Statement
Showcasing California’s Central Valley, Westlands uses documentary photography to examine the danger drought and water policies represent to farming. The valley has been a productive food-growing region for decades, but water shortages and complicated laws have placed the region’s farms—and subsequently its communities and culture—in precarious conditions. Moving beyond simplified narratives of environmentalist versus farmer or government versus worker, Westlands reveals the complex story of fragile ecosystems, a growing population, and the need for social responsibility and sustainable solutions. The lessons suggested in these breathtaking photographs apply not just to California but to worldwide conversations about water usage and rights.

Bio
Randi Lynn Beach came from Brooklyn, NY. She migrated west after receiving a B.A. from New York University. Along the way, she lived in Albuquerque, Tucson, Denmark, San Francisco and travels extensively to pursue projects she is passionate about. 

An award-winning photojournalist, she has had her photography featured in everything from Rolling Stone, to the Washington Post, to People, to the New York Times. Her documentaries have been featured in A Photo Editor, Popular Photography, NPR and the Huffington Post as well as being recognized by the Webby Awards. Most recently she finished Westlands, a water story which was featured internationally in film festivals and recently won a Telly for Social Responsibility. Westlands, a Water Story was published by UNM Press. 

View a link to the book. 

View Randi Lynn Beach’s Instagram.

View Randi Lynn Beach on Behance. 

View Randi Lynn Beach’s Website.