- Photojournalist, Capitol Journal/Statesman Journal, 1961-1997.
- Photojournalist, Catholic Sentinel, 1981-2012.
About Gerry Lewin
Long-time photojournalist Gerry Lewin’s professional slogan is: “If it’s impossible, just ask me to do it.” Growing up in Nazi Germany, his family’s photography skills and business gave his life purpose from an early age. He apprenticed to a German photographer and then with a master of photography in Switzerland. His wartime friendship with an American army officer Werner Steinmetz eventually brought Lewin and his talents to Oregon.
He began his career at the Salem Capital Journal (later the Statesman Journal) newspaper in 1960 as a photo engraver and retired as a photojournalist in 1997. Lewin met his future wife, Elena, working at the Capital Journal, and they had one daughter. His professional work included being the photographer for the Catholic Sentinel for many years.
Throughout his career he photographed Oregon governors, legislators and a few Popes alongside everyday individuals. Lewin prides himself on never having been intimidated to do whatever he had to do to obtain the image he wanted. Always shooting with a wide-angle lens to capture his subjects up close, Gerry Lewin’s photographic legacy helps tell the history of Oregon and its people.
– Interview recorded June 10, 2022