David Hernandez and Alan Arvizu launched the SELA Photo Walk, a walking photography club, in southeast Los Angeles a couple months ago. The group’s purpose is to capture images of people, color, and culture across the area, aiming to present the neighborhood in a positive light.
The initiative arose from a perception that southeast Los Angeles, often called SELA, receives limited media coverage. Residents, including Hernandez and Arvizu, responded by forming a collective that documents everyday scenes and vibrant community moments. By moving through streets, parks, and local gathering spots, participants record the diversity and energy that characterize the region.
The SELA Photo Walk operates as an informal club, inviting members to join outings and share photographs that reflect the neighborhood’s character. The emphasis is on visual storytelling that highlights the area’s cultural richness without relying on external media narratives. Through regular walks, members compile a growing archive of images that portray the everyday life of southeast Los Angeles.
The effort aligns with broader community desires to control the narrative surrounding SELA. By producing their own visual record, the photographers aim to counter the scarcity of positive representation in mainstream outlets. The photographs are intended for public display and sharing, offering viewers an alternative perspective on the area’s vitality.
Since its inception, the SELA Photo Walk has become a platform for local engagement, encouraging participants to observe and appreciate their surroundings. The project underscores a grassroots approach to community branding, relying on the simple act of walking with a camera to document and celebrate the neighborhood’s unique identity.