On Oct. 13, photographer Flo Ngala’s exhibit “Harlem Ice: The Selects Folder” opened to great enthusiasm at the Compère Collective Gallery in Brooklyn. Ngala, 24, a lifelong Harlem resident, spent more than 10 years as a member of Figure Skating in Harlem. Since launching her photography career she has photographed the Harlem community, including the skating sisterhood so formative in her life.

Current FSH skaters and their parents were in attendance at the opening as well as people from different aspects of Ngala’s life and career. The exhibition, which was curated by Cierra Britton, features 20 of Ngala’s black-and-white images of FSH skaters, much of which she photographed while on the ice with the subjects. The exhibit runs until Oct. 26.

“People were blown away by the work, which was really incredible,” said Ngala. “I strive to create images that are real, speak to people and resonate with them. It was awesome to see everyone feel that.”

Over the past couple of years, Ngala’s work has received a lot of attention. She has photographed musical artists Cardi B, including an incredible series of images from this year’s Met Gala, and Gucci Mane. In January, her FSH images appeared as part of a feature in The New York Times. It gives Ngala great satisfaction to celebrate FSH, which was so instrumental in her life.

“What an amazing combination of the different aspects of my life and things I love the most—photography and figure skating—to culminate in this body of work,” she said. “FSH is a beautiful story. For me to be able to bring in my eye and create beautiful images is testament to the power of things fitting together.”

The athlete-to-artist transition fascinates Ngala. Things she learned through FSH—commitment, diligence, focus and expressing emotions through art—play a role in her photography. Being part of a sisterhood and community nurtured her and put her on a great path in life.

“I was literally molded and invested in at a young age to get to a point where I can make a life for myself doing something I love,” Ngala said. “In sports you see our bodies are made to be tested and for limits to be broken…This work, these girls and their stories…show you can go out there and be a Surya Bonaly or Michelle Kwan or you can be a Flo Ngala and make a name for yourself.”