Inside an empty, graffiti-covered studio on La Brea stands the future of The Jewish Federation.

Fifteen of the Federation’s young leaders from all areas, programs, and divisions have gathered to spend the morning of March 27 shooting the cover photo for the first ever Young Leader’s issue of Mosaic magazine.

The group is situated in front of a white cyclorama, a backdrop that creates an infinite white space. Some stand, while others perch on wooden crates. In between shots, the group laughs and jokes around. Each time they change position, they good-naturedly groan and shift into place, fixing their hair before turning back to smile at the camera.

A video camera circles the group. One of the young leaders waves. Someone else blows a kiss. Another borrows someone else’s Lion of Judah necklace and mugs for the camera.

Photographer Kevin Scanlon is on his knees, calling suggestions to the group as he clicks away. “That’s good, very nice,” he says. “Now loosen up a little. Do something fun!”

Photographer Kevin Scanlon shooting the Mosaic cover.

Scanlon, who has shot most of the Federation’s Mosaic covers and is internationally-known for his portraits of celebrities such as Jodie Foster, Robert Redford, and Dustin Hoffman, finishes shooting and rises to his feet. “Are we done?” someone asks. “Just a few more,” he answers.

“It’s pretty rare to have the opportunity to photograph such a large group,” Scanlon says, explaining, “The challenge is to make them all fit in the frame, but make sure they still look comfortable and confident - the way we always want them to. I think we are pulling it off, I think everybody is doing a great job; it’s been a lot of fun so far.”

As Kevin begins to pack up his camera and equipment, the group extracts themselves from their posed positions on the stage, and immediately heads to the kitchen, where a feast of Doughboys’ salads, fresh bread, and red velvet cupcakes has been set out for them to enjoy. They gather around the table, passing out utensils and pouring drinks for one another, their ease and comfort with each other obvious to any outsider.

Federation Vice President for Leadership Development Jodi Berman is excited to see the young leaders recognized for all their hard work. “First stop, Mosaic. Next stop, In Style Magazine! There's nothing quite like this group of people,” she says. “It's thrilling that we have such a talented, committed pool of young Jews. And they're not only adorable, but they are willing to do whatever it takes for our Jewish community and they know their time to lead is now. That's amazing!”