Bombs Away Corvallis

Over the passed 28 years, Bombs Away Cafe has been a hub of community, arts and music,  family friendly cajun and southwestern cuisine, and warmth for Corvallis citizens. Established by Chef John Huyck in 1991 and being passed through the hands of now four owners, the values of Bombs away have been upheld by the staff, community and culture within it.

As a venue for local, regional and national artists to perform and display their art, there has been no shortage of creative drive to inspire customers.  Since the most recent owner Jeffrey sawyer, who works alongside the staff, took over, "there has been many changes in a short amount of time," Maddie Watts, the bar manager, explained. From the building repaint at the beginning of 2018, to the front bar addition in 2017 and the most recent bar remodel and upcoming murals in the works, Bombs away is having it's eccentric vibe refreshed and solidified to reground it's position within the community.

Being a full restaurant and bar combo, the funky taqueria is here for both families, students, professors, performers and visitors. Opening at 11:00 am for lunch and breakfast to closing it's doors at midnight, the bar and front family dining exist symbiotically each day except sunday as a traditional "gone fishing" for the staff. Harley James Monroe, one of the main cooks, is discussing the topic of tacos with a fellow industry worker Josiah Vandermeer on a thursday night. 

"We're about good people, good food, good music," says Harley, "It's all about community. We're the 'Cheers!' of the bars." 

Maddie Watts has been working at Bombs for the passed two and a half years and quickly moved into a bar and books management position. Ordering the liquor, creating fruit infusions,  preparing cocktail supplies, making and pouring drinks for the front and back seating areas are all part of her bartending role. Having four scheduled shifts, Maddie additionally spends time making sure that the books and checks are all set for the staff, problem solving and organizing the recent bar updates. As a tequila bar, much of the liquor isn't locally sourced, but they do keep the following local alcohols available in the bar: Vivacity, Four Spirits, 2Towns Cider, Block 15 Brewing, and Nectar Creek. Their recently reconstructed Tequila Club now consists of a mural in the hallway to the bar where folks who have tried all of the tequila get to write their name on the now infamous Tequila Club wall. 

Fresh is the name of the game for this "funky taqueria". Focused on locally supplied ingredients ranging from Van Vleet Meat and Carlton Farms to the Co-Op and the summer Farmers Market, the chefs in the kitchen create specialized presentations each month, switching up the menu, as well as regularly making their signature salsas and guacamole in house. Here we have Johnny, one of the longest standing employees - six years, is preparing tomatillos to be grilled for their verde salsa. Between the hours of 9:00 am and 10:55 am, one can here the scrubbing of pots and pans, the swish of a broom and chairs being placed, accompanied by staff breakfasts being made, the fryer sizzling. meats and chilis roasting, and fresh peppers, onions, lettuce and avocados being prepped.

Part of what makes Bombs Away such a unique, warming experience, is the size of the staff. Having a small staff allows the quality of service stay consistent, teamwork run smooth, and aesthetic maintained. Many of the staff have overlapping roles, whether it's being in charge of social media and bartending, to bartending and manning (or ladying) the door, the staff step up in ways that truy embody the values that Bombs Away rests on. Above we have Harley James Monroe and Kaleb Kent collaborating on fancy grilled cheese. Experimenting with flavor, presentation and efficiency. The creativity doesn't stop with the incoming musicians and artists, but is a flavor one can taste as soon as they step in to the restaurant. 

From the outside, your eye's catch the colors and vibrance of activity within. Every day has a different attendance volume, but as a restaurant on campus fulfilling a variety of sensory needs, there is always a seat at the table Bombs Away Cafe. 

Forum 10

Jim Boyle- Long time, experienced volunteer who recently was working on the Denewi Creek route rehabilitation on Bald Hill 

Out of all the photos that I have had published this term, I will have to say that this one from my Starker Arts Wetland Restoration piece is my favorite. It stands out to be from the others because the clarity of the photo which I definitely found myself struggling with over the term, the depth of field is really well positioned to where we can clearly see what Jim Boyle is doing, but also see some group activity and background to the purpose of the planting in the background. The framing also feels really nice with the contrast of sharp darkness to the right and the natural lighting to the left. 

I think that this photo definitely reflects on some skills that I focused on, particularly because of the clarity and closeness of the subject. Both of these were the two most prominent challenges that I faced in many of my assignments whether it was the lighting or my confidence in interacting with my subjects. 

My skills of presenting my photos and over all skills have definitely changed in the areas of how and what I want to focus on documenting - events and news stories rather than portraitures of person features- as well as figuring out that perhaps along with adjusting the focus during action more steadily, that I may need to invest in a newer camera also! Or atleast get creative in using my phone and camera. 

• Getting more comfortable in actually photographing people not just interviewing them 
• Become more proficient in changing camera settings while in action
• Practice and discover my niche and get more comfortable in sharing my work with the "world"

I would actually say that from the above goals that I placed at the beginning of the term, I did pretty well at following through and exploring them. I realized that I really enjoy shooting events and social activities, and also feel most comfortable there behind the camera and interviewing rather than just one or the other. I think that I will continue to work on utilizing the camera's tools more, while in action to work with lighting indoors and clarity of subjects. I would like to continue to push myself in sharing my work with the public, and not put myself in a box with this- share more of my photos, personal and assigned.

Addario "It's What I Do" Book Report Response

I haven't read many memoirs, yet, but I have always wanted to some day write my own.
Perhaps, I hope, that I will be able to write it close to the way that Lynsey Addario has written hers.
Lynsey's life was full of colors, and not like everyone's, also shaded with the complete opposite aspects of grays, blacks, and whites: war. And she kept it like this by choice.

I think that it was important of her to tell the background story of her family, being the third in her sisters, and her father and mothers, loving yet eventually separated relationship. The culture of community and eccentric, open, folk that they grew up in, seemed to compliment Lynsey's passion and ability to identify and see the worlds people through a certain lens of unbiased appreciation for where they come from, not always for where they are going.

My favorite first within this book was her relationship that she built with the sex workers in the chapter "No Second Chapters in New York". Giving these transgender women, among many more that she will later capture in their locale,  a voice, a screen, a safe place to show how they felt about themselves in the world, was part of the magic Addario invested in. She took the time to grow close with her subjects, with sincerity, stayed up late and followed them to their working environment; speaking openly with them on the streets. She did this not because of business, but because of her dedication to tell the truth of the story which she was working on. To not skip out, or paint it in a certain light except for the light of her subjects.
And Lynsey did this time and again despite of how it had affected her love life. We know that of course her profession also put distance and some tension with her familial heartstrings, but coming from the family she did this seemed to be less of a "concern" when it came to combining with her work life.
During this time of working with the prostitutes, one of my favorite anecdotes was on page 36 when she was walking along the street on one of the first dates she had been on in about nine months. Her date kissed her, finally, and as they kissed there on the street she sensed a group  of people gathering. It was the group of sex workers.
They called out at her "IT'S THE PHOTO LADY!".... "Woohoo, you go, girl!" and the musician, her date, asked her again what she did for a living. Lynsey replied that she was a photographer.
"And these are your friends?" She replied, "Yes, I guess."
And they never saw each other again. 

This particular situation stood out for me because it shows her dedication, and respect for herself, her subjects, and those who interact with her. She isn't willing to lie about the rawness of life that she entangles herself in with her work, and I don't know how many people truly are able to would own up to it like she does.
*                                                           *                                                           *

http://www.lynseyaddario.com/ 
Of Love and War

I feel like Lynsey's photojournalist techniques are different than others, partially because of the opportunities she had or didn't have as a woman in the area's she was shooting, and also because she seemed to go after either the "calm before the storm", the aftermath, or the "undercover" areas of life around the wars and events. She focused on not so much as the action, but the effects of the action- directly, indirectly, obvious and hidden.
The Talibanistan series, although the men and children are moving and involved, the scene that Lynsey captured has a calm tension to it, like the wind has finally stopped and yet everyone is holding their breath to hear the tree fall. The little boy to the left of this series, is bandaged and in tears. But his tear is still on his cheek and his eyes are stormed with the torment of war around him. The american soldiers in Operation Rock Avalanche, show the aftermath of the ambush. Soldiers caring for each other, but not posing- raw in the brush, the dust, the dehydration. Defeated and yet dutiful to their tribe.

Lynsey describes many processes in her journey of photojournalism where she is overcoming the insecurity and judgments that she has about herself and what others may have about her and her choices she makes as female photojournalist. The physical and emotional risks in some ways, are absolutely nuts, but if I'm being completely honest, her dedication and clarity of her sense of duty to pursuing, capturing and telling the stories she is on deck for inspires me. I think that this type of grit that she has is what many people who succeed have within them. It seems to be like her life line, and we all have them, I think it just comes down to how much we are willing to offer up in exchange for that purpose and passion that distinguishes us from the next. Going in to war zones as she did, alongside her comrades, I don't see as any less crazy than those who sign up to fight in the wars themselves. The documentation of war is just as important as the act of war itself.

I hope to be able to put to practice more of the lessons I took from this book, like dedicating thorough in depth time to the stories, and less on personal life, or at least having the guts to taking on more stories so that I can get the hang of balancing the two out. Getting creative with the stories, and allowing my own style to show forth, instead of what I think the assignment is telling me to do was one thing that I struggled with a little bit. Although there is a time in place to follow, I think that I could be a little bit more creative in how I go about capturing the story and getting information.

Over all this book has spoken very directly to me in career pathways, creativity, personal perspectives and confidence to go out there and experience not only the world, but also myself.

Favorite Photos in book: pg. 85 bottom Rebel Fighters , pg. 91 Transgender Prostitutes, pg.96 Scenes of Afghanistan (the boys with the puppy and bicycle wheel), pg. 149 boy on bicycle with girl in the background wearing hijabs, pg. 157 Fall of the Taliban, pg. 159 U.S. Marines take a break, pg. 218 top, pg. 219 top, pg. 220 top, pg. 223 both, pg. 228, bandaged boy, pg. 230, the boys and their plates

Forum 8

Chapter 11 : You Will Die Tonight

To me, this chapter held the most weight in the last part of the book. Not because of the violence that Lynsey and her colleagues experienced, but because of how critical it was to all of their mindsets, resulting in some epiphanies of how they plan to move, or not move, forward in their lives.
For Lynsey, she knew she would continue travelling and capturing war zones, but the effect of the brutal kidnapping had on her marriage, was that she surrendered to becoming a mother and fulfilling that part of life with her husband Paul.  She exclaims this quite suddenly as they are in a prison, waiting and hoping that they will be able to get to the city of Tripoli  "If we do, I am going to be so fat in nine months!" It's amazing how realizations can come to us so suddenly that are so life changing, even if they aren't immediate.
Another reason why I think this chapter was the most compelling was that she literally started the chapter off with them being captured, and went through the entire experience, psychological and physical, through the whole chapter until they were released.
Seeing that their young drive, Mohammed, had been killed in their abduction was just one of the many harms their drivers had experienced working with them, but it really seemed to effect them all more than usual. They're comraderie in this chapter and her speaking of them all so much was also something that contributed to the importance of the chapter. Journalism is a very competitive sport they're bondedness shows through so strong in chapter 11.
 The below photo is (one of) my favorite photos in this section. I chose this one because despite the chaos and trauma that we know is happening all around this woman, she is holding herself with protection and love, finding a place of quiet and solidarity in her mind.

I also like that there is the contrast between what we could assume as her partner to her left, and the weapons to her right. the contrast of love and war, which Addario definitely experiences between her life with Paul and her passion for photo journalism.

Taking risks and pushing yourself into position seems to be one of the skills that I have taken from this section of the book. This also, unfortunately can put oneself at risk of injury, harm, or death. Remember your why and stay committed to it.

pg. 148 " So many women were casualties of their birthplace. They had nothing when they were born and would have nothing when they died; they survived off the land and their dedication to their families, their children"

This quote, to me, reflects the incredible strength, oppressed power and wisdom, and eternal love to nurture that women possess within themselves. Through capturing the countless number of women healing and wounded from sexual assault and rape in the Republic of Congo, Addario was able to give them a voice, or atleast expose their reality. Lynsey is able to be very matter of fact, and say it straight, which is something that I aspire to work on and be able to strengthen through photojournalism myself.

Hometown Corvallis

Corvallis Courthouse at dusk, post it's holiday decorating on Thursday, November 21st 2019
Built in 1888 the Courthouse is seen as one of the oldest buildings in Oregon still used for it's original purpose

Ed Eply has been advocating Climate Change in Corvallis for the passed 18 years. "There is always at least one person out here on Thursday evenings. It's a little bit harder to get interactions during the winter because it gets dark earlier, but during the day when people see us, about 75 percent of the interaction we do get is positive." 

Jessica Bailey poses with her final print of lily flowers during the Corvallis Arts Walk at The Arts Center in Central Park.
This particular print went through a process from a photograph to a sketch, to a drawing, to an outline on wood and lastly carving and being pressed by multiple people (because of it's size. "About 450 hours not including the actual printing." 

Suite 0 - Your Local, Curated Vintage Shop

Suite 0 , located on the 300 block of Monroe Avenue, Corvallis, Oregon launched mid 2018.

Owners Mike Turner and Gabriel Noller, both local to Corvallis, combined their mutual passion for eccentric, authentically paired clothing items fulfilling a unique niche in Corvallis' street wear and community culture.













When you walk into Suite 0's store front at 314 SW Monroe Ave., you're welcomed by a warm, spaciousness filled with iconic images, patterns pleasing your eyes around the room.


The movement of the room, centering around a communal "living room" in the middle, allows employees and customers alike to be comfortable and creative.

Mike and Gabriel's motivation for opening this curated clothing store is rooted in not only inspiring consumers to create and blend their own style with new styles and old, but to also shop more mindfully.

 In the world-wind of fast fashion and instant gratification of online shopping, our clothing waste is and was, one of the worlds largest sources of pollution.

"Re-purposing and bringing new life to clothing" is one of the best ways to lower your contribution to clothing pollution, in addition to donating. "It's helps to know where you're donating and how (that organization) is making a difference in the community" comments Mike.

In addition to providing Corvallis a place to explore individual style and sell or trade in clothes, they host a variety of music and noise shows that are all ages.

"Providing a neutral space for artists to perform, commune and bring their families is really neat to see and support. A lot of the artists have thanked us so much because many of them are older and have kids, and there really isn't many places that hold all age shows.The only environments for that shouldn't just be in bars or party venues." -Mike Turner 

                                                                                                        Store Hours: 

11 - 7 

Monday - Saturday

11-6 Sunday

Instagram : 

@suite.zero.us 

@suite.zero.archive

Josh Haner -Photographer Focus Presentation

In Betio, South Tarawa, Toobeen Iareko, 6, played on rebar being used to build a new sea wall in front of a sea wall that failed and allowed water to crest it during the King Tide. February 2015.
-HanerCredit...

Josh Haner, a graduate from Stanford University with a B.A. in Studio Art (photography) and a B.S. in Symbolic Systems, works as a staff photographer and senior editor for photo technology at The  New York Times.

He has had his work published, focusing on environmental climate change, some film work and photo journalism published in The National Geographic, The New York Times, The Rollingstone, Newsweek, Times and many others.

His most recent work study has been focused on travelling around the world documenting the effects and progression of climate change on both the people, the land and the animals of our earth. https://www.nytimes.com/by/josh-haner

His most notable claim to fame in his photo-journalist career is his story of Jeff Bauman, who was a victim to the Boston Marathon Bombings on April 15th, 2013. He followed Jeff's recovery and personal life, which later Jeff co-wrote the movie "Strong" with Jake Gyllenhal portraying him. Haner won the Pulitzer Price for Feature Photography for his documentation of Bauman's recovery.

Haner lives in San Francisco, and has been working at The New York times since 2006. His environmental justice work is at the forefront of his career with a mix of both video and photographic documentation. His ability to capture and reveal the facts, and write beautifully articulated pieces without bias is a skill of importance that I think many can look up to and learn from.

I chose to look into Josh's work because of his environmental focus, as well as his ability to pair it with writing and level-headed involvement with really poignant situations. The way he captures the people, changes, progression of our environment is raw and human, leaving a sense of anticipatory inspiration in the viewer.
https://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/12/28/photographing-climate-change-refugees-drone-foot-josh-haner/

My favorite photo is the above photo of Toobeen playing in the water on rebar in front of an old, wrecked boat. I think that Haners dedication to documenting climate change will be what he is best known for, especially as time goes on and the relevance and need for unbiased, factual and heart wrenching, or touching, photos of what is going on. The photo of Toobeen revealed to me the impact of humans interaction and use of land, and also how neglectful we are. Children in this surge of climate awareness, seem to be acting as not only the most effective speakers of the subject, but also the most humbling. 

Goode, Erica, and Josh Haner. “How Climate Change Is Upending Life Around the World.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 5 Jan. 2017, www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/multimedia/carbons-casualties.html.

Haner, Josh, and James Estrin. “Documenting Climate Change by Air, Land and Sea.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 14 May 2019, www.nytimes.com/2019/05/14/lens/climate-change-josh-haner-air-land-and-sea.html.

“Josh Haner: Visual Stories.” Visura, visura.co/haner/bio#Menu.

{{global.authorName}}. “{{(Global.pageOgTitle) ? Global.pageOgTitle : Global.pageTitle}}.” The Pulitzer Prizes, 2014, www.pulitzer.org/winners/josh-haner.

Forum 7

My Neighborhood / Hometown

I will be photographing Corvallis, Oregon because it has been my hometown for the passed fourteen years.  I am familiar with many different landmarks, people and activities that happen around it.

I am hoping to be able to get my environmental portrait of Samantha Lewis who was going to be my original subject for the earlier project. She has her tattoo studio right down the street from me and it should have nice lighting if I can get there early enough.  For an activity I am either going to get some good shots at the skatepark, the farmers market, wine walk or show.

As for the landmarks, the dog statue downtown is one that I know holds the hearts of many members living and visiting corvallis. Or, the Old World Deli or Squirrels which has been in Corvallis for many years.

I think the one that will pose the biggest challenge is going to be capturing an activity and getting all of the people who are participating in it okay to be photographed and or all of their names.

Photo Story Ideas:

I am hoping to be able to document the CAW - Corvallis Art Walk - that happens every Thursday at different places around town. Ideally I will be able to work with a particular artist in their private studio, the set up of their presentation at the Art Walk and their final art piece.

My other thoughts for doing a photo story is following the documentation process of OSU's Prism magazine of creative art submissions. It would be really neat to be able to work with their team and see their process of selecting submissions, creating pieces, and piecing together the Prism catalog

XC State Championship Race- CHS Girls Bring It Home

On Saturday, November 9th the High School Cross Country Runners of Oregon gathered to compete in the State Championship Race that happens annually at Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon. 

Corvallis High School girls ran hard and fast along everyone else and successfully brought home another 1st place medal for their team. After winning districts the week before, CHS girls had their eyes on the price.

From Left: Madeline Nason, Ava Betts, Avery Nasion, Ronja Soares, Kaia Anspacher, Olivia Dever and Vivienne Mcfarland Price ran their last minute warm up 3 minutes till go time

Madeline Nason paced herself with the competition during the first lap. Madeline broke her personal record at the finish line at 17:51 minutes, placing first in the girls 5A race

Raymond Ingersoll stayed ahead of the competition for the CHS boys team. 
Ingersoll placed first on the Corvallis High School Boys team

Mark Hulburt, the current executive coach for the Corvallis Cross Country team has been coaching for the passed 25 years. He lets the runners put in the work they are able to do, pushes them to stay inspired, and stays light hearted with his short, quirky responses to the teams personalities.

Forum 6

For this assignment I have chosen to shoot the Cross Country State Championship race in Eugene, Oregon. 

I will be shooting it early Saturday morning at Lane Community College.

My main focus will be with the Corvallis High School runners because I ran cross country through out high school. I am looking forward to challenging myself to be comfortable behind the camera at such a large, public event. 

I would say that my main concern about "stopping the action" is about being able to get in a good position so that the action being stopped isn't just a bland photo (far away or messy). 

I think what makes me most nervous about shooting sports is that I really don't know too much about the ethics of shooting sports, not getting in the way of the subjects or interfering, and how much action is happening all the time. I'd really like to get a good finish line photo so we will see how that goes without getting in the way of the runners. I will be checking in with the coach, Mark, prior to the race- probably this afternoon- to make sure that it's okay for me to be interacting with the team. I think also having a commuter press badge would help me feel a bit more secure in photographing such an official event. 

A good OVERALL photo would be of the runners lined up at the starting line, and then one from up above the course that goes around the "lakes" below 

my MEDIUM shot will most likely be of the CHS team either warming up or cheering with each other. 

A good close up might be of the Coach and of the runners shoes crossing the finish line.  

Corvallis Cosmetology Feature- Brenna Murphy

Brenna Murphy

Brenna Murphy, 28, is a local resident to Corvallis who works as a hairstylist at Epic Day Spa & Salon, downtown Corvallis on 2nd St. She has been working in the cosmetology industry for almost 10 years, having begun her training at Aveda Institute of Portland. Having recently returned to Epic after teaching at the Aveda Institute of Portland, she has now been with Epic for about 5 years in total. She is a fully licensed cosmetologist which includes esthetics, nails and hair but she is primarily focused on hairstyling.

As a passionate, creative individual herself, she was able to find an outlet for expression and talent early on.  One of the best parts of being in this industry is that "it truly encourages and supports continuing education. As professionals we are always learning new tricks, skills and deepening our inspirations so that we can accommodate our customers unique style demands."

Forum 5

"It's What I Do" - Lynsey Addario

The sights she is able to see and capture are really rare to the average human eye. Traveling through the desert without enough water when they knew they had left canteens in their truck, arriving at their destination only to be greeted by brutally beaten women, willing and grateful to tell their stories of grief and massacre, a city with a woman with the only pot in the community, and a living toilet along the outskirts in the shade- most wouldn't dare to get their mind so opened to the human experiences, but she admirably jumps right in alongside the soldiers, the women, and alone.

Lynsey's adventures through life behind the camera, to me, hold such a potent energy of raw, feminine, curiosity and independence. Her ability to shape shift into an effective energy in different situations, seems to be one of her most influential skills aside from her photography presence. When they were traveling to Fallujah and they were stopped and taken as prisoners, she was able to use her stereotyped femininity of "concerned and fearful" to her groups advantage. Changing her attire based on the situations also seem to be a proper way to move about more comfortably and wisely. Luckily she had worn her abaya on their travels that day so she could hide their American passports in her underwear easily.

I enjoyed the photos in this section of the bit more than the others. They seem to hold a deeper potency, perhaps she is more comfortable behind her camera now, able to step into the peoples groups with more of a sense of purpose. At one point she comments about how people in the states had started offering her money for her photos, and how this originally confused her, making her second guess her final decision. I think her move towards evaluating her purpose behind revealing her photos, and finalizing on that if selling them means they will reach more peoples minds, it was worth it simply for the educational factor. This decisive moment seems to have contributed to the quality of content in she pushed herself to capture.

I would say that her ability to deepen her purpose and push passed the differences in poverty between herself and those she is photographing, is something that is a good lessen for people who truly are wanting to educate the population at large and contribute to greater awareness of life.  I also feel that her ability to utilize her "place as a woman" to benefit her groups and help the men in her clan relate to the soldiers and natives to the land they may be in, is also an important skill. It seems to be a much more grounded way to work, and necessary for her own survival as well. Constantly overcoming fears.

Her personal sacrifices are time spent with family and being able to show up for "important" life moments for them and friends, and love in a stable relationship. I honestly have kind of struggled with this state of mind - impermanence in exchange for purpose and involvement- for a quite a few years. It's definitely a hard decision to make, and I think it takes not acting on our emotions as much as we think is proper or reasonable. I think that I would definitely take the opportunity to do so if it felt right, though it would definitely be a larger risk than if I was in a state of single, independence.

"He knew that I knew. And he and I both knew I no longer cared." pg. 106
I like this quote because it perfectly captures a catalyzing moment between lovers when they finally allow themselves to simply be intuitional and allow the natural course of their experience together run it's course.

Tips I could take for my photojournalism: take the opportunities, work with your team and comrades, know when to let lose, but also be daring. Grow with the camera, don't hide behind it.

Starker Arts Park Wetland Rehabilitation

Starker Arts Park Wetland Rehabilitation 

On the sunny Saturday of October 26th, about 85 people gathered between 1 and 4 pm to get their hands dirty, learn about one of our community areas environmental struggles, and put in some volunteer time to rehabilitate the Starker Arts Wetland. 

Why not “restoring”?

"Restore means to return something to the way it was. The truth is we don’t know the way it was. . . To regenerate is to generate life. To rehabilitate is to raise something up; to resurrect things.“-Dave Eckert sets the ground during the introduction to our day.

(from left) Dave Eckert- Corvallis Sustainability Coalition-Water Action Team, Annette Mills- Corvallis Sustainability Coalition, Kathleen Wesly - Marys River Watershed Council

Dave and Kathleen discuss how this particular area has been impacted and managed by humans for at least 16000 years, and that part of why restoration can be difficult is because of the time frame. Depending on which point in time you go to you, the restoration will be different. Human impact is important, especially because as we like to manage things, and this management changes natural environments so significantly that much of the time it is hard to, or takes much longer, to rehabilitate an area to its original structure. 

Cat Newsheller- Recently began volunteering on the projects and is a certified interpretive guide. She is also an Oregon Naturalist graduate.

What has been occurring in Starker Arts Park is that the pond, with ducks, has been carrying the runoff containing extra Nitrogen and Phosphorous from the duck waste,into the Denewi Creek running through the park. The extra amount of nutrients results in a process called Eutrophication, where the algae that feeds off the nutrients, grows exponentially, goes through natural life cycles of life and death, leaving the decaying algae at the bottom of the creek to be decomposed. As with any respiration activity, decomposition occurs by the bacteria within the Denewi Creek, using up more oxygen than normal, eventually leading to a less than hospitable place for previous plants and animals of the ecosystem. (The pond is currently under construction to help re-balance the output of water). 

How is the wetland rehabilitation going to help with the Creek water? 

The wetland will be acting as a filtration system between the pond and the creek. 

The wetlands physical set up is like a mini version of vast rolling hills and valleys, originating from the output pipes of the pond. The swales (valleys) go out in all directions from the output point which will help evenly spread out the water, creating a wetland. 

Previous to construction on the pond and the wetland area it was filled with primarily invasive exotic plants. Dave gave us some back story after explaining the water changes regarding what the outcome of the wetland area was:

“We dug them up, saved the natives, didn’t save the exotic. Before we put down the jute (the covering) we put down a lot of Camis seeds which is a critical,cultural and nutritional plant to the Calapooia, and a whole bunch of other flowering plants that work in wet areas.And then we have a berm, which is a cultural feature, which on another day we will plant large shrubs -all native, all many different species and very beneficial for pollinators and other species including humans.Red flowering Currant, Elderberry, Espiria, Snowberry. . .”

Jim Boyle- Long time, experienced volunteer who recently was working on the Denewi Creek route rehabilitation on Bald Hill 

There were a number of different groups who attended the event including Corvallis Youth Corps, different clubs from Oregon State Environmental Science Club,Members of the Corvallis Watershed Council,the City of Corvallis and a handful from the general public.

Lynne Warwick- Working with the city for 2 years

In an upcoming volunteer project on Saturday, November 9th at Bald Hill in Corvallis, Dave says that they will be focusing on returning Denewi Creek to its original course. Over the years of people managing the land for agriculture and living, the original creeks movement was buried and changed entirely. Denewi is a Calapooia word meaning “Elderly, Wise Woman”. The Calapooia tribe were the first people to settle in the Willamette Valley. 

Week 4 Forum

Environmental Portrait - Subject Information 

For my environmental portrait subject, my principle individual is Samantha Lew, the owner of Lumos Studio in Corvallis, Oregon. Lumos is a salon and tattoo studio, both of which Sam does as her career. I recently reached out to her via instagram to schedule a time to shoot her at Lumos Studio which happens to be down the street from me. We will be shooting there on Wednesday October 30th in the evening. The props that will work best is her tattoo set up and the studio itself. 

My secondary subject is Brenna Murphy, a hairstylist who works at Epic Salon in Corvallis, Oregon. Brenna has been working as a cosmetologist for about 8 years both as an artist and as a teacher. Her props will be the different hair color tones, toner, mixing bowls, foil and hair dryers. I recently photographed her doing somebody's hair, but in this portraiture we will be having her more poised in the environment instead of in action in her salon. 

The primary tips that I picked up from the "Shooting Stars" video would be about making sure to get a variety of angles and frames that work around the subject, clear, flattering lighting that envelopes the subject rather than spotlighting the subject, and getting to know the subject in a natural, personality evoking way. 

Gnarsh Mellow EP 'Double Overhead'

Gnarsh Mellow Ep Release 

" 'Double Overhead' - A wave twice your size. All you can do is shred or die." 

     Local band, Gnarsh Mellow, debuted their album 

"Double Overhead" on Saturday, October 19th, 2019 night at Bombs Away Cafe, 

Corvallis OR 

From left: 

Kurt Hagan (bass and tambo), 

Drew Johnston(drums)  

Danny Romero (guitar), 

                 

Gnarsh Mellow began summer of 2017 after Kurt asked Drew if he wanted to come jam with his friend Danny. Post session all hands were in.




"Early on we just played fast and loud, but now we are settling in and giving each other space to say what we need to say musically. It's been amazing" -Drew Johnston, Drummer

"Kurt really wanted to sing but we said f*ck no" -Johnston

Their new album "Double Header" holds a rifty surf rock vibe, inviting the audience to let loose and integrate a youthful, urgency of life into the environment. They played from about 10:00 pm to midnight with a full crowd of enthusiastic supporters. 


"This new Ep is more dynamic than the last one. We added acoustic guitars." -Kurt 

Listen to "Double Overhead" on Spotify and Bandcamp : gnarshmellow.bandcamp.com

Week 3 Forum

Shooting an Event :

I decided to shoot an EP album debut concert at Bombs Away Cafe. I chose this event partially because I really enjoy being able to capture candid photos in stimulated, inspired environments. I also chose this to challenge my technical skills with the camera. It definitely helped to have a newer camera compared to my 5 year old Canon.

Some challenges I faced were being able to get front and center to the band without "hindering" the viewers mobility. Most everyone was respectful of the camera and myself, I experienced some shyness about really getting out there. At the same time, I was surprised at how open and willing people were to having their pictures taken. I was able to get some really intimate, natural and passionate shots of people all around the bar.

If I were to shoot this type of event again, I would definitely be a bit more aggressive about positioning myself to where I truly can get the best shots, as well as collecting the information on the spot. I definitely was adamant about checking in with people who I was interested in capturing whether they were comfortable with it or not, and if they were getting their names, but over all I could practice on remembering, getting names and info altogether.

Self-Critique

I would say that my photo of Kelsey Elliot, opening the doors of the Benton Center in Corvallis, is my favorite and best photo for this term so far.

The lighting is perfect, highlighting her face, and I was able to catch some action in the shot even if it is simply opening the door. I think her personality shines through and is a balanced set up of environment, motion and purpose.

I think my least favorite or worst photo of the term was when I was photographing Mrs. Herring in the biology classroom. My camera skills and ability to smoothly adjust ISO and shutter settings definitely showed through. Though part of the light challenge is due to my camera, I am looking forward to strengthening my technical skills.

Humans of LBCC

Kelsey Elliot

 Kelsey Elliot, a Corvallis Native, is attending LBCC pursuing her Nutritional Degree.

She is a 200 YRT Certified Yoga Instructor, currently working at Pacific Yew Yoga in Albany, Oregon and will be soon instructing at LBCC starting Winter Term.

At the moment most of her classes are located at the Corvallis Benton Center, but she is thinking about enrolling at OSU, but doesn't want to be shifted into a physical therapy degree. She hopes to go to an acupuncture school after pursuing her studies in nutrition.

I asked her why she teaches yoga and her response was pretty inspiring for anyone when choosing their career path. " Why do I do it... Because I love it. And they said if you do what you love you'll never work a day in your life. "

Her hope is to bring a more holistic awareness to the people in our world. "People don't know as much about our bodies as they could, so I'm going back to school to help others build confidence in themselves, and going to school also helps me build confidence in myself. "

Korina Rayburn

"In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you"
 -Deepak Chopra


Korina Rayburn is one our theatre students here at LBCC

She is a 2nd year student, commuting from Corvallis, working at both the EDT (Equality Diversity Inclusion Center) and at First Resort here on campus.

The EDT used to be called the Diversity Achievement Center, but starting this year they have chosen to combine groups in order to provide a more united front for students and faculty involved with our equality and diversity events.

Working at the EDT has given her a place to commune with like minded individuals while enhancing her purpose here at LBCC.

Korina is planning on transferring to UC Pacific to finish out her Theatre Major, and is debating on additionally minoring in dance.

Week 2 Forum

Photographer of the Week:

Antonio Aragon Renuncio
Freelance Environmental and Human Photographer

"Punishment from The Gods" UNICEF 'Faces of Hope'

Antonio was born in Santander, Spain in 1971.
He has always been fascinated in photography; capturing the light and the potential of "one 'one hundred and twenty-fifth of a second' may be the closest thing to eternity"

He was a photography professor at a handful of different universities, University of Cantabria (Spain), UAM, UCA and URACCAN (Nicaragua), for more than 15 years.

In 2003 he founded the NGO OASIS which develops medical projects in the most depressed areas of the Gulf of Guinea, Africa.

His most recent claims to fame includes an award for UNICEF's "Faces of Hope" and placed as a winnder for The Environmental Photographer of the Year





Lynsey Addario "It's What I do" Prelude and Chapter 1 response:

So far I absolutely love the book. Maybe it's because I've been needing a good book that isn't science fiction or "self help" related to lose myself in, but her relativity and spunk is absolutely inspiring.

I really enjoy how frank and revealing she is with her emotions as they come up in each experience, whether its about her upbringing, traveling or trying to capture the perfect shot.

I think what impresses me the most honestly is that she followed the pull over and over again to do what she loves, get out of her comfort zone and not settle for the "normal" life of society... in New York. It's exciting, and almost makes me jealous, to hear that she seems to have felt many of the same emotions that I've felt in my time on earth also. The drive to get out and travel as a woman takes guts and perseverance, which she obviously has whether she feels it or not.

I think her work is actually pretty unique in that she seems to gravitate towards capturing "the simpler moments" rather than ones that are so jam packed with action, idealism or organization.
I think applying her eye for simplicity is something I can utilize in photojournalism to relieve some of the pressure I may feel. Let people be themselves, let them do what they are going to do, and act as a supporting role with an eye for the perfection in our flawed humanity.  I also think it's really cool how she spent so much time with the transgender prostitutes. I feel like this is critical, often, to truly having the allowance to capture the most potent moments in personal situations. That really inspires me.
My favorite quote, out of the many I've already dog ear'ed, would have to be on page 15, ending the prelude Addario says, "I'm sure there are other versions of happiness, but this one is mine".

My favorite photo of hers is one of the prostitutes in the Meatpacking District, NY 1999. Her subjects is holding themselves in a tender both open and protective way, one as a woman I can relate to in a soft way. The lighting to me couldn't be better, capturing the evening atmosphere, the tenderness of the characters position in life but also the potential, impending grief, danger, joy and rebellion of the night. The profiling of the body, with the hat shading her face while she slightly turns away allows the sex worker be in control of the photo enough to be in her own world while also being the center of everyone elses.

Week 1 Photo-J Forum

1.  Hey, I'm Georgia. I am a Journalism and Mass Communication Major, AAOT Student.

I've been in and our of LBCC since high-school at CHS. Currently I work with Equilibrium Painting which is a new, small green business based out of Corvallis. We paint interior and exteriors of commercial and residential buildings all around the Willamette Valley.

I used to have my sights set on running a screen-printing and up-cycle clothing business, which i'd still like to do, however I've been turning my interests and time more towards horticulture and the ability to teach in middle-schools and high-schools.

2.  My goals for this class are focused on:

• Getting more comfortable in actually photographing people not just interviewing them 
• Become more proficient in changing camera settings while in action
• Practice and discover my niche and get more comfortable in sharing my work with the "world"

3. So with this assignment I discovered that I am much more comfortable in approaching the people and interviewing them, but not so smooth when it comes to getting clear, natural shots. 

Both of my subjects were really easy going however, and I felt like they were actually charmed that I had asked them to participate, which is something I think we can use to our advantage. Who doesn't like being featured, right? 

The way I approached this assignment with my subjects, Jordann Bentz and Heidi Herring, was pretty natural- sort of like an opportunistic situation. I had been getting some supplies in the LBCC bookstore and decided to take the leap, and Heidi is my Biology instructor. From there I did one of the interviews on the spot followed by pictures, and then with the other I set up a time to come in and do it. With Heidi's interview I tried to get more action shots, but the lighting wasn't super great in the back room where we have the animals. 

I think my final product turned out pretty decent for it being the first time I've really used my camera in this setting for a few years, so I am pleased with the turnout and the room for growth. 

Humans of LBCC

Humans of LBCC

Jordann Bentz

Jordann Bentz

LBCC Involvement:

Checkout Service at Linn-Benton Community College Bookstore

She graduated with her Associates in Psychology Spring 2019, and has been apart of the dual enrollment program (DPP) with OSU since she started. She is currently working on her Bachelors in business. 

Jordann has been working at the LBCC bookstore for three years now under the “Learn and Earn” program. Her second job is at the Holiday Inn. 

Her hope is to be able to provide professional, kind and communicative service to people’s business’, potentially in an HR position. She enjoys working at the bookstore and the Holiday Inn because it is a good way to help people and be of service in a professional environment.

Heidi Herring

Heidi Herring

LBCC Involvement:

Biology 101 PT Instructor at LBCC

As a full time mother Heidi has been teaching at LBCC in the Biology department for almost 4 years.  

Prior to being a teacher, Heidi obtained her Masters at Florida Atlantic, studying the Woodstorks that live off the coastal range. Part of this job was following their migratory and feeding patterns in a tiny little plane, which “was great other than the motion sickness”. 

She has worked with the wildlife in California as well as Florida, spending a number of years with  South Florida Water Management. 

During her time her at LBCC her and Aaron Chamberlin, another one of our Biology Instructors, wrote and designed many of the labs that you will find in the BI 101 lab instruction guide. They were able to do this through one of our part time faculty supporter groups, Grant from Faculty Fellowship after they were awarded the “Innovation Grant”