Life

In 2023, the photos were there and so were we

by Columbian photo staff

It is always an interesting task to look back at our year in pictures. Dedicated photojournalists explore the community each day to bring back images that represent the reality of Clark County life. Scenes of happiness, triumph, challenges, struggle and heartbreak are all represented in these photos from 2023.

Kim Komenich, a longtime photojournalism professor at San Francisco State University, once said, “The pictures are always there, it’s just a matter of whether you’re there.” We try to be as many places as we can and strive to capture moments around Southwest Washington that make a difference in our community. We are grateful to the people who allow us into their lives and trust us to tell their stories.

— Amanda Cowan, Columbian photo editor

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Titan VanCoug manager Dawn Freeman, left, talks about Washington State University Vancouver’s resident corpse flower and its upcoming bloom while standing underneath a mature leaf on June 26.

Taylor Balkom ofThe Columbian

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Bill Drummond of Vancouver looks over damage Jan. 5 after high winds knocked a Douglas fir through two upstairs bedrooms at his house in Hazel Dell, where he has lived for 31 years. “It’ll get fixed. Luckily we are okay,” he said.

Amanda Cowan ofThe Columbian

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Resident Breanne Halverson and her daughter, Amelia Brown, 4, read a book together in their room at Grace Lodge on March 3. The lodge, situated on the East Fork Lewis River, houses 11 women in recovery with shared rooms, multiple living rooms, a large dining room and two kitchens.

Amanda Cowan ofThe Columbian

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Woodland senior Jess Starr cries and embraces a supporter Oct. 27 after the Beavers’ 28-21 win against Ridgefield at Ridgefield High School. With the win, Woodland captured its first 2A Greater St. Helens League title since 2007.

Taylor Balkom ofThe Columbian

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The White Salmon River flows through a canyon Nov. 24 near the former site of Condit Dam, which was demolished in 2011.

Taylor Balkom ofThe Columbian

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Jesus Barajas-Silva, 9, of Vancouver, center with pool noodle, joins the fun in the camp pool while taking part in Merry Heart Children’s Camp at Camp Howard Aug. 23. The camp, located in Corbett, Ore., provides a safe experience for around 50 youngsters with heart conditions from around the Northwest.

Amanda Cowan ofThe Columbian

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Lonny Klugman, a member of the City of Vancouver’s Homeless Assistance and Resources Team, talks to an encampment resident Nov. 7 outside City Hall. Klugman, a veteran who was once homeless himself, uses his experience to help others.

Amanda Cowan ofThe Columbian

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Skyview junior Gavin Packer runs with the football Oct. 20 during Skyview’s 49-10 win against Battle Ground at Kiggins Bowl.

Taylor Balkom ofThe Columbian

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Ari Mittelman, 12, wearing an inflatable T-Rex costume, looks for a place to eat March 7 during a Purim celebration at the Chabad Jewish Center in Vancouver.

Taylor Balkom ofThe Columbian

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J.P. Walmer enjoys his morning coffee on Sept. 12 in his tent outside Vancouver City Hall. Walmer had been homeless for about a month.

Amanda Cowan of The Columbian

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Image Elementary School fifth-grader Delilah Folk, 11, left, gets some encouragement from coach Melissa Powers after a successful serve Nov. 15. A group of parent volunteers in Evergreen Public Schools has funded and organized a series of seasonal sports leagues for elementary school students.

Amanda Cowan ofThe Columbian

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Participants look upward as they wait for Rabbi Shmulik Greenberg to toss chocolate coins for the children from his cherry-picker basket while celebrating the beginning of Hanukkah at Esther Short Park Dec. 7.

Amanda Cowan ofThe Columbian

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Steve Doble of Vancouver catches his breath from packing items in his kitchen while preparing to move Jan. 5. Doble and his roommate were facing eviction at Oakbrook Apartments. Both are disabled and fear becoming homeless.

Amanda Cowan ofThe Columbian

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Puggles the pig stands behind the fence to his back yard May 19 at the Blatty family’s home in west Hazel Dell.

Taylor Balkom ofThe Columbian

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Portland center Drew Eubanks, right, has his shot broken by New Orleans center Jonas Valanciunas during the Trail Blazers’ 124-90 loss to the Pelicans March 27 at Moda Center.

Taylor Balkom of The Columbian

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Judy Brunskill, left, registration representative for Kaiser Permanente, pauses to talk with longtime colleague Brenda Horey, a release of information specialist, as fellow workers strike in front of the Cascade Park clinic on Oct. 6.

Amanda Cowan of The Columbian

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Sage Wurzer, 13, who is visiting loved ones in Clark County, stretches out in the sun at the Sandy Swimming Hole Aug. 14. Wurzer was one of dozens of visitors to the popular spot on the Washougal River that sought refuge from 106-degree heat.

Amanda Cowan of The Columbian

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People hang upside down on the Footloose ride Aug. 4 at the Clark County Fair.

Taylor Balkom ofThe Columbian

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Vancouver School of Arts and Academics students conclude a practice performance with their bows in the air while joined by international recording artist and Emmy award-winning composer Mark Wood, right, in their school’s auditorium Jan. 31. Wood is an original member of the multiplatinum selling Trans-Siberian Orchestra and creator of the revolutionary Viper electric violin. He visited VSAA with his groundbreaking music education program Electrify Your Strings!

Amanda Cowan ofThe Columbian

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