User:Mdseverson/SteveSeversonStudio

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Steve Severson Studio was established in Kennewick, Washington in the the mid-950's. Steve also was a staff photographer for the Columbia Basin News, and the Tri-City Herald. Steve also contributed to Television Stations King 5 in Seattle, KEPR 19 in Pasco, KHQ TV 6 in Spokane, and the Associated Press.

Steve also was a deputized Reserve Sheriff for Franklin County, which supported his work of legal and investigative/forensic photography that he performed. In addition, he provided these same services to the Washington State Patrol, the Benton County Sheriff and the Kennewick, Pasco and Richland Fire and Police Departments.

When Steve was not dispatched in his Dodge "Paddy Wagon," he had converted to carry his studio equipment and 16mm Auricon Film gear complete with sound equipment, he was at work taking portraits in his studio or on location around the Columbia Basin.

Steve began his photographic career in 1939 for the Air National Guard and the 116th Observation Squadron at Parkwater (later named Felts) Field in Spokane Washington.

The following year in 1940 with the threat of war looming over the United States, Steve's Unit was pressed into Federal Service and transferred to Gray's Field (Part of Fort Lewis, Washington).

As a Combat Cameraman and Aerial Photo-Mapping Technician, Steve would travel to 43 countries in both theaters of WWII, and visit at least 4 continents. He would serve for 8 years with the Air National Guard, Army Air Force, and Civil Air Patrol. He was offered a commission in the newly-formed U.S. Air Force, but declined it to return to civilian life.

He lived in Denver Colorado briefly, and then became a Photojournalist for the Seattle Times. This would result in a headline story when he worked at Sandpoint Naval Air Station, where he was investigating the destruction of surplus war materiel. When it was discovered he was there to actually make a story and not just for work only, he was investigated, strip searched, and then summarily removed from the base.

Following this, Steve returned to Spokane, and then to the Tri-Cities in 1949 after marrying his second wife Priscilla LaLonde. His previous wife Mildred died in 1943 after giving birth to his eldest daughter Judy.

Steve remained in the Tri-City area until 1969, when his work as a camera salesman for Valu-Mart just north of Columbia Center took him back to Spokane to manage the Camera Department on East Sprague.

Steve was also a part of many traditions and events familiar to most Tri-Citians of that era, he was the official photographer for the Tri-Cities Water Follies, and the hydroplane races.

Steve was also a part of the pit crew for the Adios, which was later named the Miss Tri-Cities. He filmed images of hurtling down the Columbia River with his 16mm Bolex in a specially-designed tandem seat that was removed when it was racing time.

Despite all of his years of flying, Steve stated that traveling on the surface of the water at over 120 miles per hour was one of the most exciting moments he had ever experienced.

Steve also filmed parades, fireworks and civic events as they took place, and captured everything from the ordinary, to extraordinary images around the Columbia Basin and the Northwest.

Senator Jackson speaking at podium with Senator Warren G. Magnuson and others seated in background on flatbed truck outdoors, Kennewick, Washington	circa 1950s Photographer: Steve Severson Studio (Kennewick, Washington)