Club pays emotional tribute after sudden death of photographer Steph

Stephanie Clarke, who was co-founder of Wednesfield Photographic Club, died after suffering a brain haemorrhage two weeks ago.

Since the photography club was set up last year, the number of members has increased to around 30 attending every other week.

And now members have taken their own pictures in memory of the 36-year-old which they unveiled at a gathering on Wednesday.

The event saw dozens of people, including family and friends, gather to pay tribute to Stephanie with their striking pictures from around her hometown of Wednesfield.

Lindsey Williams, aged 39 of Ashmore Park said: "It was an emotional night.

"We wanted to do something for Steph. We wanted to reflect the ethos of the club and the reasons why she set it up.

"Steph wanted the club to be about people coming together to learn about photography and not just be a place for people to show off. And I think that really comes through in the photos."

"It's testimony to the type of person Steph was."

Mrs Williams added: "There were so many sides to Steph, she was a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend but also a big part of the community and very creative. We hope that she would be proud of our photographs."

Paul Martin, aged 46 of Great Wyrley, took one of the images he called 'Street Lights' in Wednesfield High Street which shows a ribbon of bright white lights from a passing bus, taken during a 10-second exposure. He said: "It was my favourite shot of the night. I'd been looking to get a good shot of a bus for a while.

"Steph would move mountains for us, she would always follow through and make sure we could all get to events to improve our photography."

Mrs Clarke lived in Wednesfield and worked tirelessly in the community, supporting the Community Association, The Hub, Wednesfield History Group, and Hands On Wednesfield.

She died at 6.50am on November 25 after suffering a brain haemorrhage at work.

Mrs Clarke was due to attend the switch on of Wednesfield's Christmas lights that evening, which she had worked hard to fundraise for.

Funeral arrangements are in the process of being confirmed.

In the meantime, a book of remembrance has been set up at The Hub at Ashmore Park and at Impact Hub Birmingham, where Mrs Clarke used to work.