Photo Editing
Image above by Zaydee Sanchez.
I embarked on my journey as a photo editor in January 2018, and since then, I've taken immense pride in curating the captivating imagery featured at Narratively and palabra. In my role as a visual editor, I have not only assigned stories to talented photographers worldwide but have also undertaken thorough research to unearth the perfect visuals for intricate narratives. Additionally, I have crafted compelling photo illustrations that serve to accentuate the essence of fascinating stories.
I am deliberate in my efforts to provide opportunities to photographers hailing from the very communities we aim to portray. Below are some noteworthy stories that I am particularly proud to have contributed to, engaging in the entire creative process. This involvement spans collaborating with writers and editors to conceptualize the imagery, working closely with photographers both before and after photo shoots, and guiding the story through the meticulous editing process, all the way to its final publication. Throughout, I remain dedicated to discerning the most effective means of presenting these incredible stories to captivate our readers.
For Latina Teens, a Mental Toll.
Photos by Josephine Sittenfeld, Julie Leopo-Bermudez & Michelle Bruzzese.
Teen girls across the U.S. are experiencing dramatic increases in depression and mental illness, but social media and the pandemic have compounded the challenges for Latinas and other girls of color. Culturally competent therapy, whole-child educational initiatives and community-based solutions can help.
Teaching Race in Arizona.
Photos by Rebecca Noble.
Amidst a national climate of restriction — with states outlawing critical race theory in schools and conservatives banning books — Arizonans are in a rematch with a politician striking fear in educators who teach identity and racism.
Disrupting the School-to-Prison Pipeline.
Photos by Zaydee Sanchez.
Her mother’s prison term turned her life upside down, but now Jade Green is leading an organization that’s transforming the lives of young people who have been involved in the justice system — inside a former youth detention center converted into a place of education and triumph.
Sowing Success.
Photos by Eddie Gaspar.
Migrant students and their families follow the seasons year-round to sow and harvest America’s produce. Students take pride in their families’ work ethic — but struggle to continue their schooling. The 50-year-old CAMP scholarship helps hundreds of them go to college.
The Catch Up
Photos by Zaydee Sanchez.
Los Angeles Unified bets on tutoring for post-pandemic recovery, but progress at many schools is slow.
The Deep South’s Dames of Dildos.
Photos by Abraham Rowe.
In a Bible-belt state where sex toy stores are illegal, a church-going grandma, enterprising mom and sassy granddaughter build a booming business hawking penis pumps and butt plugs—and helping every person find their path to pleasure.
America’s Most Flamboyant Private Eye and the 8,000-Mile Manhunt.
Photos by Justin Hamel.
Jay J. Armes is a legendary and controversial Texan investigator with hooks for hands and six decades chasing criminals. This was his most epic murder case ever.
The Sea Farming Sisters in RecoveryThe Sea Farming Sisters in Recovery.
Story & photos by Jennifer Adler.
How one enterprising Mainer is harvesting a new cash crop — and building a powerful support network for women who need it most.
American Doctors Are Reconstructing the Youngest Faces of a Brutal War
Photos by Jonathan Alpeyrie.
These Syrian children survived attacks that left them burned beyond belief. One program thousands of miles from home is offering them life-changing treatment.
Where LGBTQ War Refugees Finally Feel Safe.
Photos by Danielle Villasana.
When you’re queer in the Middle East, escaping war doesn’t mean you’ve escaped the people who want you dead.
King Chaos, Queen Cricket and One Long, Strange Year in a Roadside Homeless Camp
Photos by Katharine Kimball.
At this lawless encampment of rickety RVs, residents face eviction, addiction and machete battles, but their self-made community is the only thing they have.
Two Gay Chinese Dads. One Long and Winding Trip to Fatherhood.
Photos by Gráinne Quinlan.
Their journey starts in a country where gay marriage and surrogacy are illegal, and spans four years, two continents, and hundreds of thousands of dollars—all to get a kid of their own.