Week #5: Life Post-Pandemic w/3 Different Depths of Focus

 

Closeup: Miniature white and orange pumpkins stacked on top of each other by unknown person in covered area at Davis Family Farms right outside Corvallis, Oregon October 27. Throughout the farm one can find multiple piles of stacked pumpkins. 

Medium: The Boyd family, 2-67, hop off a tractor-pulled hayride as a few of the family members take off their masks to enjoy the fresh air. Rules on the farm regarding distancing and mask wearing are lackadaisically enforced, but the wide open spaces give the impression it's easy to distance and safe to not be wearing a mask, which is not true. 

Far: A few members of the Boyd family are seen grazing through the pumpkin patch to find the perfect pumpkin. The vastness of the patch makes it easier for the groups on this particular hayride to social distance. 

Week #4: Environmental Photos

 

Madison Doty, 24, tattoos Shemiah Green's "sleeve," (full arm), 26, in her shop All In Tattoo Company in Albany, Oregon October 22. When asked why Doty wanted to do tattoos as a career, she responded: "I didn't know what I wanted to do for a long time. I've always loved art but didn't think I could actual make a living doing that. Then tattoos just popped into my head and it was like bam! That's what I want to do." Doty got her tattoo license in Salem and said that it took about a year and a half to get through all the courses. When asked what she would tell a tattoo artist just starting out, she said: "Just believe in yourself and your art. Don't get lazy, because this is permanent and really meaningful to people and their bodies. Keep making art until you're at a level YOU are proud of, then go for it. Do it the legal way and get your license from professional places, don't do sketchy back-alley tattooing. Just believe in yourself and your art, and know this means a lot to people. "

Week #3: Around town w/one subject.

Closeup: "Newt Crossing" sign posted near entrance of North side of the park. Bald Hill is notorious for its hordes of newts that get caught in the crosshairs of bikers and hikers, especially in the wetter fall and winter months. October 15, Corvallis, Oregon.

 Medium: Judy Sease, 57, and her poodle, Petey, 9, enjoy a stroll on one of the grassy paths of Bald Hill Natural Area in Corvallis, Oregon on an unusually warm fall day on October 15. When asked why she liked coming to this particular park, she responded: "It's just so peaceful anytime of year. Even if there's a lot of people mostly everyone sticks to themselves but are still friendly."

Lindsay Trowbridge, 27, looks up in awe at the massive expanse of trees in the Bald Hill Natural Area just outside Corvallis, Oregon that go as high as 50 feet in some places, and come in dozens of different varieties. "I get lost out here. In a good way. Bald Hill is great for anyone who just wants to get out of the house and get their fill of nature without going too far," stated Trowbridge in response to being asked what she liked about the area. October 15.  

Bald Hill is a state-designated Natural Area that has about ten miles of grassy, dirt, and paved trails located in between Corvallis and Philomath, Oregon with entrances on Oak Creek Drive and West Hill Road. The area covers approximately 284 acres and is situated at an elevation of 755 feet, making the Cascade Foothills, Mary's Peak, and the city of Corvallis all in viewing range. Dozens of different bird, mammal, amphibian, and reptiles call the park home, and attracts 20,000+ visitors per year. 

Around Town - Week #2 Extra Photos

     Here are more photos showing Portland, OR as it wades through uncertain times in a country that's on edge and has been thrust into the national spotlight. 

Around Town...Week 2 Photojournalism Assignment

         

Closeup of graffiti art mural including a portrait of Ahmaud Arbury, a black jogger killed while jogging in Georgia. The mural is on boarded up windows outside of the Apple Store in downtown Portland, Oregon on 4th and Yamhill, October 6.

A man breaks down outside the memorial and mural located outside the downtown Portland, Oregon Apple Store on 4th and Yamhill on October 6.

Visitors to the memorial/mural outside of downtown Portland, Oregon Apple store on 4th and Yamhill paying their respects, dropping off flowers and candles, and openly mourning October 6.

 Portland has recently been a hotbed for national headlines regarding its protests, political clashes, and police brutality here in America. July 22nd, 2020  saw the arrival of federal agents into the city under President Trump's request and their actions, subsequent departure, return of Portland Police Bureau to monitor protests, and unprecedented wildfires and smoke pollution in September all under the umbrella of the global Covid-19 pandemic has changed the mood of the city. As 2020 continues to barrel onwards, Portland and its longtime residents, surrounding metro, government, and visitors navigate a city known for its lackadaisical nature and friendly atmosphere is now tense and bruised up by its own government and outside forces. The following three photos hopefully capture the vibe of the city and give three different perspectives of a town that's no longer under siege but still a little unsure of what's next, yet isn't slowing down one bit. There are also a few more photos included that give a little more insight on what the city is really going through.