SAN ANTONIO — Photojournalist Bria Woods always tries to capture people in their natural element — such as Victoria Herrera, whom she photographed on San Antonio’s Southeast Side. 

It’s part of a series called “Where I Live,” in which folks in the community write their own stories to be published in the San Antonio Report, a nonprofit news organization. 

“Most of the contributors to the series are women, and it has really been a treat for me, to not only meet other women in our community, but to see San Antonio through their eyes,” Woods said. 

Woods highlights women through personal projects such as her annual photography series, “Her Story Project.” The theme of the project was “rest” and what rest meant to the 15 women that she photographed. 

“Women’s stories often go overlooked, unnoticed; they don’t get the same celebration as men’s stories and men’s contributions,” Woods said. 

Lisa Ramos, a San Antonio-based professor of Mexican American studies, agrees with Woods. 

“To get the recognition, we always have to remind those in charge — who are usually men — that we were there too. We contributed, and it’s an ongoing battle,” Ramos said. 

She says we have made strides, but more needs to be done. Many of her students feel validated when they learn about someone who looks like them. Woods agrees.

“It could be your neighbor who did something amazing, inspiring,” Woods said. 

Woods says that’s why she highlights women who probably wouldn’t get that recognition to begin with. 

“Yes, there are women out there that are doing great, but there are also women right here in our community. Success is local,” Woods said. 

She’s also calling attention to women’s stories through other mediums including radio, where she calmly gives her opening monologue. Woods says this is a necessary work that will live on for generations. 

“There’s so much power in someone using their own voice to tell their own story,” Woods said.