Abby's Blog

It's What I Do by Lynsey Addario     "I'm sure there are other versions of happiness, but this is mine." This quote from Lynsey Addario's book It's What I Do is the motto fro every journalist. The passion in spreading news and stories to others is what it is all about. There is no sense in doing something that doesn't bring you absolute joy and happiness, and journalism is something that many find that in. It's What I Do is an autobiography that gives the story of a journalist going through life threatening situations with the passion for photojournalism keeping her going. Addario is a very talented photographer is who very skilled in capturing the emotion and story in her pictures. She uses the techniques of making her subjects comfortable to get her photos just right, something that some photographers think is a waste of time. She knows that by making the subjects comfortable around the camera and around her makes the pictures come out more smoothly ...

  (Overall) For this free shoot I decided to do another around town. This is Jefferson, I small town in Oregon that is popular for rafting and other water games. The Santiam River is a long river that flows through Jefferson and other parts of Oregon. This cloudy afternoon brought chilly air and faster water, causing the river to be left empty with no one trying to get in. (Close-Up) This sign sits in front of the Thriftway store right next to the river. life jackets hang off of the sign, allowing families and groups to have a life jacket to keep safe while playing in the river. (Medium) This tent was hidden away behind some trees. Right on the edge of the water, this is the shelter of homeless people. Homelessness is a huge issue in most of Oregon, but Jefferson has a rate of 1.4% homeless people. Although this is a very sad and upsetting scene, it's reality for many people in Jefferson and in Oregon.

  This is the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, a landmark in Newport, Oregon. It is used as a museum now, although tours are closed due to Covid-19. The lighthouse was built in 1871, right after Newport was founded. It is the only lighthouse in Oregon with the living pace still attached. This seagull is relaxing on this cloudy midday, November 13th. With a storm coming, this seagull is preparing for rough living conditions. Since Newport is the coast, big waves and strong winds and rain are dangerous threats to the wildlife here. However, it also means more fish coming closer to the shore and more food for this little guy! In this crazy time, there are tourists coming to look at and take pictures of the huge waves. While in Newport, this family tries to get some views of the whales, however this might be very difficult because water is so rough.

  November 6, 2020, the Peterson kids (Joe in green shirt, Sarah jumping Millie in yellow, Jack in white) are playing outside on this chilly afternoon. They are playing outside of their house and enjoying each other's company. They take turns playing with the jump rope and singing some rhymes while doing so. They pulled out their bikes and scooters, going up and down the street. They claim "our mom doesn't like us to go too far, so we just go down to the corner and back." They are willing to let each other use the different bikes and scooters. I asked them when they got their vehicles and they say different holidays such as birthdays and Christmas, which brings up a new conversation about the next month of winter.  Jack Peterson says that he loves his bike but doesn't like to ride it in the cold. He said he will probably stop riding it for a little bit but will get back on once the air gets warmer. 

  At Fred Meyer, many people are getting their groceries and doing some shopping. Although this is a very normal activity that everyone does, due to Covid-19 there are restrictions and limitations. Everyone has to wear a mask and stay 6 feet apart. Thomas Williams is an employee at Fred Meyer. He works in the pick up department, meaning he picks items and brings them out to customers who order online. His job is one of the most important in the store at a time like this. Many people who order through the pick up are unable to go inside public places now, due to Corona. This sign is displayed in the bathroom hallway, reminding everyone to keep distance and stay safe. Yet another way life continuing but changing at the same time. There is an employee at the door with hand sanitizer and free masks who keep track of the amount of people coming in the store. This way, they can be sure that everyone is keeping the social distance rule.