Stephen Rudd

The story

Treasure Island Beach at 121st Avenue on Tuesday, March 15th at 7pm.

Memory wall

34 tributes have been left in memory of Stephen Rudd.

• clwtrmustang@gmail.com

  

• hayesw

  Learning of Steve's passing has made me think of the times that we spent together. From the birth of his daughter Stephanie to the beginning of his photography life and his detailed and meticulous way of doing anything from his homes, cars, bikes and his work as a photographer. One thought that comes to mind was the day Stephanie was born and the first thing he said to me was "no talking baby talk to my daughter, just adult words". This was new to me but that was her father. I remember when Steve started into the photography business he said he was going to start his own business one day and do great things. Which he did. Steve got me into martial arts and we had so many good times with the karate club and received our black belts. We met and enjoyed a lot of interesting people along the way. His detailed work on his 57 Chev and his Harley's were done with such perfection. They were absolutely beautiful. When we rode our bikes together if it looked like rain he headed for the garage. We had some good laughs about that. When Steve bought his first house on Bishop Street in Toronto, Canada I thought he would renovate it as a normal every day home. But not Steve! It turned into something that was ahead of it's time. He started with salt water fish and tropical birds. His furniture was something out of the next century. They were low to the ground and the only place I could sit normally was the two chairs in the kitchen otherwise you were sitting on furniture close to the floor. From there he moved on to his studio and next two homes which were even more spectacular. There are so many adventures and stories that I could write a book. But I will remember them all. Steve moved to Florida and I believe it to be because he didn't like wearing socks (LOL). He lived his life the way he wanted to and lived it to the fullest. He will be sadly missed. But I will think of him often. My thoughts go out to Stephanie and Lisa.

• annasala@hotmail.ca

  Steve lived his life to the fullest. Let us celebrate, for he was able to make a difference in many people’s lives. I remember the 70's on Bishop street. The fish tank's The animals Spock, Ex, Capone, The music playing at the time were The Eagles, Meatloaf, Queen, Fleetwood Mac and many more. The car was a white Maverick later a 1957 Chevy (candy apple red) came into the picture how he loved that car.... how everyone loved that car as he had it restored to mint. His drink of choice back then was Captain Morgan dark rum and coke, with draft on tap at the brass and copper bar Steve had created in his home. He was not a tall man but he had personality plus, he was a thinker, socializer and a person of intelligence, now the moustache was a style of his own, I think a man saw it once while Steve was walking down Yonge st. and decided to make it his own,he called himself Hulk Hogan... You will always be in my thoughts and heart. Anna Sala

• magnacomron

  I believe Steve and I met in 1979 and even though it was a couple summers ago the last time we shared friendly insults over a beer, there will always be a special place in my mind and heart reserved for Steve. He was the kind of guy that only came around once in a lifetime. He was loyal to his friends and his friends were loyal to him. There are so many stories, but common to all was Steve's lust for life. He did things his way but he would always listen to people he had respect for. He was a good teacher, but an even better learner. His love for animals and nature in general was legendary. I still tell the story of his Doberman 'Ex' from his days on Bishop St. in Toronto's Yorkville. Ex was a loving soul, just like his owner, but he would take you down if Steve ordered him to. The discipline that dog had was incredible. I remember a demonstration of that discipline. Steve would roll up a slice of roast beef and hold it above Ex's head and would exclaim "No!" for more than a minute, even turning away and having a conversation with people while he held the meat over salivating Ex. Finally, Steve would bark "OK!" and Ex would leap into the air and gobble the treat. Then, the next step, Steve would roll up another slice and this time he would balance it on the end of Ex's snout, right above his nostrils. Steve would do the same 'No!' routine and Ex would just obediently stare at Steve and wait for the OK. When Ex finally got that OK, he would flip the meat up into the air, catch it in his jaws, then devour it. But the final act was the most incredible. Steve would take a third slice of roast beef, roll it up, and he would then place it inside Ex's mouth and Ex would clamp down on it. Minutes would pass, Steve would even walk out of the room, but Ex resisted any temptation to swallow that meat, until of course he got the OK! from Steve alone, at which point it would be devoured in less than a second. Steve also demanded discipline for himself. He was very advanced in Karate, and it was not about the fight, it was about respect. Thinking about it, when you take the measure of the man, he always fought above his weight and height, he will be remembered professionally and personally as a giant. That' what you think of when you think of Stephen Rudd. I will never forget. God bless his soul.

• shila

  

  Photographer of the Year (WPPI), 1987

• clwtrmustang@gmail.com

  🕯 A candle was lit in memory.

• shila

  

  Enjoying SCUBA in Aruba!

• glennlock

  My wife and I just celebrated our 9th anniversary yesterday and I decided to look Stephen up online to see what he has been up to. I am so saddened to learn of his loss. Stephen photographed our wedding and created a quick bond with us as he did. A true master of his craft. He talked about starting a photography class or school - and I was planning on coming from Virginia to participate. I am sorry for all of the family and friends who lost Stephen - in just a short time in his company, it was clear he was one of a kind. RIP. Sincerely, Glenn Lock

• annasala@hotmail.ca

  

• magnacomron

  So beautifully said Maria.

• sarah

  Dear Lisa and Stephanie, I am truly sorry for your loss. Although I did not know Stephen personally it is very clear that he was a creative and talented man who was dearly loved by his friends and family. When my grandfather passed away I found comfort in Rev 21:4 where it reads "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." It's encouraging to know that God promises a time when he will do away with death forever. I wish the best to you both and to everyone who grieves over Stephen Sincerely, Sarah

• skippersam

  🕯 I met Stephen in the summer of 1992 in up state New York. It was a 1 week program focussing on what he was a true master of, creating custom negatives not custom prints. At that time he took me under his wing and mentored me for the next 7 years. His unbelievable creativity and attention for details helped drive me to a level of Master Craftsman, CPP, in Canada & USA. This was all due to Stephen's drive and his ability to motivate me to be my best. With Stephen as my mentor I went on to receive 2 Gallery awards and numerous other accolades. With Stephens direction we created a line of products which would help photographers enhance images in the camera on the negative. He was an innovator....he was a creator....he was a mentor and friend. I looked up to Stephen in every way. He was the best at everything he focused on. He was hard on me, he pushed me to my limits but he didn't expect anymore from me than he was willing to contribute. Stephen will be sadly miss by myself and many others. Thank you for everything Stephen!

• dbanks

  Dale Banks (aka Catnip aka The Professor) and Lisa Banks his Daughter are so sorry to hear now about this loss. I met him in ‘76 and he was at Christopher Smith Studios another master photographer before he left and started his own. I was with him when we built the studio in Yorkville and two studios in Cabbagetown, along with one in Woodbridge. Lived in my van out back behind the Cabbagetown studio on Carlton for 7 years and it won an award for the best restoration in Toronto. He was dynamic and a showman. P.S: He told me one day when he dies he will give me ‘57 Chevy haha P.P.S: I know he already sold it hahaha. Sincerely, Dale.

• hayesw

  

  Wayne & Steve July 11 2010 in Barry's Bay, Ontario

• line

  Thank you, Shila (dear old friend), for remembering some great times from the past... wonderful times and memories that will be cherished forever. Line

• ferdy

  🕯 I just found out about Stephen's passing a couple of days ago. I was doing some research for an article and was really saddened by the news. Through the years I lost touch with Stephen. Right around the time he moved to Florida, we moved from Pennsylvania to North Carolina. I remember the first time I saw Stephen, it was at a photography convention in Atlantic City, NJ. We were getting ready to leave that day and as I remember, Stephen's program was on the last day. Before leaving, I decided to check out his program and see who this guy was. When I walked into the room, I saw some of the most beautiful wedding images and engagement portraits I have ever seen. I was hooked. I have not been impacted by images like these since the first time I saw Monte Zucker and Rocky Gunn. I was really motivated to learn more about Stephen and how he captured such beautiful images. A short time later, I was telling some friends what I saw and they told me about this amazing photographer they just studied with at Triangle Institute. It was Stephen! Some of my friends got to know Stephen fairly well and I went along with my friends as we visited him for the first time. I got a chance to see his studio and some of the most beautiful wedding albums and wall portraits I have ever seen. I believe it was about a year later, we got a chance to visit with him again. This time he invited us to stay with him and I got a chance to get to know Stephen a little better. He was a most gracious host. Besides coming across as a no nonsense kind of guy who doesn't suffer fools gladly, I saw that Stephen was a perfectionist that wanted to be the best at whatever he did. There was no second best for Stephen. I also got to see his generous and kind side and his ability to convey a trust in the people he was photographing. Very few artists have that. He was able to bring out the true character and feelings that his couples have for each other. That is why his images stood out. That's the stuff that photographic legends are made of. Of the many programs I have attended through the years, Two that stand out the most are when Rocky Gunn spoke at the Wppi convention and had 100 30x40 inch canvas prints on the wall and Stephen's program when he started it off with the rumble of a Harley Davidson on stage that was followed by a tremendous program where the audience got to experience some of the most beautiful romantic photographs ever taken. Rest in peace Stephen, my friend. My deep condolences to his family and friends Sincerely, Ferdy Neubauer

• shila

  🕯 I am very saddened to hear about the passing of Steve... my heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends and loved ones. You are in my thoughts and prayers, Line Poudrier. I know that this is a tremendous loss for you, but you still have some wonderful memories to see you through this difficult time. I hope those memories give you great comfort. God Bless, with love your old friend -- remembering the good times. Shila

• clwtrmustang@gmail.com

  Stephen's smile was infectious. When you looked into his eyes you could always see the wheels turning about the next great shot. His inner child came out when he would review the pictures on his camera he just took of my bride

• maria nordstrom-de groot

  🕯 "THE BRIGHTEST STARS BURN OUT QUICKLY." Dear Steve; You lived life to the fullest. You were never satisfied with normal. You had to be the best at what ever you put your mind to. You were award winning at Hair Styling, Sales, Photography, Art, Karate, Car Racing, Scuba and more. I am grateful for the many wonderful years and memories we shared. Thank you for our beautiful daughter, Stephanie, who inherited all your excellent talents and qualities. Peace in your journey. Love Always Maria - # 3 Love to Lisa, Stephanie, Kyle and Keegan.

• magnacomron

  Beautiful

• magnacomron

  I send my love to you Lisa and to Stephanie and to everyone that loved Steve. I am so sorry that you have suffered this loss. I know that the man is irreplaceable. But please be strong and hold your head high, as Steve would want for you. Even though Steve and I hadn't seen much of each other recently (ENTIRELY my fault) I can tell you that he loved you like nobody else. Peace be with you.

• line

  🕯 My deepest condolences and sympathies to you Lisa and to everyone who had an opportunity to be very close to Steve over his lifetime with us. Steve and I had seven great years of laughter and fun from doing everything our hearts desired like photography, retouching, scuba diving, karate, weight training, watching boxing with friends and going on vacation etc. It was an adventure every day with him. You never had time to get bored. Steve loved doing things each waking moment of the day. If I wanted to sleep-in in the morning, his famous saying to me was “You will get to sleep-in longer when your candle burns out. Let’s get going, we have things to do and accomplish today”. Even though we eventually divorced, we were able to become friends again and remained good friends over the years. Steve came to visit ‘Canada’ (in SUMMER only because he did not like winter) almost every year after he had moved to his new permanent residence in Florida. He would visit his friends and relatives, and especially his Aunt Betty and Uncle John Stoangi. He loved eating good food. When he was in Toronto, he enjoyed going to different restaurants like Japanese Sushi, Indian food, Chinese Dim Sum, Greek food and he loved his steak too. He would often comment that the “Ontario vegetables like tomatoes and radishes were so tasty because the land rested in the winter to get back its minerals / vitamins”. My reply was “See the ‘winter and cold weather’ is good for something in Ontario. LOL Some of the subjects we liked to discuss were Photography, Retouching, and all the changes that have occurred in the photography business since he started his company in 1981, ‘Adam & Eve Wedding Photographers’ studio. I remember his first wedding was in October 1981 for his good friends, Paul William and Catherine Turl, and from that day he saw how far he could go with this new adventure. When he started doing seminar presentations for Photographers’ Conventions, he would say “I was not born with a golden spoon in my mouth; I was born with a camera in my hands” (the audience used to have a good laugh). Steve was an innovative contributor to photography. For example, Steve started wedding pictures in size 10x10 for the Bridal Album; 7x7 Parents Albums; 3x3 Thank You Cards; and 10x10 Gift Folders. The ‘Photography Lab’ had to produce new Masks of different sizes (A to F) to crop the negatives. As well, Gift Folders, Thank You Cards and Matt inserts also had to be created. Many more creative ideas came year after year and Steve realized them all. During our downtime we would go motorcycle riding, go for a drive in his ‘57 Chevy’, watch car racing (another one of Steve’s favorite pastimes) or go down South to many different islands for some ‘Scuba Diving’. I have great and wonderful memories. I will cherish them until I see him again in the wonderful ocean world and at the Pearly Gates. Steve -- you will be missed. Line xo

• line

  

• judyz22

  

  I'm so sorry to hear about Stephen death. He was a very special man. I first knew about this extraordinary photographer through Wendy Baratta, who was at the Hilton at the time in 2005. I was with Premier Bride Magazine at the time. I met with him several times. And finally and reluctantly Stephen decided to advertise with Premier Bride Magazine. I met with Stephen at his home several times. And he showed me his photography's. There were from all over the world. The photographs were extraordinary. Here are some of what were featured in Premier Bride Magazine.

• lilrose

  Your pain is in my heart.May you find comfort in Revelation21:3,4-“and death will be no more......” .You are in my prayers.

• line

  

• wbaratta

  🕯 I am so sad to hear this. Stephen was one of my favorite photographers. I was always excited when a Bride would tell me that I would be working with Stephen and Lisa. We would have so much fun together. He was always smiling and full of life. Lisa my heart breaks for you and my thoughts and prayers are with you and his family.

• cabocampbell

  I am saddened to hear of the passing of Stephen Rudd. Stephen was a Portrait and Wedding photographer of truly global status . I remember telephoning him ( after meeting him at a BIPP Conference in Southport England) to ask for his help . I had been let down by another speaker who had cancelled coming to Northern Ireland for a joint BIPP/PPANI weekend due to yet another upsurge in terrorism and violence here . Without hesitation he agreed to come and speak ! Witty,innovative,and entertaining, he was, without doubt,one of the best speakers we ever brought to Northern Ireland . He loved life and lived it to the full .

• stevie

  

  What an infectious smile...

• skippersam

  

• magnacomron

  Just one other thing Lisa... I didn't read your tribute until after I wrote my tribute and my first reply to you. (kind of ignorant of me) But your tribute is amazing and moving, and it is so ironic that it touches on the exact same themes as mine. I guess that really does demonstrate the truth of what we have said... thank you for your words and for loving Steve the way you do.

• line

  

• clwtrmustang@gmail.com

  Rest in peace my friend. I toast you with a gift you gave me one Christmas!

• lisa luciano

  🕯 Today I lose the love of my life, my soulmate, my best friend. It all started with a phone call and our passion for photography. We have known each other for 17 years and I can honestly say that we have been through everything two people could go through together, the good, the bad and everything else in between. We have always brought out the best in one another. You had an unbelievable zest for life and negativity was never part of your vocabulary. You had a deep passion for art, nature, travel and of course your love for animals; Zoe, Picasso, Pinki, Chloe, Izzy, Tia, Guido, Sarge and Cesar and the 12 koi fish will miss you dearly. You were tired but you continued on for me and for that I am grateful. I am blessed that I was able to be part of your life, your profession and your passion. Your photography was unsurpassable and together our work was outstanding. Through it all you always remained to wake with a smile on your face, I will forever miss your “good morning” in that deep voice of yours. I don’t know how I will live life without you, but I know that I will forever have a guardian angel watching over me. There will never be another, you are truly one of a kind. You will be in my heart and in my thoughts forever. You always said it is not the destination but the journey and what an amazing journey it has been. Thank you for letting me be part of it…. I LOVE YOU. I love you more than words, more than breath, more than life. I will forever be yours. Until we meet again, paint the eternal world with your infectious smile, personality and talent, as you did on this planet. And when we meet again, kiss me and tell me how much you’ve missed me. Yours always, Lisa

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