In Seattle, Lindsey Wasson serves as a staff photographer for The Associated Press, starting in 2023. She has captured unforgettable moments from two Olympics, a World Cup, and the aftermath of the Maui wildfires. Her work extends to news and enterprise reporting throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
The Photo of Spokane’s Wildfire
Washington is experiencing a monumental wildfire season. The Old Trails Fire in northwest Spokane, the state’s second-largest city, devastated several neighborhoods on Aug. 1, destroying hundreds of structures. Wasson was dispatched across the state, starting her photographic journey on Aug. 3 as residents began to return.
Behind the Lens
Accessing disaster scenes can be challenging, with police roadblocks posing constant hurdles. Timing matters, and Wasson made her way early to an affected neighborhood identified by Spokane freelancer Young Kwak the day before. Despite a Level 3 evacuation order, only power company employees controlled road access, allowing Wasson to enter on foot.
She spent about an hour and a half documenting the destruction, eventually encountering Miriam and Daniel Sim conversing with a neighbor near the burned area’s edge. The Sims were contemplating walking through the neighborhood to their home. Despite the emotional toll, they let Wasson accompany them as they descended the hill.
Miriam’s initial glimpse at the devastated streets was emotional, and Wasson maintained a respectful distance as Miriam spoke with a loved one by phone. The photograph was taken during their walk down West Tiffany Avenue, capturing the stark absence of remaining homes.
Technical Aspects of the Photo
The image was captured using a Sony A1 camera with a 16-35mm lens set at f/4.5. Wasson chose a central composition for Miriam, dressed in a clean, white outfit and handbag—a stark contrast to the ash-laden surroundings.
Though standard advice discourages centering the subject, Wasson believed the symmetry of the sidewalk and Miriam’s solitary presence warranted it. Initially, she considered another photo where Miriam covers her face; however, the raw emotion of this moment—where Miriam absorbs the scene of her vanished neighborhood—held more power.
Personal Reflections of the Sims
It’s like a war zone… there’s nothing to save,said Miriam Sim about their neighborhood and destroyed home.
Miriam, a former nurse in the Philippines, moved to America in the ’90s with her husband, Daniel, a doctor. Having lived in the cul-de-sac since 2005, Daniel pondered, “At our age, do we want to rebuild?”
While disaster coverage must illustrate destruction’s scope, it’s crucial to focus on its human impact and emotional depth.
Leave a Reply