Serenity / Serenidad, 2016

Melissa Barales-López

“I can truly say I’ve grown into my own skin, especially in front of a lens.”

Melissa Barales-Lopez, age 16

City Terrace

In Partnership with Little Tokyo Service Center at Angelina Apartments

“Serenity”

​It was on a particularly cheerful Sunday morning that I took note of the beautiful sunlight. Unfortunately, the light streamed in from a rather badly positioned window yet in no way did that deter me. I squatted and leaned one way and the other, all in an attempt to capture the sunlight. In the course of thirty minutes, I had taken over seventy or so photos, each one vastly different from the next. From that montage of pictures, I chose one. One which caught me in the middle of blinking, one which might not have the best lighting, but one which I happen to love. The photo being displayed encapsulates a state of emotion I often have trouble expressing: serenity.

As the oldest of six, I often have to think of the "common good." I often set aside my personal interests for those of my siblings. Whether it be foregoing a red ice drink because my six-year-old sister is sick, or skipping track and field practice to babysit my younger brother, as a Latina, "family first" is a fundamental principle. Nothing is more significant, more essential than family. I think, breathe, love my family. Family dinners are sacred and family gatherings are nothing less than chaotic. As an individual, I aspire for too much. I'm too vehement and too zealous, so I've been told. I come on too strong, as I let out loud shouts during football games and mighty fist-bumps at the end of sprinting races. But, as an individual, I have no doubt my outlandish hopes will manifest themselves into something great.

When I first signed up with Las Fotos Project, I wasn't completely aware of the theme. Posing in front of a camera wasn't something I was entirely comfortable with. Yet, over the course of a few months, I can truly say I've grown into my own skin, especially in front of a lens. Constantly receiving positive feedback when showcasing promising pictures helped me grow confident in my work. Moreover, being reassured time and time again that my photos were, in fact, more than worthy strengthened my resolve as a photographer. As cheesy as it may sound, Las Fotos Project helped me believe in myself and my potential.