Cholas, White Fence, East L.A. by Graciela Iturbide

The photo entitled, Cholas, White Fence, East L.A. by Graciela Iturbide demonstrates the culture of East Los Angeles during the 1980s. Iturbide produced this photo for the book A Day in the Life of America, which she chose to document the environment and fashion of cholos/cholas. I found it interesting how she chose this specific group, for they can be considered as a negative impact on society. Nevertheless, she went against the grain to document a group of people who support and love one another. Iturbide is not glorifying their life, but simply presents the rawness of their life. 

For that reason, I was drawn to this photo. She allowed them to pose and present themselves in any way they wanted. This method is rare, for the photographer is often looking to portray a scene through their own perspective, which might not be the best way. As a result, the scene would look staged. The viewer sees the photo as containing high aesthetic appeal, however, honesty is absent. Photographers have been doing this for years and continue to use it on various platforms.

Overall, it was refreshing to know that Iturbide permitted freedom of expression in this photograph. Her goal was to portray a day in the life of america, which she accomplished without tampering with perspective.