A life dedicated to newspapers

22 Photos

In a reoccurring series The Darkroom takes a look back at some of the talented photojournalists who have helped shape the pages of The Baltimore Sun. One such photographer was Weyman Swagger.

Weyman joined The Baltimore Sun newspaper in 1963 and enjoyed a 47-year career with the paper until his death caused by cancer in April 2010. He loved photography and working in newspapers, which was evident in the work he produced.

During his tenure as a photographer he covered the 1968 riots, the construction of the Fort McHenry Tunnel and the inauguration of Jimmy Carter. In 1980 his 26 photographs from the Preakness race were studied by members of the Maryland Racing Commission when a dispute arose between the riders of Codex and Genuine Risk.

In 1983 Weyman was promoted and became the paper’s first photo editor. The position was a natural step for him due to his strong working relationship with the editors in the newsroom.

Weyman was happy to pass on his knowledge of photography with anyone who shared his passion. He would take those less experienced under his wing and patiently mentor them.

He was an “old-school” newspaper man. In fact, Weyman kept a mason jar of moonshine in his desk in remembrance to the days when liquor stashed in a drawer was not uncommon in a newsroom. At his wake the moonshine was shared by his friends as they drank a toast to him.