Kalissa's Photojournalism Blog

Who was she:      Diane Arbus (1923-1971) was born to a wealthy family in New York. Finding their lifestyle humiliating, she wanted to escape it as soon as possible. Thus, she married Allan Arbus, a Signal Corps photographer during World War II, at the young age of 18 in 1941. They bore two children together, Doon and Amy Arbus, but separated in 1960—formally divorcing in 1969. Even after they separated, they continued to work alongside each other and Allan continued to serve as an emotional support for her. Allan introduced her to photography, starting a studio together and teaching her the ins and outs of the technical side of art. At age 48, on July 26, 1971, Diane took her own life after a long struggle with depression and getting overwhelmed with the expectations of her work. Her fame grew greatly after her death with her work not being widely accepted until the 1980s. Professional history:      In 1946, Diane and Allan opened Arbus Studio where they t...

The barn at the Bergerson family home in Aumsville, Oregon on March 2. The barn was constructed in 1972 by Roger Bergerson and Paul Cox, the owner of the property and his father-in-law. Cows were bought at the end of '72, and have held a steady presence on the property ever since. Daisy eating dinner at the feeding trough on March 2. Daisy is one of 3 adult cows, and the only current mother, on the property at the moment. The Bergersons regularly breed and butcher their cows every year, after getting the meat back from the butcher they distribute it amongst friends and family. However, they are currently prepping to send all 3 to the butcher, reaching an age where it is impractical to take care of them anymore. Linda Bergerson on March 2 standing in the doorway to the barn. The Bergersons and the surrounding families all have the same breed of white face cows and have made it a habit to trade back and forth with one another, and often share supplies from their barn with their neigh...

  The Stayton-Jordan Bridge in Pioneer Park at 450 N 7th Ave, Stayton, Oregon, on February 23. The Stayton-Jordan Bridge was built in 1998 after the original, the Jordan Bridge, burnt down on December 20, 1994, after Christmas lights set fire to the bridge's roof. The rebuilding process took nearly two years, with many local citizens helping to make the new bridge a reality. Library assistant Rachel Gries (29), and library aide Rick Riley-Loy (22), hard at work at the Stayton Public Library at 515 N First Ave, Stayton, Oregon, on February 23. Gries and Riley-Loy prepare for an early closing due to the heavy snowfall. Under normal conditions, the Stayton Public Library is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11am-5pm, Thursday from 11am-7pm, and Saturday from 10am-2pm. They also host many meetings throughout the week including but not limited to Baby and Toddler Time, Book Discussions, and Dungeons & Dragons. Elizabeth Baldwin (61), Municiple Court Clerk and Accoun...

The Campus Connector bus parked outside Linn-Benton Community College's Takena Hall on February 17.  Bri Knutson and Crystal Hernandez working in the Linn-Benton Community College Bookstore on February 17. Ryan Kelly, Bryan Bauer, and Kyle Robinson relaxing in the Linn-Benton Veteran Center on February 17.

  Mark Richmond (53) playing pool on February 6, at The Cue Ball pool hall, 1262 State St, Salem, Oregon. Richmond credited his father with teaching him how to play and regards that as one of his fondest memories of them together. When he was 14 years old, he started working as a volunteer firefighter. The firehouse had a pool table in it, where he and the other firefighters would practice and play in their free time. Approximately 5 months ago, Richmond, along with his wife Lynn Richmond (51), joined Mick & Mom’s Pool Team and began competing in the Valley League. They compete in multiple locations but oftentimes their team plays at Mick & Mom's Pub & Eatery at 255 N 3rd Ave, Stayton, Oregon. Richmond thought it would be a fun couple activity to do together, and enjoys teaching his wife how to play. He also described it as a great way to meet people and make new friends. Richmond described his favorite part of the sport as being the strategy that goes into it. It’s a l...

Alyssa Harlow at SUGARHEROES Super Sweet Shoppe, the superhero and comicbook themed candy shop located at 239 N 3rd Ave, Stayton, Oregon, on February 1. SUGARHEROES is a women-owned, family business, where Harlow has worked for about 9 months as store manager. She used to work in construction, but since she started working there to help the family she has grown to love seeing the happy kids and the positive environment there. Outside of work, Harlow enjoys spending time with her friends doing various activities such as bowling or hiking. John Mohney on February 1 at 3rd Easle Art Gallery, located at 349 N 3rd Ave. in Stayton, Oregon. Mohney is one of four artists whose work is on display in the gallery. He works primarily with watercolors, enjoying the challenge of the medium, often painting landscapes and cityscapes. As a painter of 25 years, he loves the creative outlet it offers. He shares a private studio with his wife, Judy Mohney, also a watercolor painter, where they create ...