A new walking photography club began meeting in southeast Los Angeles this fall, aiming to record the everyday people, vivid colors, and cultural scenes that define the neighborhood. The group, called SELA Photo Walk, was founded by local residents David Hernandez and Alan Arvizu. Their initiative seeks to present a positive view of the area through images captured on foot.
The club was organized a few months ago after Hernandez and Arvizu recognized a gap in visual storytelling about southeast Los Angeles. They assembled a small collective of photographers who share a common interest in documenting daily life without staging scenes. Participants walk together along streets, markets, parks, and community events, using their cameras to highlight the rhythm and texture of the locale.
SELA Photo Walk’s purpose is explicitly to shine a positive light on the community. By focusing on ordinary moments—children playing, storefronts painted in bright hues, neighborhood festivals—the members hope to counter negative stereotypes that sometimes accompany media coverage of the region. The photographs are intended for local exhibitions, social media sharing, and possible collaborations with neighborhood organizations.
The founders emphasized that the club’s work is rooted in respect for the subjects and the environment. Their approach relies on observation and patience, allowing the authentic character of southeast Los Angeles to emerge naturally. As the group continues to meet regularly, its members anticipate building a visual archive that reflects the area’s cultural vibrancy and fosters a sense of pride among residents.