NORM EDER is an active part of Portland’s rich music scene, taking photographs for promoters, venues, non-profits, individual artists and media outlets. He shoots regularly for Soul’d Out Productions, The Old Church, PDX Jazz, Waterfront Blues Festival, Pickathon and the Montavilla Jazz Festival. His work has appeared in the Portland Tribune, Oregon Arts Watch and Oregon Music News.
He operates a professional studio space, BECKER CANYON STUDIO, where he collaborates with his subjects to create strong revealing images.
Norm knows what makes a great image while understanding his clients’ needs for content that supports their marketing and communications goals. His images appear on many social media platforms and are widely used for their marketing and promotional value.
Prior to becoming a full-time photographer, Norm was an equity partner in the Portland-based public affairs and communications firm, CFM Advocates. He spent many years honing his storytelling skills as he represented private, public and government sector clients.
His talent for storytelling evident in all of his photography.
Check out Norm’s photographs on Instagram. @normederphoto
Norm Eder
"Norm always manages to capture the heart of what we do and the souls of the musicians who perform on our stage. We can always count on him to show up and deliver exactly what we need to promote our work to funders!"
Constance Bracewell, Executive Director, The Old Church Concert Hall
I acquired my first camera when I was 16 and spent many happy hours shooting black-and-white film and developing it in my parents’ basement in southeast Portland. Through the years, my connection to photography ebbed and flowed, shaped by time and opportunity.
I came to professional photography after a career as a public affairs professional, business owner, and academic at the Pacific Northwest College of Art, where I taught several generations of art students history and political science.
My professional colleagues and students taught me three important ideas that are at the core of my approach to creating images:
The value of curiosity is infinite.
Every person has a story. You’ll hear it if you take the time to look and listen.
Do everything with purpose.
I have never strayed far from these life lessons.
Over the years, my photographic interests have evolved: landscapes, wildlife, macro documentation, astro, street, and portraits.
Ultimately, my eye settled on creative people and their stories, which now hold my interest and produce my best work.
Photography exists in the space between art and commerce, between the documentary and the interpretive, between science and magic, between art and the mundane.
Photography has always been the ultimate democratic activity—accessible to everyone and always open to innovation.
Film imposed limits—36 and 12 frames per roll—and time. Digital technology liberated photography from these limits. Everything and every place can be captured with the press of an electronic shutter.
Long ago, I embraced the power and possibilities of digital photography. The power of digital, though, does not diminish creativity; it makes it more accessible and offers even more opportunity.
Knowing how to harness the beauty of light matters. Seeing an image before it is made matters. Observation and listening matter. Clarity of vision matters. Patience for the moment matters. Creating a body of consistent work matters. Knowing the rules and then breaking them matters.
Professionalism that delivers on every promise matters—always.
“Photography is a personal and creative experience.”
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT NORM…
“Working with Norm has been an absolute pleasure. His photos capture the dynamism, vibrancy, and joy of performers and audience members. Highly recommend!”
– Neil Mattson, Exec. Director, Montavilla Jazz
“I’ve worked on both sides of the camera onstage and in studios with Norm for the past several years. He has an unequaled eye for “the shot”, and the technical expertise and commitment to capture it. His art direction and inspiration are clear, focused, and valuable. A consummate photographer and videographer with uncompromising vision.”
– James Latham
“Norm Eder's approach to photography is exceptionally creative, truly professional, and artistic. His new Studio has a cutting-edge design, with a personal and warm environment. Every photo shooting session with Norm is a creative adventure.”
– The Bogie Cat, Norman Sylvester
"Norm Eder has slowly, but surely, over the last five years, made his vision to photograph and document every local musician he can come to life. The Jeremy Wilson Foundation Musician Health & Services Program is proud to be his partner in this ongoing and wonderful project. His desire to shine a light on our community of musicians, represented at the different stages of their careers, truly showcases the diversity and depth of the immense talent pulsing through the veins of the Pacific Northwest music-makers. Thank you Norm for documenting this amazing era!"
– Jeremy Wilson, musician and Founder of The Jeremy Wilson Foundation
“I am a musician, and have had the pleasure of working with Norm for over the past decade. Norm has a talent with capturing the emotion of the moment without getting in the way of the performance. He is always pleasant to work with and professional. Norm's images are beautifully framed, in sharp focus, and are a pleasure to see. He makes sure that everyone has their moment, even in a really big cast. I would wholeheartedly recommend Norm as your photographer for any occasion.”
– Steve Kerin
“Norm is open minded, very creative and willing to do whatever you wanna try. I want my photo sessions over quickly but not with Norm. It was a lot of fun and a great hang.”
– Curtis Salgado
“So many of the iconic images from the Waterfront Blues Festival over the decade have been captured by Norm. His love for Portland's music scene shows up in his work, and his ties to the creative community are deep. Norm's fun, creative and always willing to help, and he's at the top of our list for go-to photographers!”
– Christina Fuller, Fuller Events & Waterfront Blues Festival
“From The Waterfront Blues Festival to The Next Waltz, from The Stumptown Soul Spectacular to the George Harrison's All Things Must Pass tribute, I have worked in front of the lens and behind the lens with Norm. His skills and eye are second to none. He is my go-to photographer on all the big shows. From the earliest days corralling subjects for his Portland Musicians series to the latest big event, he is my looked for constant presence behind the camera!”
– Mark Bowden
“Norm boldly goes where no other photographers dare to go–Becker Canyon Studios is a blank canvas, Norm’s cameras are the brushes, we are his muse, and Norm is the painter. Norm takes you on an optic safari, subtly (or not-so-subtly) drawing inspiration from the diverse and expansive discourse this bright-eyed polymath serves, to the tune of whatever energetic and eclectic music is drifting from the speakers. Norm creates statement pieces–his approach to photography seems to be centered around creating unique experiences and curating a smorgasbord of visuals that cannot be simply defined or characterized, yet undoubtedly remain chock full of Norm’s distinctive flavor. Norm is a fable; a mythical being that seeks to draw smiles, laughter, and jollity from all of his subjects. Praise be unto him!”
– Machado Mijiga
“Norm Eder has been the house photographer at PDX Jazz for several years, capturing amazing moments at both our seasonal shows and the Portland Jazz Festival. Norm is a pleasure to work with, he is professional in an environment that requires a significant amount of courtesy and discretion (live entertainment), and he always shows up on time with a smile and joyous attitude… and follows up quickly with stellar images. During the Portland Jazz Festival, Norm is omnipresent, often attending 3-5 events in a single day. PDX Jazz loves Norm!”
– Chris Doss, Executive Director and CEO, PDX Jazz & Portland Jazz Festival
“Norm's eye is so precise it captures the subject's essence every single time. There's a story behind every image and it's an honor to be a part of his extensive body of work.”
– Arietta Ward
“Norm Eder is a photographer unlike any other. He is professional yet playful, always taking into account each artist's personality as he directs them. The results are beautifully posed side by side with candid photos that have momentum and soul. I feel honored each time I have the opportunity to work with Norm. He is a Portland legend we will hear more about in years to come!”
– Ottavia (Tavé) Fascé
“Norm Eder's tireless advocacy on behalf of the arts community in the Pacific NW is matched only by his dedication to his photography craft. Our world is a better place with him in it.”
– Nicholas Harris, PDX Jazz - Artistic Director, SOP - Founder / Owner, Pickathon - Curation
“Working with Norm Eder has been an absolute gift to our Artichoke Music community. His generosity and talent in capturing stunning photographs of musicians at his loaner studio at Artichoke Music has truly elevated our work. Beyond his eye for detail, his support of the Jeremy Wilson Foundation reflects a deep commitment to the music and arts community. His photos don’t just tell stories—they amplify the mission of organizations like ours and help build a stronger, more connected, creative world. We are so grateful for Norm Eder’s selfless dedication and for giving musicians the gift of visibility and recognition. His work has become an integral part of our story, and we can’t thank him enough!”
– Shelley Garrett, Executive Director, Artichoke Music
“I have had the pleasure of working with Norm on a photo shoot and I can tell you he is a real pro. Everything from setting the scene, making the subject feel relaxed and involved and producing the final results. Norm is always punctual and professional, and committed to improving the day to day lives of the musicians he works with in a variety of settings. We need more guys like this involved in Portland's music scene. Thanks, Norm.”
– Martin Velz