7:00pm Tuesday 16th March 2010
By Diana Henderson
Tributes have flooded in after talented Poole photographer Stephanie Penrose died from a rare form of cancer aged 60.
A larger-than-life character, she ran a highly successful photography business and started her own online TV channel, isstv.
Stephanie was a dedicated professional photographer with a reputation and clients stretching far beyond Poole.
“I first met Stephanie nearly 25 years ago and we often worked together,” said Hattie Miles, senior photographer for the Daily Echo. “She was flamboyant, an enthusiast for life, a huge character and enormous fun.
“Always working hard, she was a dedicated photographer and quite a pioneer in the world of videography. I will certainly miss her, as will everyone she knew.”
For many years she was the Poole council photographer, taking all the snaps of councillors and recording important events.
Poole mayor Cllr Charles Meachin said they were saddened at her untimely death, “after a long and brave battle with cancer”. He said she served the council with distinction, “professionalism, kindness and courtesy”.
Among her clients were Poole accountants and business advisers Mazars, for whom she took publicity shots over 10 years. “She was lovely, really kind-hearted,” said Sandra Waring, marketing manager.
“She got the best out of people and put them at ease. She was really talented and individual. They weren’t just boring head and shoulder shots. She put some imagination into it.”
Her work was her life but as the Daily Echo disclosed in 2006 she had a colourful history.
She started life as Paul and, in a process which took 10 years, underwent a sex change, with surgery in December 1999. In her own words she became the “fully functioning woman” she knew she should have been since the age of four – and was completely accepted as such.
Paul had spent four years at photographic college and 10 years in Switzerland, saving lives with the mountain rescue team.
Parents June and Peter live in Swanage and she had a sister Linda.
“She was the bravest person I’ve ever known,” said Peter. “She had a good life.”
In more recent times she taught photography in Bournemouth. She preferred being behind the camera to in front of it and told the Daily Echo: “I just do my own thing, in my own way in my own time.”
Stephanie’s funeral takes place on Friday at Poole Crematorium at 4pm.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thisisdorset.net/trade_directory/