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California is burning! How photographers are capturing the historic wildfires

bearfires September 10, 2020
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As if 2020 wasn’t already apocalyptic enough, wildfires continue to burn California at historic rates.

Temperatures across the state reached record highs on Sunday soaring up to 120 degrees and intensified the destructive wildfires.

California’s state fire agency reported on Wednesday that more than 14,000 firefighters are battling 28 major fires across the state.

More than 2.5 million acres have already burned down, more than 3,700 structures have been destroyed and eight people have died. This year continues to set record numbers and not in a good way.

As California, Washington, and Oregon burn in flames, here are some of the photographers capturing this moment on history’s pages.

Josh Edelson

Josh is a freelance news and corporate photographer with more than 10 years of experience capturing wildfires. Like most photographers, he has his gear ready to go on moment’s notice.

Alongside the firefighters, Josh is always on the frontlines of the deadly blazes, capturing visually compelling stories.

His pictures have been featured in multiple magazines both nationally and internationally, including the New York Times and Times Magazine.

The destruction shown in his photos doesn’t just depict his adventurous spirit but also the commitment to his work.

Noah Berger

A San Francisco-based, award-winning photographer has been covering editorial and corporate base assignments.

His pictures have been featured by the New York Times, Wall Street Magazine, Times Magazine, and other of the world’s largest newspapers and sites.

Berger’s photos are known for their subtle colors transmitting the intensity and destructiveness as well as the ongoing efforts of firefighters to stop the fires.

He revealed to The Wall Street Journal that he had been expecting such atrocities since May saying, “It’s coming; I felt a dry leaf crinkle under my foot this morning when walking the dog.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CE36aGEl3Fj/

Jessica Christian

Jessica is one of the many staff photojournalists from the San Francisco Chronicle who has captured the orange skies covering the lives of San Francisco’s citizens.

Her pictures have captured the attention of multiple public figures like California Governor Gavin Newsom, writer Tim O’Rourke, and former President Barack Obama.

Justin Sullivan

Justin is a San Francisco-based photojournalist for Getty Images. He has been capturing California wildfires for 22 years now.

He tries to capture human or living elements rather than just the burning fire. Not only does this put things in perspective, but it also helps the viewer relate to the situation.

“It’s a constant effort of bringing all of those components together rather than just the pieces,” Sullivan told Time Magazine.

Gabrielle Lurie

An award-winning photographer that now works for the San Francisco Chronicle, Gabrielle’s photos also captured Obama’s attention.

Gaby’s experience working as a professional spotter in black and white labs allows her to capture some amazing contrasting pictures.

Santiago Mejia

Santiago an Emmy Award winner and filmmaker.

Unlike many of his colleagues, Santiago’s work for the San Francisco Chronicle takes more of a mundane approach.

Using lively colors, he depicts orange skies covering above being only another challenge to overcome for citizens and workers – but something they’re used to.

His photos serve as a foreshadowing of what is expected to come if humanity does not unite to work against climate change.

According to The New York Times, these wildfires have been more destructive than ever before because of people’s neglect of Global Warming. We can only hope that these blazes will be resolved soon and residents can have their lives back.

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