By Laura Tesler - Special to Salem Reporter
Laura Tesler has lived in Salem, Oregon for 20 years and is originally from Flint, MI. Laura has been an underwater photographer for 15 years, and is an avid scuba diver. Topside, she has been taking photographs since age 12, and currently works on assignment for the Salem Reporter, and full time purchasing land for fish and wildlife habitat in the Willamette Valley. Laura attended Oregon State University, and has traveled extensively all over the world and the United States.
No blossoms, but rainy cherry festival still proves a hit in Salem
PHOTOS: Despite gloom skies and blossoms still days away, Salem residents turned out for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in front of the Capitol on Saturday, March 15. Lanterns adorning the trees will be on display through the month.
PHOTOS: Polar Plunge 2025 raises thousands for Special Olympics
Unified teams from Salem schools joined everyone from the Marion County Sheriff's Office to Mayor Julie Hoy in taking an icy plunge Saturday to raise money for Special Olympics Oregon.
PHOTOS: Powwow celebrates Chemawa Indian School’s 145th birthday
Dancers competed Saturday at Chemawa Indian School, showing off regalia and celebrating the school's history.
PHOTOS: Night to Shine prom draws a crowd
Prom came early for young Salem residents with disabilities, who attended the annual Night to Shine dance held at the Salem Alliance Church.
PHOTOS: Salem Puppy Bowl raises money for pet rescues
Adoptable puppies met potential new owners during a Puppy Bowl fundraiser at southeast Salem's Ratchet Brewery.
PHOTOS: Salem celebrates MLK’s legacy with peace walk
A crowd of several hundred people walked through north Salem's Grant neighborhood to promote peace on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
PHOTOS: Hundreds march at Oregon Capitol ahead of Trump inauguration
Salem and Oregon residents joined the national People's March to protest the incoming Trump administration and affirm show for immigrants, abortion rights and other causes on Saturday.
PHOTOS: Mayor Julie Hoy, new councilors sworn in
Salem City Council chambers were packed Monday night for the swearing in of Mayor Julie Hoy and three new city councilors: Paul Tigan, Shane Matthews and Irvin Brown.
PHOTOS: Salem’s menorah lighting celebrates Hanukkah
Rabbi Avrohom Perlstein and Salem's police and fire chiefs celebrated the fifth night of Hanukah by lighting the city's giant menorah.
2024 TOP PHOTOS: Rodeos, Ironman glory and the faces of Salem
Photographer Laura Tesler shares her favorite images from the year.