Las Fotos Project is a community-based photography program that works to bring about positive change for young Latina women living in underserved communities throughout Los Angeles. Through one-on-one mentoring, photography trainings, and assigned field projects, Las Fotos Project provides a creative outlet for students, encouraging them to express their artistic talents and explore their imagination as a path toward self-confidence.
Las Fotos was founded in 2010 by Los Angeles-based photographer Eric V. Ibarra who saw the potential for photography to help teenage girls build their self-esteem. The 10-week courses are geared to girls aged 12-17, who learn photography fundamentals and are paired with a group mentor to discuss social issues and create visual stories of their thoughts and opinions. Subjects have included the LGBTQ community in Boyle Heights and an exploration of the San Gabriel Mountains that resulted in the book "Nature: Double Exposed -- Boyle Heights meets the San Gabriel Mountains.”