"The fact is no one takes photos of comedians like Steve. Why? Because he knows us, because he’s one of us. No one captures the atmosphere backstage like him because no one has the access - to us he’s just Steve, and he’s got his camera with him again, we stop trying to impress or be funny - no mean feat for a comic - and CLICK! he’s got us.
When I look at these photos I’m right back there in the clubs, in the theatres, that happy vibrant scene, the camaraderie, the thrill and the fight - because it doesn’t matter how big or successful you are or how many people have bought tickets to see you, we are all, at the end of the day exactly the same thing - stand up comics and on any night any one of the people in this book can die or be the best in the world. Only we know this and only Steve is able to nail it."
HARRY HILL
JAYDE ADAMS
“You’re used to posing for photographs in this line of work, so a lot of photos we have of ourselves have a self awareness about them. Steve always captures us in the most natural positions. This photo of me for example, this is the first and last time I will ever strike this pose. I imagine it’ll be the photo they use at my service when I actually die on stage in my 70’s (a psychic told me once, that’s how it’s going to happen.)"
STEWART LEE
“Now live art is a memory there has never been a better time to revisit Steve Best's unflinching portraits of comedians at work, in spaces that will one day soon ring with laughter again"
February 2021
Steve has photographed over a 1000 comedians for two photography books: COMEDY SNAPSHOT and JOKER FACE
Steve's exhibition COMEDIANS: BACK TO FRONT is at the OBSERVATORY PHOTOGRAPHY GALLERY. This was chosen by the Guardian's critic Jonathan Jones as one of FIVE OF THE BEST... EXHIBITIONS to see.
Contact Steve Best
Three of Steve's photographs were chosen for the SAATCHI ON SCREEN GALLERY.
THE LONER was shortlisted for the RA SUMMER EXHIBITION 2020.