From Vern Uyetake’s desk at the Lake Oswego Review, there is no window view.  While his workspace isn’t the most luxurious of accommodations at the community newspaper, Uyetake doesn’t worry about his workspace.  Instead, Uyetake focuses on creating images that grasp the small town atmosphere of the community.  While his job mainly consists of profiling members of the community, Uyetake doesn’t worry about the fact that he isn’t working for a mainstream newspaper. It’s his character that allows Uyetake to create vivid illustrations of his subjects. Humble in his appearance and modest regarding his abilities, Uyetake stands out among his peers by focusing on subjects rather than technicalities. 

       “I’m not as big on the technical end, where an image can look great but doesn’t say much.  I’m just trying to capture a more subtle emotion,” says Uyetake, sitting comfortably in his cramped corner of the office.  This school of thought has allowed Uyetake to thrive as the Review’s primary photographer for more than two decades.
       For today, Uyetake’s assignment is to profile an old lake house for the newspaper’s popular Historic Homes section.  While it’s impossible to be personable with a house, Uyetake concentrates on creating a narrative based on the home’s history.  Uyetake originally aspired to be a documentary photographer and certainly has retained the ability to document any type of subject.  “Photojournalism is an art form in itself.  To me, documentary photography is artwork if you are able to capture an emotion that makes people respond to an image.”  Uyetake’s unmatched skill will make viewers respond by capturing every historical aspect found throughout the home.
      Walking inside, Uyetake is amazed by the diverse wallpaper adorning the walls in the home.  Equally amazing is the vast collection of furniture that is scattered throughout, including an enormous old wooden locker.  Uyetake almost forget his main objective, but quickly composed himself and his camera equipment.  Uyetake promptly asks the homeowner questions regarding the history of the home.  As a documentary photographer, one must understand the traits of the subject in order to properly document it. 
        Uyetake gained his appreciation for photojournalism while studying at Oregon State University, quickly earning a photography position at the school’s newspaper.  Initially, Uyetake began working at sporting events, but slowly became involved with other features in the paper.  After graduating, Uyetake worked at a newspaper in Newport, Oregon for nearly 2 years.  Tired of being on the coast, Uyetake came to the Review.
In his first assignment for the paper, Uyetake was told that he would be working the tree lighting ceremony held in downtown Lake Oswego.  The assignment was uneventful, but Uyetake didn’t need inspiration to know that he was finally where he wanted to be in his career.  If anything, Uyetake found it was a relief to have a job at a fresh newspaper in a small community.  He realized right out of school that he had the ability to be a leading photographer for a newspaper, but it took time for him to be content.   “Ten years ago, I realized that I have done this for awhile and have been really happy with it,” says Uyetake, thinking about the evolution of his career.

      Being content allowed Uyetake to properly apply his abilities to his career.  Working for a community newspaper can be seen as a stepping-stone to bigger projects, but Uyetake reached his goal of becoming a documentary photographer.  Identifying with the community has been a huge aspect of Uyetake’s success.  Well known and respected throughout the community, Uyetake’s humble nature allows him to connect with the subject on a different level.  Uyetake says, “I think working in the community gives me more access because when you go to a photo shoot and the people know you, it makes them feel more comfortable.”
     Uyetake pays vast attention to detail when it comes to his work, going great lengths to make sure he produces images that contain meaning.  Carefully examining every characteristic of the home, Uyetake comprehends the home's history that was developed over the years.  He points out the impressive pictures on the wall that show the owner’s relatives creating a human pyramid on water skis.   Uyetake finds that he is manually adjusting many of the settings on his camera to accommodate the drastic wallpaper transitions, from the dining room’s dark blue tones to the bright yellow glow of the kitchen.
Later on in the tour, he soon discovers that each room contains an individual theme.  None of the themes are connected, but that doesn’t worry him. Uyetake views the situation as advantageous to presenting the home in the most efficient way possible.
     Uyetake personally made it a goal to photograph nearly every room in the house, including the guest room that is above the garage.  He simply could have photographed one of the first rooms that he stepped in, but as a documentary photographer, that wasn’t what he was here for.  He was working today to present the historic nature of the home and document its unique qualities. 
      As he leaves the house, Uyetake appears satisfied with his day’s work.  Though photographing the interiors of a house might not seem exciting, Uyetake is able to make a living off of what he loves to do and considers an art, which alone is satisfying.  Outside of working for the Review, Uyetake finds solace in freelance photography for weddings and find arts exhibits.  True to his style, Uyetake takes his ability of documenting events and applies it to all aspects of his work.  Uyetake also factors in having a family at home, which gives him the most satisfaction.
     Just like the comfort of home, he finds comfort in the work he does throughout the community, which makes him content with working for a smaller newspaper filled with soft news.  It can be determined that Uyetake will be satisfied with working for the Review until he decides to retire, if he ever does.  As long as he continues to do what he is passionate about, there is no end of the road for Uyetake.  He isn’t worried about moving up in the industry, or making more money at a more prolific newspaper.  Uyetake is satisfied with presenting the community in ways people might not see, no matter how lavish his workspace is.