An Introduction to Photo Friends

Formed in 1990, Photo Friends is a nonprofit organization that supports the Los Angeles Public Library's Photograph Collection by improving access to the photographs, acquiring new images, and promoting the Library's Collection through programs, events, and exhibits.

We are an enthusiastic group of photographers, writers, historians, business people, politicians, academics, and many others, all bonded by our passion for photography, history, and Los Angeles.

In 1991, Photo Friends sponsored the Library's “Shades of L.A.: A Search for Visual Ethnic History.” The six-year project involved copying 10,000 photographs from family albums throughout Los Angeles, thereby broadening the Collection’s representation of ethnicities in the city. Exhibits were displayed in The Los Angeles Public Library's Central Library and several branch libraries throughout the city, and a companion book, entitled Shades of L.A.: Pictures from Ethnic Family Albums, was published by The New Press.

In 1996, Photo Friends, in conjunction with the Library and the Library Foundation of Los Angels, created “The L.A. Neighborhoods Project.” The organization commissions contemporary Los Angeles-based photographers to document the disparate neighborhoods of Los Angeles. So far, we have documented fourteen neighborhoods including Watts, Venice, San Pedro, and Boyle Heights.

For many years, Photo Friends hosted a bimonthly lunchtime lecture series at the Central Library which showcased Los Angeles and its photographers. Among the distinguished speakers who appeared at the “The Photographer’s Eye” were Doug McCulloh, Gary Leonard, Delmar Watson, Julius Shulman, and Iris Schneider.

Planning for the organization's newest project, Industrial L.A., is underway now. You can help support current and future projects today by becoming a member!

[read more about the board]
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An Introduction to the Los Angeles Public Library

The Los Angeles Public Library, a department of the City of Los Angeles, serves the largest population of any library in the country through its Central Library, seventy-one branch libraries, over six million books and other items, state-of-the-art technology, and its Web site (www.lapl.org). These resources and its more than 18,000 public programs provide everyone with free and easy access to information and the opportunity for life-long learning.