I met Steve when he relocated to Los Angeles in the 1990’s to be the studio manager of the photo studio at the Robinson’s-May Department Store. I didn’t know what to expect from a southern stranger but luck was on my side because Steve was a true southern gentleman.  We got to know one another throughout the seven years we worked together at Robinson’s-May, and he has helped guide me though our ever changing photographic industry. In the early 2000’s he invited me to follow him up north to San Francisco, where he was opening up a studio for Ambrosi where the standards were set high and I was fortunate enough to be part of that elite crew. Through the years, he has encouraged me to continue my photographic passion. He believed in me when I didn’t even believe in myself and pushed me to the next level. I have modeled a lot of things in my career after him since he had such an impact in my life and will miss him dearly. He has introduced me to an array of very talented people but what I am proud most of all is to have called him a friend.

My first job as a photo stylist was working with Steve at 3 Score in Atlanta in the 1980's and then, some 20 years later when I lived  in San Francisco as an art director.  A friend told me that someone named  Steve Best was moving from Los Angeles to  San Francisco to open a new studio called Vertis.  Was this the Steve that I knew? 
I called the studio and Steve set an appointment for me to interview with the creative director. That evening, Steve and I went to my favorite Italian restaurant and we talked and laughed with our memories from Atlanta. I felt at home with Steve and  I am happy to have been so fortunate to have worked with  him during both studio ventures. As so many people have shared,  Steve was a gentleman. His dignity and respect made my life easier.

Jon-Ivan Weaver, 
Montevideo, Uruguay




Steve, for his time in Los Angeles managed the photo studios that Robinsons May owned and utilized. This is where we met and shared many happy and enjoyable experiences. All the words that I am reading describing Steve by different people from different places at different times through his life are all so consistent and spot on in describing the man I had the honor of knowing, sharing time and working with. 
As a manager his consistency and easy-going manner in leading the team created a great working environment. He was patient, intelligent and highly experienced in his craft which allowed leeway for the rest of the studios to extend our craft because he always knew where and when we had reached the limit of what was wanted and expected by the company. 
As Tommie eloquently says…” he was at peace with himself, with life as it unfolded and with his place in the world”! I can only wish that I could live up to that example of the man who truly did leave an indelible mark on the those that worked with him, spent time with him and knew him. Have thought about you many times over the years Steve, you created so many good memories from those days gone by…you will always be remembered...Kim and Rob Latour


I worked with Steve for many years at Ambrosi and then against The Home Depot. He was always the calm in the storm. Steve was such sweet man. We are so sorry to hear of his passing. Condolences to his family during this hard time. 

Steve was a high school and college friend. We also worked at Wolf Trap Farm Park the summer of 1971. That was a great summer.  His passing has brought a flood of memories.  I will mention but a few. 
I recall Steve’s father being calm and serene in his manner.  Steve was a very bespoke dresser. He worked at a clothing store in high school.  At any formal function including some raucous college parties Steve was dressed to the nines. 
The summer we worked at Wolf Trap he rescued a young female German Shepherd dog that had been abandoned there.  My family adopted her and she turned out to be the best dog we ever had.
Steve also liked classic cars and one summer restored a 1964 Corvette convertible at my house. Later he had a Volvo P1800 and Lotus Europa twin cam.
Those were precious years of our youth.


Steve, Tommie, David and I were close friends before they left to take a job on the west coast—those were such wonderful times beginning our “child raising” chapter together.  Their move left a hole in our hearts —and it is with great sadness, we share your loss.
 Steve always acted with integrity  and a gentle spirit:   What a wonderful world this would be if there were more men /women like Steve❤️
XOXO

Many years ago I meet Steve and invited him to
join the Team at 3 Score where we worked
together.  More recently I spent an hour with him while attending a Photographic Convention in Atlanta. Where we shared many memories that we had  together and laughed and enjoyed our visit.  Steve was loved by many people and will be missed...

I was heartbroken to find out that Steve had passed away. I haven’t seen him since we graduated from High School.  I was new to the Sterling area and he always made me feel less of an outsider. He  was always so sweet and kind. It appears he never lost those qualities. My prayers to his family. Rest In Peace my friend.

I am so saddened to hear of Steve's passing. He was a wonderfully kind man. I worked at 3 Score as well, and I never will forget how  great it was to serve with him on the "PIT Crew".  My deepest sympathies and prayers to Tommie and the rest of his family. With Love, and prayers to you all!


Steve am I worked together at 3-Score. He taught me all the nuances about the world of commercial photography. I will be forever grateful for the time we spent together. My condolences Lisa 

I worked with Steve at 3 Score, Tommie, Ellen Rizzo, Mary Jane Starky and Wendy Kling used to get together outside work for dinner and we had our oldest together, what fun times those were.  I adored Steve, his personality was so much like my husbands, kept me in check!  He will be be missed dearly.

My role was "college buddy".  I always admired, and likewise will miss, Steve's cool, level-headed demeanor.

My wife and I had the pleasure of working for Steve at 3 Score studio for many  years  Steve was a talented photographer and incredible studio manager I have so  many fond memories of working with Steve he was a kind good person RIP steve 

My condolences to Tommie and all the family.  I had work history with Steve at 3 Score before I left and started Quadras. He was a good man.


AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Stephen Curtis Best

19 août 1952 – 22 octobre 2020

H.M. Patterson & Son-Arlington Chapel

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