ONE of the best-known and popular photographers in Scotland, Steve Lindridge, has died. A freelancer, he was due to celebrate his 51st birthday next month and died of a suspected heart attack.
It was sport that he was arguably best known for. He was the official photographer for Commonwealth Games Scotland, having covered the last four Commonwealth Games. His popularity among the Scots competitors was such that, for instance, he was commissioned last year by Olympic medallist and cyclist, Sir Chris Hoy, to take the photographs at his wedding.
Only last week he was announcing he had moved his business, Ideal Images, to new studios in Perth. Originally from London, he was rarely without his cowboy hat and a ready laugh.
Says Katriona Bush, head of media for Commonwealth Games Scotland: “Steve was a fabulous colleague and friend to many of us, and took so many wonderful images of all our athletes, helping to record our Commonwealth Games history from Kula Lumpur in 1998 to Delhi in 2010.
“With his signature cowboy hat and cheery smile, Steve brought his own inimitable style and personality to every photocall and every Games. He was an integral part of our media team, and worked tirelessly, running from venue to venue to capture the action and to ensure the right images were issued to meet every deadline.
“He could charm the most difficult VIP and coax the shyest athlete, making him so much more than just one of a band of photographers.
“I was privileged to work with Steve for three Games and I know he took as much pride and passion in Team Scotland’s success as any of us and was already looking forward to Glasgow 2014 when the Games would be on his home patch.”
He is survived by his wife, Lisa, son, Aidan, and daughter, Rhianna.
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“Steve was a smashing photographer he always had the chat along with his smile very much missed by us all, I am sure. God Bless you, Steve; you will be sadly missed.” Steve Welsh, photographer
“Steve gave photographers a good name! His enthusiasm for the job was matched only by his zest for life. An absolute one-off. So privileged to have worked with him and to call him a true friend.” Jim McCann, director, SNS Group
“I was saddened to hear of Steve’s passing. He was a great photographer who was very easy to work with. I first met him at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002 when I was only 11 and he was photographing my family and I – my father was the athlete back then. I met him again in 2008 at the Commonwealth Youth Games and his calm and patient approach was greatly appreciated – it was all a little overwhelming. I worked with him many times after that including the Commonwealth Games in Delhi and I’m sure I speak for all the athletes when I say he will be sorely missed. He wasn’t just a photographer but a good man who made press calls bearable for the athletes… and slightly less nerve-wracking. My thoughts are with his family and I wish them all the very best.” Jen McIntosh
“I had the pleasure of working with Steve for more than ten years now. Steve worked on numerous jobs for Scottish Enterprise ranging from getting the best customer portrait of a baker to hanging out of a helicopter to get great infrastructure project images. His cheery style always made a job seem easier, and he was always willing to do just a wee bit more to get the right shot. The whole Marketing and Comms team at Scottish Enterprise will miss Steve. Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.” Fraser Motion, Scottish Enterprise
“It was with great sadness I heard of the sudden death of Steve Lindridge. I have been lucky to participate in the last three Commonwealth Games in Manchester, Melbourne and Delhi as part of the lawn bowls team for Scotland. I remember Steve’s humour and his famous cowboy style hat but it was his support towards all the athletes that he will be remembered for. My thoughts at this extremely sad and difficult time are with Lisa, Aidan and Rihanna and all family and friends.” Darren Burnett
“What a shock to hear of Steve’s passing. I had the great pleasure to be his wordsmith on a trip to an orphanage in Swaziland. Anyone looking on the website of Swaziland’s New Hope Centre, will see Steve’s pictures still shining out from the home page. He captured the happiness of the children of this God-led family of Abraham. His Christian commitment was clear the entire time of the visit. His respect for Dr Samuel Hynd whose daughter Dr Elizabeth Hynd leads the orphanage, was total. His keen-ness to ensure every picture he took was sensitive and striking was constant. On a brief trip out to see some of that country’s wild animals in their natural setting – he asked the reservation vehicle driver to let him out to get nearer a pride of lions to photograph them. ‘Yes, please go out and photograph them,’ said the driver. ‘I will say good-bye to you now!’ We’ve all got to say goodbye abruptly now, to Steve. But no doubt he’ll be busy asking St Peter to dim the light a bit to get the choir of angels’ best side.” Grace Franklin
“I was really sorry to learn the incredibly sad news about Steve. It has been a while since I last saw him, but my memories are of a man who always carried a little piece of magic with him. God bless.” Charlie Milarvie, Maximise Sport
“March 19 – I heard of Steve’s sudden passing from his wife Lisa earlier today. She replied to an email I wrote informing Steve that I would be in Scotland this summer and I was making a point to drop by Perth for a visit. I met Steve in 1998 at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur. We then crossed paths every four years at subsequent Commonwealth Games in Manchester, Melbourne and recently in Delhi. I assumed the same role for the Canadian Commonwealth Games Team that Steve had with the Scottish Team.
“Steve was a great guy. I enjoyed his company, his quick wit and his professionalism. He rescued me from a not so pleasant situation in Delhi prior to the start of the cycling road race. For that, I will be forever grateful. We had a joke we often shared: ”Cover the story, never BECOME the story.” He will be missed.” Dan Galbraith
