Ed Foster – A Man of Grace

BY JOAN S. PECK
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ED FOSTER

When anyone does something for 80 straight years, you know it is something they must love to do. And to do it successfully makes it more profound. Enter Ed Foster, the photographer extraordinaire.

What started this photographer on his journey? The simple act of his brother leaving behind his camera when he went into the service. Ed picked it up and has never been without a camera since then.

Interestingly, when Ed entered the service, it wasn’t his photography but his voice they wanted for the Air Force Band. Once out of service, a family friend opened the 1203 Club in Washington, D. C. where he sang in a trio. He soon discovered that was not what he wanted to do. Ed didn’t feel as his friend Joe Williams did, that “I sing because I have to sing.”

Ed has had no official training in photography, but before he went to college, he worked for Pagano’s Studios in New York City. Using the GI Bill, Ed attended Brooklyn College in his hometown, where he was the photographer and co-editor of the college yearbook. Ed earned his Bachelor’s degree and later his Master’s degree in Fine Art. Ed laughs and says, “The total cost of my attending college was less than sending my son to his first summer camp.”

Education has always been important to Ed. He was an Art teacher on Long Island for eight years, where he introduced technology, language labs, and the first Apple computers in 1978. Later, I asked him what he was most proud of doing, “My impact on education. It was fun and innovative. When I left, they replaced me with four people.” Ed continues, “There are so many distractions in education today. I would have all students put away their iPhones for one thing.”

We spoke about how technology has changed the art of photography. “Digital cameras provide greater flexibility because you can immediately see if you got the photo you want. So much handier than waiting it out in the darkroom to see what you’ve got. And the different computer applications give greater flexibility in the processing aspect. Even the cameras on the iPhones are great.”

After visiting Las Vegas in 1992, Ed decided to live here and bought a house in 1994. He immediately became known for his photography of the stars. Ed lets them know he is available and, after seeing his work, is invited to be their photographer when they perform in Las Vegas. “So, I get to photograph them and see their show!”

He can be spotted sliding into position without bothering anyone around. Ed’s sharp eye and quiet demeanor make it easy for the performers to befriend him. And he seems to know so many. What is his favorite star to work with? Clint Holmes. “He is a special performer. Earl Turner is another.”

Ed also enjoyed photographing Ben Vereen and completed a book of his photos for him. “Every song he sings is a three-act play.” Ed smiles.

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Ed’s son David is a professional graphic artist with his own Beatles Tribute band in New York City. His eldest grandson Reuben is studying art at New York College for graphic design. He created a design for Valentine’s Day work as if it were the cover for the New Yorker Magazine, of which Ed is proud.

Camera-ready, Ed enjoys the desert area and loves how Mother Nature provides him with shots that make your heart twist with its beauty.

What fulfills Ed Foster these days? Ed chairs the “Joe Williams Every Day Foundation for Jazz. Clint Holmes, Naomi Mauro, and Michelle Johnson also serve on the board. “Last year, we gave $100,000 to UNLV; this year, the foundation gave $80,000 to UNLV and $20,000 to the Jazz Outreach Initiative.”

At 94, Ed Foster is not stopping from enjoying life and what he loves to do. “I love living in Las Vegas. I think it is the entertainment center of the country.” And so says a man of grace.