By Rebecca Goodman
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Photojournalist Austin David Bewsey opened a photography studio in downtown Cincinnati in 1958.

With his wife, Olga, working alongside him, and his fastidious attention to quality and detail, Austin Bewsey Studios became one of the most successful in the region.

Among his clients were McAlpin's, Pogues, Shillito's, SupeRx, U.S. Shoe, Federated Department Stores and many other companies that produced catalogues.

Mr. Bewsey, 76, died Saturday at his home in Brooksville, Maine.

"Austin Bewsey was a mentor and dear friend to all who knew him," said Carolyn Finkelmeier of White Oak, an employee of the studio. He "made all ad managers and art directors much better than we could ever believe because of his outstanding work and attention to every detail."

Mr. Bewsey was born in London in 1927 and served with the Royal Air Force in Malaysia and India from 1945-48.

He married Olga Lomas in 1949 and worked as a newspaper photographer until they came to the United States in 1951.

They worked together in the Cincinnati studio until they retired to Maine in 2000. Their son, Oliver Bewsey of Anderson Township, now operates the business with many of the same staff who worked with his father.

In retirement, Mr. Bewsey was a sailor and amateur pilot who enjoyed woodworking, reading and working crossword puzzles.

In addition to his wife and son, survivors include three other sons, Adam of Yarmouth, Maine, Nicholas of Bucks County, Pa., and Simon of Cincinnati; and three grandchildren.

The funeral will be private.

Memorials: Hancock County Home Care, Blue Hill Memorial Hospital, P.O. Box 156, Blue Hill, ME 04614.

E-mail rgoodman@enquirer.com