(In the wake of recent fires that have irreversibly altered parts of Los Angeles, it felt appropriate to feature photos that celebrate and honor the beauty of the city in all her glory.)

In her photo series titled ‘LA Love Story’, Larena Nellies-Ortiz captures Los Angeles in its most colorful and dynamic form, each image radiating the city’s energy, from the street vendors bustling with life to the old businesses that have anchored its ever-changing landscape. It’s clear through these photos that Nellies-Ortiz has a profound love for the city in all of its imperfect beauty, and through her eyes, we can’t help but love it too. As LA heals from this recent loss, this work takes on even greater significance, serving as a poignant reminder of the beauty in places that will never be the same. It serves as both a tribute to the cultural richness of Los Angeles and an enduring record of its fragile, fleeting moments. ~ Madelyn Olson

(click on the image to view it in its entirety)