“Los Ojos - Life on the Streets of East Los Angeles” is a photographic project rooted in the lived experiences of many Hispanic individuals from East LA. Every subject portrayed had been involved with gangs and, at some point, most had been incarcerated.
The visual style and tone of the studio portraits pay homage to Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico, whose presence is a powerful cultural and spiritual symbol.
Each portrait was taken at a location personally chosen by the subject—places that hold deep meaning in their lives and histories.
Frank described it like this: ''Growing up in East LA….everybody always says it’s bad…but you don’t know what bad is until you see what good is…so for us, it was just normal.''
For me, what makes these stories especially powerful is that each of these individuals was able to escape the cycle of street violence and go on to lead productive, inspirational lives.
What is documented here is not just a reflection of the past, but a testament to transformation, resilience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Bob Stevens
After completing the photo program at Santa Monica College, Bob embarked on a career in the advertising arena and found quick success. As much as he enjoys commercial assignments, he has always found time to create personal projects. His strong attachment to the Hispanic culture and vibrant community in his home town of Los Angeles, led him to explore the poignant story you see pictured here.
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Frank at Grandmother’s Home © Bob Stevens