Motion of LA / Jesus Martinez

Motion of LA


By Jesus Martinez

This photo was taken accidentally. However, due to the timing, I was able to capture more than I had intended to. The photo showcases a sample of the architecture of Los Angeles, and the car that had accidentally made its way into the frame shows the movement of this dynamic city.

Here is a storefront in Exposition Park. It was a clear, blazing hot day, and the sun really made all the paint colors pop out. The motion in the photo comes from a car zooming by in front. This is a representation of the driving culture of LA. Though it may be hard to tell, the driver is wearing sunglasses, which is often necessary in LA weather. Not only can you see through the glass windows of the car, but you can also see inside the glass windows of the store. This allows the viewer to get an inside look at everyday LA life. On the front of the store, there is a bright neon green sign spelling out the word "bienvenidos," which is Spanish for "welcome." The fact that there is a sign next to it in English gives a sense that the store welcomes the diverse population of LA. Having parents that emigrated from El Salvador, a Spanish-speaking country, I know from firsthand experience that the presence of their native tongue helps make the big city seem less intimidating. I relate to this photo in particular because I go to the store every day to buy chips. It is a part of my daily routine that I really enjoy because I love eating chips.