Steve Best
Steve does a brilliant talk/show/lecture about his journey through being a stand-up comedian to a photographer to the baffling world of publishing, and out the other end to who knows where?
There are plenty of jokes and slides and insights into the comedy world, to the cameras he uses, to the whys, and dos and don'ts! The talk is perfect for arts centres, camera clubs, colleges and companies.
“I wonder if you realise just how much we enjoyed it, and in so many ways.
We loved the photographs. We were seeing real people, each with her or his own characters and foibles. You seem to have an ability not only to capture individuals' feelings, anxieties and real joy, but also the way they interact with their audiences and fellow entertainers.
You gave us just the right amount of technical information: enough to satisfy those who wanted some details on equipment and practice; not so much that it swamped the real magic of your image-making.
You have inspired many of us with the way you engage with your subjects, and how you have an obvious empathy with them that goes beyond picture taking. This surely is the most important lesson you gave us: the importance of engaging with our subjects.
We really appreciated your willingness to stay on and chat away with us about your (and our) photography long after the appointed end time.
Above all, it was an enormously entertaining evening, there was not a dull moment. Several members have already expressed interest in seeing your exhibition, and we'll certainly be in touch in case there is a chance of having that cup of coffee together."
Chris Jennings, Horsham Photographic Society
"What a superb evening! As I said on the evening, Photography talks tend to be a bit serious and it made such a change to have some humour thrown in along with some stunning images, with a smattering of technical info thrown in. Had members contacting me, saying how much the enjoyed the evening as well."
Paul Renault, Reigate Photographic Society
"I thought the lecture was excellent, a good mix of behind the scenes comedy and photography.
I loved the B&W shots. They are images only an insider can get."
Cov Shakleford, Kingston Camera Club
“Steve Best easily combines his ability to entertain and interact with people, with his stunning and insightful photography of internationally recognized comedians. His ‘eye’ for expertly capturing the decisive moment with his photographs tells the viewer a story about the entertainer, while always capturing the emotion and tension of the moment. Everyone interested in entertainment and street photography should seek out and attend one of Steve’s presentations.”
Cliff Harvey, Bedford Camera Club
"Steve gave probably the ‘Best’ talk our camera club has had. The mix of humour, photographs of other comics and anecdotes of cameras and comics made for a very enjoyable evening."
New Malden Camera Club
"Steve Best visited us via zoom last week and we had an absolutely wonderful time. Steve gave a talk, illustrated by his own photography, which charted his journey from stand up comedian to fine art photographer. The photographs were exceptionally good - being mainly of other stand ups, either back stage or in performance at various venues. The talk was relaxed and informative regarding the comedy scene but also interspersed by some really interesting insight into the technical side of Steve's photography...and of course there were a few (very funny) jokes. Great night - one of the best at our club."
Mike Parsons, Chair, Mitcham Camera Club
"I am writing ,on behalf of Beckenham Photographic Society, to thank you very much for your presentation on Wednesday evening. We were fascinated to be drawn into your world of Stand Up comedy and then to see how you have developed your love of photography around your life on stage. From your first books to your atmospheric and characterful portraits of comedians in the back stage and on stage project, it became clear that you have a real rapport with your subjects.
Thank you for an interesting and engaging talk and wishing you all the best with the new book.
P.S. What kind of photos do lobsters take the most? Shellfies [sorry!!]"
Angela, Beckenham Photographic Society