Malibu resident Carol Sue Stoddard, an award-winning photographer and videographer, passed away Dec. 26 as a result of a car accident earlier in the week in Malibu. She was 55.
Stoddard received her first camera at the age of 10 and became immediately hooked. After graduating from UC San Diego, she started her own production company to make short films and documentaries, many of which have aired on local television. Perhaps most memorable was her personal documentary about her house that burned to the ground in the Malibu fire of 2008, which aired all over the world. Her photos have been published in the NY Times, LA Times, USA Today, National Geographic, 90265 Life and Style and many others. She has exhibited at various art galleries, museums and at the Directors Guild in Hollywood.
Stoddard was a constant traveler in every sense of the word. She traveled the world in her van, looking for the next “perfect shot” and new experience. Her personal mantra was “Focusing on what makes her heart sing,” and her life included being of service, trips to unknown towns and National Parks, being in nature, riding her horse, Rocky, as well as watching movies and immersing herself in novels. She loved animals, which was obvious to anyone who watched her with her constant companion, Ginger, or who saw the photos in her portfolio.
“There isn’t anyone (human or otherwise) who has been in her presence that hasn’t fallen in love with her in some way,” a loved one shared. “She epitomized and taught us all unconditional love for which we all strive to experience. She taught forgiveness, perseverance, and compassion. She taught us how to never give up on a dream.”
Stoddard is survived by her father and stepmother, Richard and Marilyn Stoddard; brother, Steve Stoddard (wife, Nadia Dobrina); brother, Craig Stoddard (wife Dana); stepsister, Cathy Kort and nephew, Ryan Kort; stepbrother, Steve Morris, nephew, Sean Stoddard, and nieces, Christina Czaykowski and Carissa Stoddard; and grandnephew, Dylan Czaykowski.