Stephen Wilson Moore, a respected local craftsman and photographer, died Wednesday morning at the age of 69.

A longtime resident of Fayetteville, Moore’s woodworking and cabinetry skills garnered him deep respect in the local community, but within the last few years, he was most noted for documenting Fayetteville landmarks through the use of panoramic photography.

Moore’s unique photographic style was a culmination of his early film photography, influenced by Ansel Adams, and his more recent investigations of panoramic images using contemporary digital processes. His work was first inspired by light; illuminated from within a building or reflected off or around a structure.

The castle at Wilson Park by Steve Moore

In September, Moore formally unveiled The Fayetteville Panorama Project during an artist’s opening at Fayetteville Underground on the downtown square during the monthly First Thursday Fayetteville event. The project was an ongoing series of photos documenting the many changes that Fayetteville’s scenery has gone through over the years.

Moore’s obituary states that his photograph of The Lovely Mural, which will soon be torn down behind the Washington County Courthouse, has recently been purchased by the county to be displayed in the courthouse building.

According to friends of Moore, he had been struggling with breathing difficulties and a tumor on his vocal cords until his condition deteriorated earlier this week. Moore died peacefully at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Little Rock at around 7:30 am Wednesday.

A memorial service will be held at St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fayetteville this Saturday, Dec. 19 from 2 – 4 pm.

In lieu of flowers, Moore’s family is requesting that donations be made to the Steve Moore Memorial Fund (in care of Sadie Moore) at the Bank of Fayetteville.

[Photo of Steve Moore by Mike Rosebery. Used with permission. For more of Mike’s photos, visit his Flickr page. ]