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Photography has allowed me to learn more about myself, and to show the world who I am. I’d like people to create their own story or meaning behind my photography. Every photograph I’ve taken starts with a feeling, something like happiness or nostalgia. Once I get an idea of how to express that current feeling, I gather my materials, muster some energy and photograph. I truly consider a photograph of mine to be done well when I feel a strong connection to the subject, giving me the feeling that the photo represents me accurately and that it’s now part of me. When people are viewing my photography for the first time, I want them to feel as if they’re getting to know me.

Beach Day. This photo was taken a few days after the first class of the semester, and it increased my confidence with the camera. I was at Long Beach, one of my favorite places, and I remember being shy to use the camera in public. I was hesitant, but I worked up the courage to snap a photo of the breathtaking view. This photo not only depicts my love for the beach, it also demonstrates my growth in photography.

Salud. I took this picture on my dad’s birthday. In this photo, my family was toasting to my dad, and to my family’s time together. The peace and gratitude I feel when looking at this picture is what I like most about it; I feel sentimental, but also proud of my family for who and where we are today. This is one of my best images because it shows one part of my identity: my family.

 

Dreaming. In this photo, I am looking out the window in my dark room to a bright outside. I didn't plan for this picture, but moments before I took the shot, I realized exactly how it represents my identity. I constantly find myself looking out my window, daydreaming about everything and nothing. I chose to share this photo because it represents one of my favorite identities, which I like to call “Dreamer”.

Shadows. The shadows in this picture belong to my younger sister and me. We were at a park a few blocks from our home in South Central LA, simply looking ahead of us. I turned around and noticed how big our shadows were. It caught my attention, how extraordinary something ordinary can feel. In taking this picture, I realized that if you notice the little things in life, you’ll see they can be bigger than you would expect.

Cyanotype. I chose this mixed media photo as one of my top five because it's the photo I’m most proud of. This image is from a photoshoot I took in the middle of the semester, where I tried to represent myself as a Mexican-American. The white on the sides are small plants, which I put on the image before beginning the cyanotype process. I like this cyanotype photo, that despite it being dark, you can still make out my features and expression.

About Me: My name is Jessica Barroso (she/her) and I’m a junior at Alta Vista Innovation High School. I identify as a queer Mexican-American woman, born and raised in Los Angeles. I’m a teenager living in a harsh society, but one more accepting than ever. I’m a dreamer and I spend most of my days constantly daydreaming about everything, and nothing. In a way, photography has helped me change. I frequently go on walks to observe objects and people around me to photograph. Sometimes I don’t actually photograph them, but this activity has helped me appreciate the world around me. I’m grateful that photography has helped me accept my many identities. If someone asked me to describe myself, I’d say I’m a resilient, caring, queer Mexican-American teenager. It’s still a struggle to express these identities, but they're what I like best about myself.

 

Jessica Gomez, age 18

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: I took pictures of whatever caught my attention, or what I felt I had a connection to. I like how I can express myself through photography. I begin a piece of artwork out of the blue, so that I can get inspiration throughout the day. My favorite part of participating in this program is having the chance to work with digital cameras more, and to learn about shutter speed, depth field, self-portraits and filters. In class, I liked how everyone was so kind and gave good vibes, and my mentor was very helpful. I hope I can return next semester because it was a fun experience.

Blur. This is my self portrait. I used the shuttered speed since I don't feel comfortable sharing pictures of myself that are normal. I prefer them distorted. I take selfies, but I feel like I have more control of how I look when I take digital pictures.

Time travel. I took this picture when I went out with my friend to Santa Monica. It caught my attention because I felt like I was time traveling back to when I was younger. I could sense the curiosity she had. I always thought being older would be better, but now I just wish I could go back to being younger.

Pink Melancholy. My friend and I walked around an arcade, and out of the corner of my eye I saw something and felt the need to take this picture. It caught my attention because of the lights and the pink pastel tones. I also like how the bear was positioned, because it looked eerie and innocent.

 

About Me: My name is Jessica Gomez. I'm eighteen and I enjoy taking pictures of literally everything. I like finding something special in things that are simple. In my free time, I love listening to music.

 

Jireh Mendoza, age 17

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: My project encapsulates the closing chapter of my senior year, as it is the last year I’ll be home with friends and family. Soon, I will be moving up to the Bay Area. This last year of high school has been fun, stressful, and an opportunity to connect one last time in person after the pandemic. It’s been memorable hanging out with friends, going on car rides with my sister, and enjoying my home in LA before saying goodbye. Although I’ve been craving a new sense of freedom, I didn’t realize how fast it would happen. I’m excited to see where my life will take me, but it’s hard to leave the only place I’ve called home. My images represent my places of comfort, familiarity, and home. As I move up North I’ll miss these places, and will have to start from scratch finding a new home on a college campus.

Como una llama sin luz. My high school journey has been difficult. The stress of it all can sometimes get to me. At times I feel like a “burn out” student, but even in the challenging moments, my flame continues to shine. I make sure to keep moving forward and to persevere throughout my life's journey. I’ve learned that my flame has never gone out and never will.

La tienda de la esquina. Growing up, my mom would always take me to the corner stores. Whether she was buying tablecloths, laundry carts, or bathroom mats, the corner stores were always her go-to, noting that they were only a walk or short bus ride away. She’d occasionally buy me toys or snacks on these errand runs. I grew up walking around every aisle of these stores.

 

She. She is my older sister, who took the first steps so I wouldn’t have to. She is the first born to our immigrant parents. She took the journey before me, letting me learn from her experiences. She is the first of the family who learned English and the first to graduate from college. She is my biggest inspiration. She is Sheila Mendoza.

The Colors of Culture. This is my favorite restaurant. It’s a Mexican restaurant in my community of Echo Park. The colors, flavors, music, and art make it all feel like home. This is the place where I get my comfort food. On sick days, sad days, or sleepy days, I always crave this food. I love coming here with my family and friends after late night walks, park days, or school.

Me. This is me, taking a photo after school at a local small business shop. After school I love to get snacks, and I buy them at stores like these. Whether I get chocolate milk, jalapeno kettle chips, or ice cream, this ritual always brightens my day. I began getting an allowance in middle school. This was when I found myself visiting my local dollar stores more often.

About Me: My name is Jireh Mendoza. I started to develop a passion for art 3 years ago. It wasn’t until high school that I took my first art class. I used paint, including watercolors, and built sculptures for the first time. I always found it so fun, it was a class that brought me so much joy. In my sophomore year of high school, I decided to take AP 2D Art and created a portfolio about the struggles immigrants face in the US. That was also the year I bought my first sketchbook, and now I always have one on my desk. In my junior year, I joined my school’s yearbook staff, and working on the yearbook has been such a fun project. This year I was titled Yearbook Editor-in-chief, a position I am very proud to hold.

Ketzally Alcala, age 16

About Me: Ketzally Alcala is a 16 year old photographer based in East LA. Her passion for photography started in 2018 when she first joined Las Fotos Project. In her time with the organization, she has been able to experiment with different niches and has grown a love for portraiture, lifestyle, and editorial photography. Ketzally aims to capture those who are not often highlighted in the media and hopes to be able to give a platform to the voices who often go unheard. She wants others to see her work as if they are seeing it themselves through her camera lens.

Identity through jewelry. Since I was little I've constantly watched the way that jewelry has empowered the women who have surrounded me and made me who I am today. Jewelry has become a part of their identity. Like any other form of expression, everyone's take on it is different.

Oaxaca, MX. Coming from parents of immigrants, and being able to hear about their experiences and how they’ve had to sacrifice so much for me to be able to live the life I do, has made me appreciate the times when we’re able to go back to their homelands so much more. It’s a bittersweet moment because I know and can tell that they miss it, and that Mexico is where their heart is. Everytime we go, the love I have for it grows fonder.

Nonana (my mom). All the sacrifices made for me and my siblings to have greater opportunities than she had, to be able to achieve a higher level of education and to want more in life. As a daughter, I’ve made many mistakes, and even then my mom has been there to support me and has never made me feel ashamed. She has worked so hard, and I don’t often acknowledge that, but she has. Everything I do, I do with a purpose. That purpose is to make her proud, and to have made all the sacrifices worth it.

Telares. From the language, to the food, to the regalia, all are things that make up who we are. They are all different, and pertain to each individual. It’s the way in which we create our independence.

 

Exposure. A collection of small aspects that I've observed, which are all components of my culture. The colors are vibrant because that's the way I view it; colorful, and holding much power.

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: My project is based on my identity and the way that I've reconnected with my culture. I captured small details that expand my knowledge of my identity. I captured my mom because she has been my main guide in reconnecting with my culture. She has been one of the biggest influences in discovering who I am. The exposure to others and to different experiences has given me the freedom to develop new points of life within myself. I often find myself questioning where I belong and where my place in the world is. I feel a sense of misplacement. Through images, I am able to create memories that I can retrace when I ask myself, “who am I?” This feeling of misplacement is no longer as strong as it was when I first started. My culture is many things, and so am I.

Leilani Ramirez, age 18

About Me: My name is Leilani Ramirez. I am a student living in Los Angeles. This is my first semester with Las Fotos Project and I am excited to learn more about photography and to expand my skills. I’m especially drawn to nature photography. I love engaging and connecting with others and trying out new experiences. Some of my current interests include listening to music and hanging out with friends and family.

Una madre nunca descansa. A mother's job is never done, even when reset is needed.

streets are for later and family is for right now. You don't really see a gang-affiliated hispanic male and son actually interacting and spending time together. This is why I took this photo.

This is our world and your just living in it. Anything is possible when you have a friend's support.

noche de loteria. La noche de loteria es la noche en la que estamos todos juntos.

 

después de todos los gritos hay un arcoíris. Se necesitaron gritos y desacuerdos para llegar a donde estamos hoy.

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Lo que he aprendido en esta vida es familia es familia en las malas o en las buenas. Care and love does not always have to be shown with touch. Every one of these pictures I've taken shows two humans who have an emotional and physical connection, and whom leave such a tiny gap between each other that in the photo, it looks as if they are touching. This project is a big thank you to my family for showing me the aspects of life.

 

Lizbeth Cruz, age 17

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: I wanted to use this project as a way to reconnect with my inner child, as well as to share the journey I am currently on; moving away from home and starting college. I captured images that defined my younger self, my future self, and those I keep close to my heart. My photography this semester was influenced by collective bonds, relationships, and healing. Through this semester at Las Fotos, I was flourishing and venturing into different avenues of photography as I was also wrapping up my life here in Los Angeles and getting ready to start my new life in Santa Cruz. These images serve as a reflection of this last year, and the healing journey along the way.

Sonrisas y Colores. The title “Sonrisas y Colores” translates to Smiles and Colors. I always like to be the person behind the camera, never the person in front of it. This was my first self portrait taken this semester. I used the lamp in my room, and I like to think these are the colors that represent my aura as I continue on this healing and spiritual journey.

La Juventud. "La Juventud” translates to the youth. This photo was taken during a ceremony where we presented medicine bags to youths. It was a very nostalgic moment for me. I once was in these kids shoes, wearing my tiny regalia and looking up to the generations in front of me who would pave my way into the next chapters of my life and adulthood as a Chicana indigena womxn.

 

Flores Despues de la Lucha. “Flores Despues de la Lucha” translates to “Flowers After the Struggles”. It is a reflection and representation of the relationship I carry with myself, my healing, and my spiritual journey alongside the struggles of being a daughter of immigrant parents. The flower beneath me represents my mother, and how she kept watering and nurturing me into the womxn I am today.

Angelitos. This picture shows a number sequence of 2’s, representing alignment. I captured this picture in a moment of my life when there were big changes, and when everything was starting to align in place.

Amigas. This is my friend, Xochiltl. This photo was taken while we were walking down our beloved neighborhood of East Los Angeles. I love this picture of her, as it radiates her confidence and powerful energy. She is my twin sister Gemini.

About Me: Lizbeth Cruz (she/her) is a 17-year-old first-generation Xicana-Indigena born and raised in Los Angeles. She goes to an Indigenous charter school in North-East Los Angeles. Her interest in art began at a young age and she continues to explore different artistic mediums. As Lizbeth grew older she fell in love with the art of photography. She enjoys documenting her life and emotions through photography and video. Lizbeth has goals and aspirations to continue helping and giving back to communities in need, including her own, and to continue advocating for youth Indigenous voices through her own dreams.

 

Michelle Montenegro, age 18

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: My project is centered around my mother and her “American Dream”. Growing up, watching my mom constantly work various house cleaning or babysitting jobs while still struggling to make ends meet, it wasn’t long before I discovered that this dream that hard work brings upward mobility and success was just that-- a dream. Through the storytelling of my mother’s immigration journey from Guatemala to the US, I aim to explore the symbols and ideals, including religion, finances, family, occupation, and overall identity, which feed this mythical aspiration. My work is inspired by my experiences and community, which contribute to my own identity as a first generation Guatemalan-American woman of color from LA. I hope this project brings feelings of nostalgia and comfort to other children of immigrants, ultimately inspiring them to continue to question the integrity of this nation, and encouraging them to heal through art.

Empieza El Sueñito. When I ask about her migration experience, Mami sighs. She describes the hardships and sacrifices she's encountered to chase the “American Dream”. Her main motivators in this journey are rooted in religion, financial opportunity, and family.

Alma in our House. Mrs. Jenny, Mrs. Suzanne, Chris, Mrs. Jackie, Patty, Mrs. Caroline, Dorothy, La Abogada, and Mrs. Danna are only a few of Mami’s bosses. She’s been cleaning houses for over 30 years now, some with my Tia, others with my Madrina, and the rest alone. She leaves around 7am every day and won’t return until 7pm (on Tuesdays and Thursdays, she cleans the Bodega, so she won’t be back until 9pm)..

 

Moneygram. We drive down Van Nuys, past the Pacoima Costco, to the Vallarta Supermarket. My mom parks the car and heads inside with an envelope in her hand. In a few minutes, she returns without the envelope. Later that day, I overhear her calling my Tita and telling her que le mandó dinero, “aunque sea para sus tortillas.”

Mami y El Rosario. My Mami prays the rosary every night. The importance of her Catholic identity is something I learned very quickly. Growing up, she picked me up from LA’s Best Afterschool Program and took me to la iglesia de San Basilio on Wilshire, where she would pray and I would study. Although I don’t feel personally connected to the Catholic church as an institution, I know it makes my Mami feel grounded, praying for the wellbeing of our family across borders and skies.

Dejando la Tierra de Palencia, Guatemala. In 1968, Mami left her small municipio of Palencia, Guatemala. Not only did she leave the only land she’s ever known, but she also left my Tita, my abuelito, all her sisters, her brother, her cousins, the milpa plants my abuelito planted, her educational dreams, the big blue mountains that surrounded her, the lagoona she often visited, and all the places she’s ever called home. Despite the distance, I know her heart will always live in her native land.

About Me: My name is Michelle Montenegro (she/her/ella), and I am a first-generation woman of color living in Los Angeles. I am a true Virgo, meaning I am very dedicated, loving, and ambitious. I love my community and enjoy practicing artivism. Whether it be through photography or organizing/mobilizing youth like me, working with and for my community is key. I have always had a passion for the arts, and found myself looking for ways to express my creativity in different environments. I enjoy putting all my effort into uplifting and bringing more resources to others. My goal is to continue my education at USC with a major in public policy and a minor in photojournalism and social change; all of this to better serve my community while also exploring and growing through my hobbies.

Nadia Knight, age 16

About Me: Nadia Knight is a 16-year-old Belarusian artist based in Los Angeles. She utilizes different artistic mediums to express her interests and experiences in life. She is inspired by her late father, whose passing influenced her to foster creativity through the arts. In addition, she has always gravitated toward photography. Nadia grew up sharing the photos she took in elementary school but became less engaged as she got older. Now, photography nurtures her connection to her inner child as she recognizes the power of healing through art.

4 eyes. For those silent moments when you stare at the pair of eyes looking back at you and wonder what you are, your personality, your appearance, your mannerisms, and so on. How'd you feel today? And why do you feel like looking more? Who and what are we looking for? This is image was taken by one of my lovely friends, Diana Martinez. <3

y@. There's really nothing like hearing a voice you've listened to hours of recordings of singing live. Wyatt gazes at the crowd with thoughts we'll never hear. All of the noise and ringing in your ears that you hear a moment after you leave. When moving to a beat, I think I the feel most like me. All I know is that it makes us feel free. Music is the gift of life.

lailz n keich. A majority of my time is spent with my friends. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't be who I am. Thank you to all of my friends for making me laugh and putting a smile on my face when it otherwise might not be there. "There is nothing worth more than having a faithful, good friend." -a towel from Daiso. Pictured are Laila and Keichi, some of my best friends.

meow !! :3. Nochick is my boy and my joy. We named him Nochick because "noch" means "night" in Russian, and he's a black kitty. We added the "-ick" to make it cute. Most days I come home to Nochick greeting me by running out of the apartment door to experience things he can't find indoors. He likes to wreck things, eat things he shouldn't (hence my sister's balloon in his mouth), and make my family rub his belly until he purrs.

 

you shut your mouth!. Time! Our most valuable resource. The picture on the top left is of me cheesing, posing with my hand on my hip because I really thought I was the ish!!! To the right is Lisa, my baby sister, offering you a beer. The bottom left is us with my dad. RIP to him, he would've gasped at this. Finally, to the right is my beautiful mama, taken recently at the beach. I love my family, and time keeps us at peace.

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: I tried to capture intimate moments which felt the most like me. My intentions behind each image were to capture the moment, and to embrace the feelings I felt while shooting them; whether they be somber, nostalgic, happy, or just overall appreciative of the subject, I hope to evoke a new feeling every time I look at the things I've taken pictures of. My biggest theme has been reflecting upon and appreciating the life that I have. To have a cat and great friends and to finally be able to go to concerts are things I've wanted since I was a little kid. If the kid in the collage looked at me now, I know she'd amazed by all the experiences I've had.

 

Presley Mena, age 15

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Coming into this program, I felt a bit nervous and uneasy about meeting new people. Now, looking back, I realize I had nothing to worry about. This is the basis of my project. All five photos focus on the idea of change and progress. The person who I am today is not the same person from the retreat. I have opened myself up to new friendships, perspectives, and even experiences. I’ve been able to channel this change through photography. For me, capturing an image is a form of artistry that explores my identity and friendships. I hope that these images give you an insight into the person that I am becoming, and who is still evolving.

New Beginnings. Before this image was taken, I felt a bit nervous about meeting new people in this program. Now I feel more open to comaraderie with my peers.

Nostalgia. Seeing this stranger at the lottery machine reminded me of when my grandma and I would go into our local CVS and choose a card from the lottery machine.

 

Golden Hour Beauty. This is my fellow classmate Jessica Gomez. Using trash as a background is unconventional, but I hope to show a different perspective on beauty.

Just Dance. Once in a while, on Fridays, my school will hold dance battles at the quad. The two opponents were dancing for a chance to win a sugary treat.

Forgiveness. The homeowner was not too pleased about us capturing photos around their home. We apologized and asked for forgiveness instead of permission.

About Me: Presley Marie Mena is a 15 year old artist based in Los Angeles. She is a photo and video editor, creating movie trailers and photo collages. She also utilizes cinematography as a form of creative expression. She hopes to study film at The School of Visual Arts in New York, and eventually to edit or direct films. She is currently learning photography to explore opportunities in her future career. She hopes to discover more about her own identity and expression of her ideas creatively. Just as film and photography have positively impacted her life, she hopes to one day impact young intriguing minds.

 

Samantha Ramirez, age 13

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: While working on this project, I focused on certain objects, places, and feelings that helped me express my art through stories, written in the form of photography. These photos demonstrate who I am through past memories mixed with emotions, showing important aspects of my identity. I’ve always been intrigued by how others can tell a story through not only words, but through photos, drawings, and creativity. This inspired how I made my own work. I want others to look at these photos and create their own story. I hope my work sparks a sense of inspiration and complex feelings. I've learned that for a photo to be truly “good” it has to come from the heart. Perhaps it’s something only the artist will understand, but to me, that’s the beauty of photography. It’s a space to show others who you are through your sense of inventiveness.

A view of the world through a different lens. This self-portrait illustrates my identity as an artist who is experimenting with different forms of visual representation.

A stranger’s homeland. When I was 7, I immigrated with my mother and grandma from Cholula, Puebla to the United States. I had many struggles being an immigrant in such an uncanny place. I eventually learned how to speak better English. I also recognized that as I viewed others differently, they viewed me differently too, and I improved my skills in getting to know people better. I will never forget where I started, and how I worked to be who I am today.

 

An ambivalent memory. As kids, my cousin was the closest thing I had to a sibling. Our favorite treats were chocolate bunnies, which I would always finish first and she would finish last, taking her sweet time, knowing I had finished mine already. I always got mad at her when I thought about that. Now I can’t help but smile at the memory.

Ordered Chaos. School tends mainly to be about two things: organization and stress. Even when I get straight A’s, my mind can’t help but feel scattered, while at the same time tidy. Without a sense of organization, one would go insane under pressure. Without stress, one would move carelessly through the world. The key is to balance them.

Sunday. I never considered myself athletic until my pops came along. He taught me several sports, including basketball. On Sundays, we would go to the court to play basketball, where he taught me to be tough and strategic, and to push myself to achieve my goals both in games and in life. Many times I wished I could give up and go home, but he wouldn’t let me so that I would learn how to persevere. Through such a simple sport, I learned that in life, when one learns the rules and practices the skills, the sky is the limit.

About Me: Samantha (Sam) Ramirez is a young Mexican artist. She was born in Cholula, Puebla, in central Mexico, and immigrated to the U.S. with her mom and grandmother at the age of six. Sam first arrived in Michigan in 2015, then moved to Wisconsin, and has now been living in Los Angeles since 2019. Sam enjoys drawing comics and anime, where she tries to capture a specific mood or aesthetic that soothes her. Her work is inspired by the events that happen around her and her own experiences. She enjoys scary movies, watching short animations on YouTube, listening to music, and making videos of her dog.

Samantha Nuñez, age 13

About Me: Hi! My name is Samatha Nuñez. I am a 13 year old “lefty” born and raised in Los Angeles. I have lived in Eagle Rock for most of my life and I attend Eagle Rock Jr. Sr. High School. Some of my favorite things to do are watch Marvel movies and TV shows, play softball, and complete puzzles! If you were to ask me about my favorite Marvel character and their background history, I would be talking for hours. The God of Mischief, Loki, pretty much represents me, especially since I've always been the “sassy” younger child in the family. I have 2 sisters who are the total and complete opposite of me in many ways, due to their lack of knowledge about Marvel and Harry Potter. My family inspires me the most, because they tell me my mistakes and teach me lessons that I will use when I am older. I like photography because I think it has changed my perspective on how I see the world. In short, photography gives me a third eye and allows me to see in depth what I am trying to capture. I feel like photography can teach me or anyone, because it can capture the moment of how a person acts or how they feel.

I’m the girl version of him. All of my life, my family has called me the girl version of my dad, because I look like him the most. He has always been the number one fan of my hopes and dreams. I love you Papi, thank you for everything.

Dodger fan forever. I’ve had this ice cream Dodger hat for a long time. My family are huge Dodgers fans. Sometimes I would ask to go to a Dodger game for my birthday, or get last minute tickets an hour before the game starts.

The other half of me. This is my sister Veronica, AKA Verito. She and I have been really close my whole life. Even if we have ups and downs, we also forgive each other. She has been one of my biggest supporters, my ride or die.

Friends forever. This is Jasmine, one of my closest friends from this year. The one thing we always do, even if we are across from each other in the same class, is always to do a heart with our hands to show how friendship is strong, even when we are far apart. Even when we have our bad days, we still do it.

 

My biggest inspiration. This is my dad, my sister, and my mom. My sister is a first generation graduate from the number one public university in the world: UC Berkeley. They have been my biggest inspirations my whole life. In this photo, my sister and my mom are howling, because that is what we do to show that we are here and proud. Even when I have my bad days, they are always there for me.

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: For my project I have decided to focus on emotions from people and from my personal items. Most of my photos from this semester are candid photos of family and friends. I want people to see that a lot of photos don’t have to be posed, a subject can just turn around and it will be a good photo. My favorite thing about Las Fotos is that they’re very supportive and will help you in any way possible, whenever you need it. During Las Fotos, I learned more in depth what I'd only known a little about. They showed me step-by-step how to work on anything I needed to. Sadly, I can’t join Las Fotos next semester because I’m moving, but I will definitely remember this experience.

 

Sandra Luis Grijalva, age 15

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Throughout the last couple of weeks, I did my best to capture certain emotions. Emotions are something every person feels and can relate to, so through this work I became interested in understanding the connection between my feelings and my photographs. The color wheel we explored during class played a big role in my work. Red became associated with anger and the dissociation that sometimes accompanies that overwhelming feeling. Orange came to symbolize fear, while blue became the color of anxiety and isolation. I do believe that the color wheel gave me a pathway to better understand and express these feelings. Through my photos, I was able to dive deeply into these concepts and come out with an amazing experience overall.

Afraid Was the Start. I always thought that to be afraid was to let your guard down. I would have to say that being afraid is my least favorite feeling. Capturing this photo unintentionally was the start to many of my different self portraits.

Untitled (Cyanotype 1). Making cyanotypes is something I learned at LFP. I was able to convert a photo that I shot myself into a cyanotype using different types of light-sensitive chemicals. Both images showed blue, which I associated with isolation. It had a sense of hope, as if things would soon work themselves out.

 

My Own Anger. Anger is an emotion that I always allowed to control me. Usually, I was getting mad about not getting my way. The moment the emotion began to control me it was as if I didn’t have control over myself...

The Lack of Color. Black and white self-portraiture was something I had never tried. I believe that due to the lack of color, this photo can represent each emotion; the fear in my eyes, the anxiety which led me to play with my fingers displayed in my body language, and my shadow showing isolation once again.

Overwhelmed. During the process of taking this photo I was feeling overwhelmed. I tend to rub my face a lot when I'm overwhelmed, and I was able to catch that feeling perfectly in my photo.

About Me: My name is Sandra Luis Grijalva. I am a freshman in high school. I learned about this program through my aunt who is a Las Fotos Project board member. Photography is something new to me, but I am enjoying it as much as I enjoy drawing and painting. I have always loved art, so this program has given me a chance to better express myself. Photography allows me to show people a different aspect of me and my community. Being able to make art through photography has been an amazing opportunity, as has being in this program.

 

Sky Cruz, age 18

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Becoming an adult is new for me, and a large part of it is the insecurity and confusion of what I want to do when I grow up. By documenting daily life, I gain the agency of who I am and who I want to be. I spend a majority of my time with my family and I take many of my pictures when they take me out to places-- restaurants, festivals, beaches. My relationship with my family defines a large part of my identity because of how much they love and support me and influence my life. It is the love and joy in the everyday moments that compose my identity. I love how each photo of mine has a story behind it, and isn't only about its look. I am glad to share a piece of myself with you, here at Las Fotos.

Choosing My Path. I am confused about which path to take in life. There is so much I want to explore. The feelings of doubt often consume and prevent me from pursuing different paths. I've realized that doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will. I know I’ll be great at anything because I am determined. If I fail, I’ll get back up again, because I have my family’s love and support. Most of all, I hope to leave my own footprint on the sand.

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. I feel that in many ways, many people, especially women, are insecure about their looks. I know I have started to become increasingly insecure because of my acne. We have to learn to accept who we are, because if we don’t, we’ll never be happy. I took these photos to remind myself that I am not perfect, but I do look beautiful, and I'm the one refusing to believe that.

 

Beach Day Gone Wrong!. On this day, my family had decided to go to the beach despite my mom checking the weather and suggesting otherwise. As soon as we got there, we immediately covered ourselves up. After an hour of enduring the terrible weather we collectively decided to go home, but my little brother was resistant. This is the picture to prove how comfortable he was.

It's A Lovely Day. This was a day when my dad was able to take my siblings and I out. I felt confined in my room and at my house because there wasn’t anything to do, but as soon as my dad took us to Echo Park it became clear that this was going to be an amazing day. This photo represents the freedom and joy I was experiencing visiting Echo Park for the first time.

Rubi's. On our way home from Las Fotos, my mom spontaneously asked me to navigate to a restaurant she wanted to try out with us— Rubi’s. I assumed it would be spelled “Ruby’s". The restaurant looked classy-- expensive. When I excitedly asked my mom if this was the Ruby’s we were going to, she said, “Oh, no, it's an I instead of a Y. That’s way too expensive for me to pay right now. I didn't bring that much money.”

About Me: My name is Sky Cruz. I'm 18 years old and a freshman at CSULA. I like to stay in the present and capture the memorable moments of my family’s and my daily adventures. I use a colorful and bright tone to express the happiness and joy in these moments. There are beautiful moments waiting to be captured every day. To me, self-portraits are more than a picture of yourself, they are found in the everyday moments that tell the stories of my family and culture. Some of these images reflect my insecurities as a teenager. Through a lens, I gain more understanding of my true identity. I am determined to keep expanding my knowledge of photography, and to continue making an impact with photography throughout my life.

Vincent Rosado, age 15

About Me: My name is Vincent Rosado. I was born in Boyle Heights, and now live in Lincoln Heights. I am 15 years old and I go to school at Los Angeles College Prep Academy. My pronouns are he/him. I enjoy playing guitar and taking pictures. Photography is a great tool to reflect on different matters and issues in a larger context, or just to simply express yourself as a person. I love music a lot, and I try to incorporate it into my other art because I think it directly aligns with who I am.

my guitar. I see my guitar as a part of me, like one of my organs. It means the world to me. I love the fact that a guitar is supposed to be held like a baby. I relate to that, because I love my guitar as if it were my child. I would literally go to the ends of the earth for my guitar. I make melodies on my guitar, and hold it tight in my arms to show my love for it.

victor. My brother is one of my favorite people in the whole world. He's like my twin in many ways, but we’re also very different. When I come home from school every day, I enjoy talking and bantering with my brother about music and films. I appreciate that he is the person who hears me out every day. Although I envy or get jealous of him, he's a great person in my life, and someone I look up to.

the queen is dead- vincent way. One of my top 50 favorite albums ever, probably. I would agree that The Cure is better than The Smiths, but I still have to say, I can relate to some of The Smiths lyrics more. There's not really much to it. I wanted to remake it, but in my own way.

blur. This is my portrait. It's blurry, which is how I see my face. I really like this picture because in all of the photos I have of myself, my face isn't visible. This is the only one my face is in directly, but blurry.

 

untitled. I don't know what this is at all, actually.

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: My photos don't have a lot of color, usually blurry and darker toned. They are not visible from far away, but up close, small details become more noticeable. I would say my personality is like that, as well. Most people would describe me as shy and quiet, but when you get to know me I become one of the loudest people ever. In my pictures, I like to express my love for my guitar and for music, as well as the bond between my brother and me. I talk a lot in my head, and all of this is in first person perspective, so I think it says a lot about me.

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