Posts

Holiday Village - Photo Story

Image
  Holiday Village Oregon State Fair Salem, Oregon      The Holiday Village at the Oregon State Fair offers many activities, snacks, and local vendors for those in attendance. Of the first people I spoke with, Caroll and Debbie of the Oregon Beverage Services were very friendly. Over the few days that I ventured into the lively venue, they shared with me that their company had been participating in this event for a handful of years. Although the amount had not been clearly defined, Debbie reported that she loved every part of it. It shares Holiday cheer and brings in steady revenue to their small business. This was Caroll's first year coming in person himself, a task that was usually in the hands of his wife and children, as he usually operates behind the scenes. He founded the business himself, after building his career in the beverage industry, and currently co-owns it with his wife Debbie. When I asked him, Caroll said that everything was going well so far, as the ...
Post a Comment
Read more

It's What I Do - Book Report

Image
    This semester, I began to take with me certain tips on how to go about photographing. While not in an identical environment, there were a few things that I tried to emanate after reading It's What I Do by Lyndsey Addario. From what I have learned, she says it best; Tread lightly, be respectful, and get into the story as deeply as I can without making the subject feel uncomfortable or objectified (Addario, 2015, Page 191). The idea remained within me as I went on to photograph the people around me.     The defining factors of Addario's style include the use of natural lighting, crisp and clear shots, well-defined subjects, unique color balance, and a sense of movement within the frame. She is also a conflict and humanitarian photographer so her images drip in the theme of war. As a beginner photographer, I can't imagine what her harrowing journies felt like as she documented war-torn countries. I commend Addario for her drive to do so, as it's imperativ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Home Town, Salem OR

Image
       The Willamette Queen is a twin paddle-wheeler on the Willamette River in Salem, OR. Built in Newport in 1990, it pays homage to the past. Sternwheelers were the prime mode of transportation when the city was young. The iconic landmark reminds citizens of its local history. It remains in operation today, traveling the river year-round, and carries roughly 10,000 to 15,000 guests each year.      A long-time resident of the Pacific NorthWest, Bodhi, has many fond memories of growing up in the area. They grew up in the rural Yamhill county, located in the foothills of the coast range. When they were young, they recalled that they loved being only half an hour from the Pacific Ocean. Bodhi has also grown to love the consistant rainfall and the surrounding greenery. Likewise, they enjoy experiencing the four individual seasons unfolding each year. After moving to Salem in their early twenties, they began to go on walks downtown with their service dog ...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Legacy of Diane Arbus

Image
  Who Was Diane Arbus?       Diane Arbus was an American photographer who was active from 1960 to 1971. Born in New York City on March 14th, 1923, as Diane Nemerov, she was raised in a wealthy family of five. In her childhood, her parents owned a fashion store called Russek's where they found great success. They later sold it while her father pursued a painting career. This decision wasn't a fluke, as almost all members of the Nemerov family became artists. Diane's older brother was a poet while her younger sister was a sculptor. For Diane, she was interested in drawing and painting. She decided not to continue after receiving high praise for her work. It was pointless, she thought, to do something she was already good at. Wanting to challenge herself, she began to learn photography when she met her husband, actor and photographer, Allan Arbus. Claim to Fame     Arbus came under the spotlight due to her unique subject matter. She wanted to document New...
Post a Comment
Read more

On Campus

Image
       On the East side of LBCC (Albany) is one of the many designated smoking spots. Just at the end of parking lot #4, it exists within minimal walking distance from McKenzie Hall. LBCC prides itself on being smoke-free while providing options for those who do part-take. This compromise helps the campus remain clean while not ostracising a portion of the school's demographic.       Further up the pathway is a waterfall underneath the staircase leading to the upper levels of Forum. On sunnier days, the area is perfect for relaxing to the ambient sounds. There are a few benches and tables for students to take over while working on their studies.       A spider web catching morning dew drops in the pine trees. LBCC has quite a few around campus, the most found around the East side of parking lot #4 or on the West side along the Wellness Trail. It can be grounding for students and faculty to take breaks during the day and these p...
Post a Comment
Read more

Mother of Salem

Image
RiRi  Calienté        RiRi  Calienté is one of the most well-known drag performers in the Mid-Valley area. Although most known by her iconic stage name, she is known outside performances as Richard Arias Jr. Born in Klamath Falls, Oregon, he was later raised and schooled in Marysville, California. Arias and his good friend Dwayne Wood were two of the only males to try out for the cheer team, resulting in discrimination and bullying from those around them. However, after graduation, the two decided to move to Portland, Oregon, following Arias' parents as they moved to Salem.  It was there that Wood sparked the idea for him to start drag, upon noticing how animated he'd become while cleaning to music.  On his deathbed in 2003, after his long battle with HIV, Wood asked Arias to promise he would. It wasn't until ten years later that Arias began performing.      On July 29, 2012, Arias made his first debut as RiRi  Calienté at t...
Post a Comment
Read more

On the Job

Image
The Book Bin, Salem OR:      This local Court Street store has been open in Downtown Salem since 1983. The Book Bin offers a wide range of books, stationary, and gifts. This weekend, it was among many small businesses that participated in Trunk-or-Treat, handing out candy to those in costume. Pictured are employees Tristain (right) and Kendal (left) working on the Information Station computer. Tristan has been a team member for a year and a half while Kendal was welcomed aboard a year ago.       Rose has been the resident cat since 2013. She can be found throughout the store, often curling up on displays in far corners. It's easy to miss her, so visitors must be prepared for a lovely game of I Spy while browsing the isles.  Roast Runners, Albany OR     Roast Runners is the on-campus, student-run coffee shop at Linn-Benton Community College. Being part of the Work Study program, the job allows student workers more flexibility while managi...
Post a Comment
Read more