Ron Cooper
Photographer Ron Cooper and his wife Penny moved to Salem in 1969 to take a job as photographer at the Oregon Statesman (later the Statesman Journal). Their three children, Monica, Kimberly, and Christopher, attended and graduated from Salem public schools. Cooper retired from the Statesman Journal in 2001 but, has continued his passion for photography in many ways, including as a photographer for the Salem Reporter.
PHOTOS: Honoring the late Sen. Peter Courtney, Oregon’s longest-serving lawmaker and advocate for Salem
Peter Courtney got his start in politics serving on the Salem City Council in the 1970s and quickly rose to become one of the most influential legislators in the state, serving as Senate President for 20 years.
PHOTOS: 2024 Veterans Day celebration at the Oregon State Capitol
Despite a drizzly morning, Oregon's annual Veterans Day observance drew more than 100 people to Oregon State Capitol State Park.
PHOTOS: Salem pauses to remember fallen veterans in Memorial Day ceremony
PHOTOS: Veterans, elected officials and others gathered on Monday, May 27, for a Memorial Day observance at the Oregon World War II Memorial on the Capitol grounds.
PHOTOS: A rainy celebration of sheep, archaeology
Willamette Heritage Center was buzzing Saturday as visitors learned about spinning and weaving, watched live sheep shearing and explored an active archaeological dig.
PHOTOS: Salem takes the plunge for Special Olympics
Polar Plunge participants braved icy pool water in Salem on Saturday, raising nearly $70,000 for Special Olympics Oregon in the process.
BEST OF 2023: Ron Cooper’s top photos
Photojournalist Ron Cooper looks back at Salem holidays, Ironman and a mass celebrated in the ashes of one of the city's oldest churches.
PHOTOS: Salem celebrates Hanukkah with 2023 Grand Menorah lighting
A crowd gathered at Salem’s Mirror Park on Sunday to celebrate the fourth night of Hanukkah with a parade, fire dancing and grand menorah lighting.
PHOTOS: People demonstrate in downtown Salem in support of Palestine
A pro-Palestine rally organized by the Salem Democratic Socialists of America chapter drew about 100 people Sunday afternoon.
PHOTOS: Veterans Day at the Oregon Capitol
Oregon's Veterans Day ceremony was held Saturday morning in front of the Capitol in Salem.
PHOTOS: Worshippers gather after arson damages historic St. Joseph church
Parishioners turned out despite a rainy afternoon in a showing of faith and grief after a five-alarm fire caused severe damage to the St. Joseph Catholic Church sanctuary Thursday.