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Steve and Jane Kerin, Catfish Lou's

Garrett Baxter, Artichoke Music

07/12/2024

Norm Eder: Creating a Photographic Time Capsule of Musicians in Portland

By BOB HOWARD //  Photographer Norm Eder's time capsule includes free shoots for musicians on Mondays at Artichoke Music. With a video version of his photography

Norm Eder loves music.  Norm loves photography.  Norm is generous. Each week he is all over town photographing shows.  And every Monday he is at Artichoke Music for a photo shoot of an artist he has invited to the studio. 

It’s free to the artist.  Why? “It is a challenge for emerging artists to quality photos in their promo packages. I’ve had a rewarding career, and I can give back.”  Norm’s invitation stands.  Musicians and artists are welcome to reach out and schedule a session.  Message him on Instagram @normederphoto.

Norm’s photographic journey started in 2019 at the Lake Theater in Lake Oswego.  “I began thinking about creating artist portraits when I was shooting a lot at the Lake Theater. I practiced using the stage lighting to create shots that looked more like portraits than performance images. My thinking about this jelled by the time I photographed the Carlton Jackson in late December 2019. I asked Carlton, who left us a few months later at the start of the pandemic, to pose for me during a set break. I count this image as my first intentional artist portrait.” 

The passion grew. During the pandemic, the Jeremy Wilson Foundation teamed with photographer Norm Eder to highlight the creativity of the Northwest music community.  “The “Every Artist has a Story Project” uses artists' own words and images created by Norm to put the amazing quality and diversity of our music community on display.”  Norm says, “it has been a pleasure to support the Jeremy Wilson Foundation and so many talented people who make our music scene so special. The work has also made me a much better photographer.”

Norm approached several venues for space to photograph the artists.  “I am very grateful to Pro Photo Supply, Catfish Lou’s, and Artichoke Music who made space available for my studio photo sessions over the past four years. None of this would have happened without their generosity.”

He has worked with everyone in town on a personal basis.  His impact has been huge.  When Reggie Houston was asked to describe Norm’s impact he said. “I have no quotes, only sincere love and appreciation for a giant of a human being. His extraordinary eye and knowledge of his equipment is both impressive and first rate. He has the demeanor of a pope (that warm smile) and the heart of a cartoonist…

Each time I have been in Norm’s company it has been enlightening, rewarding and confronting.” From chatting on a plane to sharing oysters at my favorite New Orleans seafood restaurant at EaT: An Oyster Bar with my band the Box of Chocolates, to following his instructions at a photo shoot (with Lori Henriques), he is “uplifting and delightful!”

Norm photographed Ken Boddie, a big music fan and friend of many local artists, and co-anchor of “KOIN 6 News This Morning,” on April Fool’s Day 2024 at Artichoke. “Norm did a session because he knew I was a big friend and close to many notable musicians in our community.”  “I think what Norm is doing is a great service for the music community in Portland.  It costs a lot of money to have professional photos taken. Having quality photos can really boost a career.  Norm gives Portland artists a vital lift to an artist’s pride and self-confidence with quality photos they can use to build a professional promo package.”

Jimi Bott affirmed the impact, “Photo-shoots with Norm are always a pleasure. He's timely, creative and fun to work with. I've used his pictures for my promo shots for several years now and couldn't be happier!”

Jeremy Wilson, Founder/Director the JWF Musician Health & Services Program, says, "Norm Eder is achieving multiple outcomes within a single ongoing photo project that I'm happy to say originated with the assistance of The Jeremy Wilson Foundation. In a single giant swell swoop, Norm is one, creating a time capsule for the ages of every musician he can document from our community. Two, he's serving both the musicians and our nonprofit with amazing portraits to use to promote local music and our cause.  Three, I love too, that he originally pitched the idea to me as a way for him to practice his craft and become a better artist himself.  I'd say he's accomplishing so much, and I'm honored to be part of his vision." 

Arietta Ward says she gained strength and self-confidence. “Norm actually inserted himself into my life and I'm better for it. His innovative spirit and tireless work ethic is hard as hell to keep up with. Our collective works especially through the Jeremy Wilson Foundation has cultivated a collaborative relationship that has helped me become more visible. In my mind, through his lens and images, I'm able to see what people have been saying for years. That I'm a vocalist with a great stage presence and an infectious personality.  That’s been hard for me to accept in the shadow of my mother.”

Ms. Vee was elated after her session.  OMN was there for Ms Vee's photo shoot.  “GEEEEEE!!!! THESE ARE SOOOOOO GREAT!!!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!”

Norm looks back with gratitude.  “The best part for me has been getting to know and work with so many creative people. Each and every session has been a collaboration to produce images that reflect the personality of each of my subjects.” 

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