Las Fotos Project elevates young voices through the power of photography and Adobe Creative Cloud

Image source: Las Fotos Project.

Las Fotos Project began 10 years ago in East Los Angeles with a simple premise: to provide opportunities for those who are both systemically and socially silenced to make themselves heard. The non-profit organization teaches photography to teenage girls and gender-expansive youth from communities of color, encouraging them to channel their creativity for the benefit of themselves, their community, and their future careers.

Students work closely with mentors to learn about photography from multiple angles, developing skills they can use to express themselves, advocate for change, or even start a professional career. Their work is highlighted in regular exhibitions, but students are also hired for professional portraits, commercial photoshoots, and event coverage around Los Angeles. Adobe Creative Cloud apps, including Photoshop and Lightroom, are the digital tools that support Las Fotos Project’s mission to educate young people on photography and empower their creativity.

“I feel so fortunate that I am able to be a part of Las Fotos Project,” says executive director Lucia Torres. “I’ve watched the organization grow since I joined in 2014, and it never stops being amazing to watch kids experience that ‘ah-ha’ moment where they think to themselves, ‘I’m talented. I can do this. And I want to do this for the rest of my life.’”

I spoke with Torres and program manager Diego Torres Casso as part of the Adobe Changemakers story series to learn about how Las Fotos Project uses photography and Creative Cloud tools to help change the lives of students and communities.

Focusing on the promise of today’s youth

Las Fotos Project was founded in 2010 by Los Angeles-based photographer Eric V. Ibarra after recognizing the need to hear more underrepresented voices in the photography industry. Many students come from low-income neighborhoods and schools with underfunded arts programs. Through photography and mentorship, the project builds community and confidence to help students succeed, no matter what their plans in life.

Las Fotos Project offers three main branches of programming, each with different goals and opportunities for students. The Esta Soy Yo program focuses on identity. Students take photos of themselves and their families, and even combine photographs with mixed media art to dig deeper into the question of “Who am I?”

“Part of what we do at Las Fotos Project is help create a safe space for students,” says Torres. “Many times, young people — especially women of color — are told not to be emotional. We want to validate their emotions and tell them to say what they want. Mentors show them how to channel those feelings and explore them through photography.”

The Digital Promotoras program shifts students’ viewpoints outwards and shows them how they can use photojournalism as a means of advocating for change in the world around them, from addressing the impacts of gentrification to highlighting local businesses demonstrating resilience in the face of the pandemic.

“Students see what’s happening in their communities firsthand,” says Torres. “We empower them to use their vision and experience to advocate for their communities, elevate conversations, and spotlight what’s happening in the world around them. We had one student document how her mother works hard to support their family but is still always there for her kids. Through this student’s eyes, her mother is a hero.”

Finally, the Creative Entrepreneurship Opportunities (CEO) program shows students how they can turn their love of photography into a career in a creative field. The program starts with the basics, teaching students about contracts, invoices, and even proper etiquette on set. Then students get the opportunity to practice their skills by taking on paid jobs organized through the Las Fotos Project.

“We have students covering professional soccer teams or shooting major billboard campaigns,” says Torres Casso. “These students get paid opportunities while learning how to use different tools to create photographs. If students have interest, this program gives them the skills, experience, and confidence that they need to find their next contract.”

“I absolutely see myself in these students,” adds Torres. “Every semester, I see one student walk in the door who’s curious but also very shy, and I see myself at 14 years old. And by the end of the semester, I get to watch that young person walk out the door confident and self-assured — a completely different person.”

Learning professionals skills with Adobe Creative Cloud

Over the past decade, Las Fotos Project has built a strong reputation within the community for professionalism and talent. Around 350 people showed up to the latest exhibition, from students and families to community members and art lovers.

“When people see our work, they’re like, ‘Dang, they can really shoot!’” says student Caitlin Jane Calica. “We’re showing people what we can do. Even though we’re teen girls without professional experience, we’re putting the work in, and I think that means more in our community.”

Through Las Fotos Project, students also learn to work with Adobe Creative Cloud, giving them experience with industry-standard apps. Mentors teach students how to brighten a photograph or adjust exposure and contrast in Photoshop to achieve the right look. When working in the Las Fotos Project studio, students can use a tethered camera to import images during a photoshoot to view results in Lightroom and adjust their techniques instantly.

“It’s not just about technical skills,” says Torres Casso. “We want students to learn how they can edit photographs to find their own creative style and tell their story.”

“I really like Photoshop. It makes me feel like I could do anything with it and tell a better story,” says Calica. “Like I can make my photographs look like film even if I’m using a digital camera, which is so cool.

Through art, Las Fotos Project is not only supporting its students, but empowering the community. “I think it’s important to have art spaces in every community because we’re amplifying the voices of people here,” says Torres Casso. “I love being in a position to share opportunities in photography with everyone. Our students are finding their voice by photographing what’s real to them, and I think that has a real power to it.”

Lucia and Diego are two changemakers who stand out and inspire us with their vision and commitment to make a positive impact in their communities.

Learn more about Las Fotos Project on its website or Instagram.