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.
TOP PHOTOS: Laura Tesler’s picks, from Pride to punk
Photojournalist Laura Tesler shares her favorite moments from local fairs, music shows and more.
PHOTOS: Kayakers celebrate winter solstice on Willamette
Back for its 18th year, the Illuminata Regatta drew dedicated, festive paddlers to the Willamette River.
PHOTOS: Salem braves the cold for city’s first Santa Crawl
Saturday's inaugural Santa Crawl, put on by Travel Salem, drew about 75 revelers downtown for a festive bar-hopping adventure.
Blanchet club brings cheer, crafts to Mt. Angel nursing home
The school's Benedictine Club makes regular visits to residents at the Providence Benedictine Nursing Center, helping them journal, make art and visiting.
PHOTOS: Salem lights up Riverfront Park
Salemites of all ages filled Riverfront Park to see the first night of holiday lights as part of a celebration Friday.
PHOTOS: Salem’s Thanksgiving at the Mission
Volunteers put on Thanksgiving meals for guests at Salem's Union Gospel Mission and the ARCHES Project.
PHOTOS: Salem runners dazzle in evening wear at Fanciest 5k
The annual run is a benefit for Safety Compass, which provides counseling and services to sex trafficking survivors.
PHOTOS: Families strut their best costumes at Fairmount Halloween Parade, SSHS
Avocado toast, skeletons, a family from Mario Kart and a mini Bob Ross were among the costumes on display during the Fairmount Halloween Parade and annual South Salem High School community trick-or-treat.
PHOTOS: At OakFest, visitors appreciate acorns with all five senses
Students and faculty at Willamette University highlighted the Oregon oak with a Saturday festival that included acorn pancakes, oak seedling planting and locally-grown delicacies.
PHOTOS: Indigenous carvers make their mark at Hallie Ford
The Saturday event brought carvers from several Indigenous nations together prior to the dedication of a commissioned “welcome figure” by Bobby Mercier of the Confederated Tribes of the Grande Ronde.