The photographs are part of a new exhibit, L.A. Stories: The Power of One, opening next month at the Los Angeles Public Library's Central Library and are the work of a team of photographers made up of students and faculty at Cal State Northridge.

L.A. Stories: The Power of One is a companion exhibit to Choosing to Participate: Facing History and Ourselves, a timely and compelling multimedia exhibit that has been traveling the United States and opens in Los Angeles on Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Central Library.

Choosing to Participate explores -- through historic events, student artwork and stories about individuals doing extraordinary things -- how democracy is strengthened through works, deeds and actions. It examines the role individuals play in creating a more humane and just society. The exhibit has already traveled to New York, Memphis, Chicago and Boston.

"As we bring the exhibit to every region, we expand it by looking at the local component and try to recognize people who have made a difference in their community who may not have necessarily been recognized in the past," said Marti Tippens, program project manager for Facing History and Ourselves and a CSUN alum.

Tippens said she approached her former thesis advisor at Northridge, Kent Kirkton, for help in locating a photographer who would be interested assisting in the project. Kirkton, chair of Cal State Northridge's journalism department and director of the university's Center for Photojournalism and Visual History, suggested a team of photographers made up of students and faculty at CSUN.

"It was a wonderful opportunity for the students and faculty to work together on a project that involves members of the community," Kirkton said. "It also provides a chance for the students to get their work exhibited at an important venue. There's a chance for all of Los Angeles to see what they've done."

The team of photographers included Kirkton, art professors Edward Alfano and Lesley Krane, graduates Garik Gyurjyan and Daniela Nutini, and students Maurice Bajon and Alejandro Quintanar.

The photographers have spent the past several months working with the Facing History staff to photograph 28 ordinary individuals who have made extraordinary choices that have impacted their communities.

"It is a stunning photography exhibit, accompanied by the compelling stories about the inspiring ways that people can and do make a difference," Tippens said. "Facing History and Ourselves is extremely grateful to these professors and their students for their contribution, and very proud of the work they have produced."

Choosing to Participate: Facing History and Ourselves and L.A. Stories: The Power of One continue at the Central Library at Fifth and Flower streets in downtown Los Angeles through May 4.