This collection consists of photographs and photo assignments from the Oregonian newspaper in Portland, Oregon. Materials in the collection date from 1980 to 2013, with the majority produced between 1990 and 2010. However, because the Oregonian retained many images relating to significant news events, this collection is not a comprehensive archive of the newspaper's photographs from that time period. Photographs in the collection cover a variety of local and statewide topics, mostly consisting of community and neighborhood subjects and events; local politics and governmental races; fashion; art; and local sports. The collection also includes a small selection of Oregonian staff coverage of national news events, including cleanup efforts following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Work by approximately 328 photographers is represented; among them are Robert Bach, Marv Bondarowicz, Patricia Cordell, Joel Davis, Claudia Howell, Roger Jensen, Michael Lloyd, Steven Nehl, Dana Olsen, Randy Rasmussen, Kraig Scattarella, and Brent Wojahn.

Images in the collection are in various formats, including negatives, prints, slides, compact discs, and Mini DV videocassettes. Most of the photographs are housed in the original photo-assignment folders used by the Oregonian. Many of these folders also contain photographers' notes, photo request information, and printing information.