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.
PHOTO GALLERY: Candidates, supporters react to vote results on Salem’s election night
Salem Reporter’s photographers captured the excitement and disappointment at two election night parties Tuesday night, where candidates learned the outcomes of initial ballot counts. The results showed councilor Vanessa Nordyke ahead in her challenge to Mayor Julie Hoy, and Dave Inbody and Betsy Vega poised to flip incumbent seats.
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PHOTO GALLERY: Celebration, smiles at the 2026 Crystal Apple Awards honoring educators
See photos from the 27th Annual Crystal Apple Awards, which took place Thursday night, May 14. A dozen educators took home trophies for their work supporting and encouraging Salem-Keizer School District students.
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PHOTOS: Sunny weekend brings out crowds for Ag Fest
Thousands flocked to the state fairgrounds over the weekend to pet llamas, dig for potatoes and ride tractors at Ag Fest.
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Kalapuya weaver demonstrates traditional basketry in Salem talk
Stephanie Craig said Indigenous basket-weaving is a form of ecological knowledge in addition to artistry, during a recent standing-room-only talk at the Salem Public Library.
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PHOTOS: Crowds flock to Oregon Capitol for Cherry Blossom Day
Taiko drummers on the steps of the Oregon Capitol kicked off Salem's annual celebration of Cherry Blossom Day. The trees will remain lit at night through Saturday, April 4.
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PHOTOS: Vigil honors people who died in ICE custody
Farmworker union PCUN and Indivisible Oregon organized a gathering at the Oregon State Capitol Monday, March 16, to remember people who have died in immigration detention facilities or been killed by federal agents.
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PHOTOS: Salem turns out to learn about schools and student reading
Thousands of students in Salem schools are behind in reading and a panel of experts explained why in Salem Reporter’s Town Hall on Thursday, Feb. 5. For 90 minutes, the panelists outlined what led to current conditions, what’s being done…
PHOTOS: Day Without an Immigrant rally at Oregon Capitol
Speakers from Monday's Day Without an Immigrant rally in Salem connected current protests in support of immigrants to the legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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TOP PHOTOS: Low-riders, Ironman, dance and protest
Photographer Laura Tesler shares her favorite Salem images of 2025.
PHOTOS: In shadow of Australia attack, Salem joins in Hanukkah event
The Chabad Center for Jewish Life hosted the annual Grand Menorah Lighting with about 100 people attending, including local leaders. The Sunday event in downtown Salem came after a deadly attack on a Hanukkah celebration in Australia.