Seattle P-I: Hearst & AP Photo History

Seattle-based photographer Lindsey Wasson captured a striking image in June 2020 of protesters in Seattle using colorful umbrellas as shields against a line of police and National Guard troops following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The photograph, which Wasson says visually represented the intense division within America and the globalization of protest tactics borrowed from Hong Kong, has develop into a defining image of that period.

Wasson’s career began with a childhood fascination with cameras, progressing from disposable film cameras to a digital camera in the fifth grade. She formally studied photography, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Seattle University, and gained practical experience through internships at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and The Seattle Times. She emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning, stating, “You can’t beat learning by doing.”

Her early professional work included covering a protest sparked by the 2010 Seattle police shooting of John T. Williams, a Native American woodcarver, while working for her college paper. Since then, Wasson has established herself as a freelance visual journalist, undertaking assignments in editorial, commercial, sports, and portrait photography. She is available for work anywhere, and can be reached at [email protected] or 425.681.5052.

Wasson’s portfolio includes coverage of the 2020 protests, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Oso mudslide, and various sports and portrait assignments. She has contributed to Reuters, the Associated Press, and The Seattle Times, among other outlets. Her LinkedIn profile indicates she has over 500 professional connections.

Beyond still photography, Wasson’s work likewise encompasses video projects, and she maintains an online portfolio through Zenfolio, showcasing her diverse range of photographic work.