Through Our Lens
A Photo Essay series created in partnership with Las Fotos Project's Creative Career Center (CCC) and the Black Image Center (BIC) as part of the Community Residencies program.
Program Overview
The Ford, Las Fotos Project (LFP) and Black Image Center (BIC) are piloting a collaboration that brings emerging professional photographers to highlight the artistic processes of select performing artists. This collaboration is part of The Ford's Community Residencies program. Through collaborative efforts with local youth-oriented organizations, Community Residencies aims to enable organizations to broaden the opportunities available for youth-centered career development in the arts.
As we enter this pilot partnership program with LFP CCC and BIC, we hope you enjoy the Photo Essays created by the 2024 Cohort.
About Las Fotos Project
Las Fotos Project is a photography mentoring nonprofit located in Boyle Heights that utilizes the power of photography to encourage students to explore their identity, community, and future careers. Las Fotos Project’s Creative Career Center leverages participants’ skills and knowledge to provide emerging professionals aged 19-25 with a valuable network of professional development opportunities to advance their careers in the creative industry.
About Black Image Center
Black Image Center is a Los Angeles-based community photography space committed to uplifting LA's Black storytellers through community, educational programming, and job opportunities. Their mission is to reclaim stories, establish pipelines to the creative industry, and build ongoing legacies by preserving LA's Black history.
Meet the Photographers
Congratulations to the 2024 Community Residencies Cohort from LFP’s CCC program!
María Romero
María Evelyn Romero Gomez is an artist attending ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena. As a child, she never considered photography a job or career for a woman of color, like herself, because most photographers she met were men. She needs to be someone people can look up to and see similar characteristics they possess themselves. Las Fotos Project, a non-profit organization in LA, allowed her to hold a professional level camera for the first time; this opened the door to her interest in photography, eventually leading to her life career.
Krystal Vasquez
Krystal Vasquez is a Latinx photographer and filmmaker that brings a unique perspective to their art. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and new media from Mount Saint Mary's University, their passion shines through their work. With a focus on concert photography and creating short films, they enjoy expressing myself through visual storytelling. Beyond their personal projects, they founded Fresh Finds Media, a platform that celebrates local, underground, and emerging artists. They aim to inspire and connect with others by sharing their artistic journey with the world.
Virtual Gallery
Enjoy the selected work of the Community Residencies LFP CCC Cohort.
María Romero
"The Women of Grandeza Mexicana"
Krystal Vasquez
"In the Studio with Blue13 Dance Company"