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.
Geer Park expedition closes out Salem’s 2026 bird-watch season
Salem's park ranger hosts monthly bird-watching tours in city parks starting in the spring. Geer Park proved fruitful Saturday, with sightings of 22 birds.
PHOTOS: Día de Muertos celebration at McKay
Folkloric dance, a massive community ofrenda and dazzling makeup made for a vibrant Día de los Muertos celebration Saturday at McKay High School.
PHOTOS: Fairmount Halloween Parade draws a crowd
Hundreds of people gathered in the Fairmount neighborhood for the annual Halloween march of witches, dinosaurs and other spooky creatures.
PHOTOS: Urban Art Fest 2025 celebrates culture
More than 2,000 people came to Riverfront Park for the 11th annual Urban Art Fest, a grassroots celebration of community, art and music.
PHOTOS: Sunny Pride in the Park draws a crowd
Artists sold colorful wares, drag queens performed fan favorite routines and thousands of people celebrated the LGBTQ+ community at Riverfront Park Saturday.
PHOTOS: Punx in the Park bigger than ever in first year at Riverfront
Punx in the Park drew over 1,000 youth out for a combination music festival and resource fair Sunday.
PHOTOS: Thousands take to Salem streets for Hoopla tournament
Basketball players – and their supporters – got lots of hoop time during the Oregon Specialty Group Hoopla on downtown Salem streets. Photographer Laura Tesler caught the action Saturday, July 26.
PHOTOS: Athletes return to Salem’s river and roads for Ironman 70.3 Oregon
Salem's fifth Ironman 70.3 Oregon began early Sunday, July 20, launching a full day of swimming, biking and running for competitors and spirited cheering from spectators.
PHOTOS: Performers, attendees and more at World Beat Festival 2025
Performers from across the globe showed their talents over the weekend as World Beat Festival celebrated its 28th year in Salem.
PHOTOS: Supaman, Acosia Red Elk headline World Beat Festival
Indigenous dancers and performers Supaman and Asocia Red Elk closed out the World Beat Festival Saturday night at Riverfront Park, celebrating the 2025 Turtle Island theme.