there is probably no photographer alive with quite as recognizable a photograph as the Afghan Girl by Steve McCurry….maybe just maybe he is rivaled a bit by Dennis Stock’s image of James Dean walking through Times Square…i would have to think about that one, but both images can be seen hanging in the finest art museums as well as faded torn copies hanging just over the bartender’s shoulder all over the world…i wish i had taken pictures of all the places i have seen the Afghan Girl…and the paintings and sketches derived from it…EVERYBODY knows this picture….
originally published by National Geographic Magazine in 1985, Steve’s icon graced the cover …the most famous cover shot of all time….obviously it is the EYES that just kill us….stop us dead in our tracks….and even though i have seen this photograph thousands of times in the last 25 years, i still have to stop and take a look….photographically it is just a simple portrait…..taken straight on in just flat light (in a refugee tent)….there is nothing so remarkable about the picture, until her gaze simply bores a hole into your heart….
i meet many a young entry level photographer for whom Steve McCurry is certainly their favorite photographer….his work is clean, straightforward, features dramatic color , and has a clear journalistic sensibility…Steve says of the Afghan Girl, “not a day has gone by in the last 25 years when someone does not ask me about this picture”….
i asked Steve if his fame for this picture was any kind of artistic burden (in the way “Satisfaction” might be for Mick Jagger)…he said “absolutely not”……enough said….Steve continued ” I love what I am doing and just want to keep doing it”….and for those of us who know Steve , we know that nobody never stops working like Steve never stops working…..all of the photographers i know are pretty much fanatical workaholics, but all of us look lazy compared to Steve…..the guy does not stop….ever!!
i recently photographed Steve in Union Square (below) and he has the same impish chuckle that he has had all of the years i have known him … besides being one of the world’s great photographers, i count Steve as a good friend…long before i moved to New York, Steve allowed me the use of his apartment many times as a crash pad…..and i am sure many of you already know that Steve’s cover shot for the Magnum book on 9/11 of the crumbling Trade Center tower was made from this very rooftop…..
there is no way to imagine where Steve will go next…..but, wherever it is, we can count on something uniquely McCurry…
Steve will be on line from time to time in the next 12 hours to answer your questions….
INDIA 1984
KABUL, AFGHANISTAN 2002
Steve McCurry Union Square , New York City 12/08
David;
I think Steve McCurry has probably inspired more people to want to become photographers than any other photographer (which you alluded to in your piece). He seemed to me to be the epitome of a working documentary photojournalist, and still is of course. And of course primarily shooting for National Geographic gave him the audience to reach so many.
I can remember him talking of his early experiences sneaking into Afghanistan to photograph the Mujahadin fighting the Russians and being awestruck by his courage, and the modest way he talked of his experiences.
Coincidentally I was looking at some early Afghan images of his a week or so back. It prompted me to think how he must get downhearted; that after approximately 20 years of covering Afghanistan it is still in a state of conflict. Especially so considering how much he obviously loves the country.
Cheers
Steve’s website link is broken.
Thanks for this. It’s a treat.
Photographer’s profiles are a terrific addition to Burn, David. As we saw in “goodbye andy,” you have inside knowledge of some of the greats and here we can be the recipients not only of photos but stories as well.
Your portrait of Steve certainly captures his impishness. Makes me want to know him…
I love the guy. He’s been a huge inspiration.
When I met Steve in LA many years ago I told him I went to India to meet an Indian guru but eventually HE (Steve) became my guru. He got a kick out of that. :))
Thanks for posting about him.
David,
I remember Steve’s images on a WORLDVIEW Magazine cover story, “Kashmiriyat’s Fate” back in 2003, when I was serving as a volunteer. Did Steve serve as Peace Corps volunteer early in his career? And if so, was his decision to pursue photojournalism set in motion already?
Cheers, Jeremy
My top three photographers are DAH, James Natchway and Steve McCurry, in no particular order. McCurry is just an outstanding photographer.
DAVID,
I smiled when reading the sentence: “I meet many a young entry level photographer for whom Steve McCurry is certainly their favorite photographer”… This is also one of the first photographers I have liked myself… I remember organizing the first “photography” trip with my father to India to specifically stop by Jodpur and shoot in the “blue” city as I had been so inspired by some of the images that Steve took there. Steve’s book “South South East” is probably the first photo book I have purchased. Now, some years have passed, and indeed, as my interest into photography has grown, I have seen my interest drift towards other photographers and actually started to find that Steve’s style prefer the complex composition of an Alex Webb, the colors, the life, the sexuality of your own photographs of the Spanish world…. With Steve I feel like I am watching a movie in CINEMASCOPE, beautiful, perfect setting and colors, but I wish for some more craziness, more suprising elements…. Having said this, he is a great phographer and, as I am focusing these days on portraits for my own boxing say, Steve has clearly some marvelous portraits (maybe the best of all with the Afghan girl) so kudos to him but…. I have been wondering what Steve thinks of his own style and if he has been tempted to change and evolve more. He has done so many portraits after the one of the Afghan girl that you do wonder if he has found himself a bit prisoner of that one photograph… With all of the other great other photographers at Magnum, you guys must have suggested to him to maybe get a bit more loose, less clean and straightforward…. Always difficult I am sure when you are such a successful photographer with A RECOGNIZABLE STYLE to let go of a particular way of shooting AND renew oneself…. maybe he does not need to so. I just wonder how he feels about the sentence “I meet many a young entry level photographer for whom Steve McCurry is certainly their favorite photographer”… I am guessing he would also love being favourite photographer of the more experienced photographers… :):):):)
Cheers,
Eric
During a Worldwide Creative meeting in Hawaii, BBDO gave to each employee a copy of the book “Stay this Moment”…my first contact with Steve’s work. I think that from that moment I started to shoot more often and more seriously…that book was a great inspiration for me and the fact that Steve was also there to talk about it….after that…I discovered “CUBA” from David…of course!
Saludos.
Carlos, not to criticize, but I think you are confused… “Stay This Moment”is Sam Abell’s book, not a single McCurry photo in it. However, both are great photographers.
I had the privilege of attending Steve’s weekend workshop last May (2008) in NYC. I was immediately humbled by his ease of personality- he was so easy to talk with, so approachable. I immediately understood how he makes his subjects feel when he is shooting portraits. It’s not coincidence or luck that results in those compelling faces. It’s Steve.
When it was my turn for the one-on-one shooting session, Steve and I spent a good hour together, shooting on the subway and in the streets, and at his studio for a quick lunch during which he showed me some of his newest work from India- I was speechless.
When he reviewed my shots from the weekend, I learned even more from him. He’s a no-BS, unassuming, totally stand-up guy, a real straight shooter who calls things as he sees them, always with respect, kindness, and truth.
Also- I had a total blast and learned a ton of skills that freed me from my pre-conceived notions of how to shoot. It was very liberating and experiencing. The only problem was that it was too short! I hope to join him again for another workshop in the future, as well as with you David!
Thanks
Asher
I don’t think I ever heard a Magnum photographer giving advice to another Magnum photographer on how to change his (her) way of photographing. And I don’t think it will ever happen..
No doubt about it, Steve McCurry is one of the greats. I have admired his work since I first became aware of it (well before the ‘Afghan Girl’). In my case it’s not his portraits that have so impressed me… although they are consistently good… but his skillful, clean, and simple (but bold and dramatic as well) use of color and shadow, architecture and space, and placement of human figures in a landscape in making telling photojournalistic (OK, ‘didactic’) images. The McCurry image that sticks most in my mind is not the ‘Afghan Girl’ by any means, but an older cover of NatGeo that was part of a feature on the Indian Railway system. A swarthy flagman in Indian clothing, with an enormous handlebar mustache and wearing a very bright red turban, is riding on the cowcatcher of a vintage steam locomotive, and the Taj Mahal is in soft out-of-focus in the background. When I first saw that photo, it was a minor epiphany for me, opening up my awarenes of photographic possibilities, especially with color, I had not considered before and made me want to stop being a snapshooter and actually become a photographer.
I agree Sydney! The photograph you refer to is magical. Aloost looks like a painting….
Eric
Eric, I recall posting on Road Trips some time ago about how much I loved and admired Steve McCurry’s work. Seems to me DAH encouraged me to look at Alex Webb’s photos, compare his approach to Steve’s, and come back and post my response. What I saw in Alex’s work was a multi-layered approach that surprised my eye and confused my senses. That comparison changed something in me. No longer did I want answers in photographs; all I wanted was questions.
Thanks for reminding me.
Patricia
JOHN,
Maybe “advice” is not the best choice of word as each photographer has his own voice and I am sure there is, rightly so, enough respect between all of you to let each have his/her particular vision without trying to change or influence each other but still, I would have thought that, at Magnum, the photographers would often “critique” each other work… I would think that critique can be very productive and allow a photographer to take his/her work to the next level or move into a slightly different direction. Clearly, a photographer entering Magnum is already a great photographer so maybe critique is no longer as useful as in the case of a younger photographer who still wants to learn… Is there no one, a trusted friend, collegue or editor you would go to yourself occasionally to seek for a constructive critique???
Cheers,
Eric
Sydney…youre complety right…I’m sorry…my experience was with Sam’s work…but I know Steve’s work very well too and admire his work too…but my experience was with Sam Abell. For some reason, this is the second time that I have this confusion,,,maybe Sam and Steve proyect to me the same kind of personalities…calm…very low key…thanks for your comment and again, I apologize.
What is strange for me is, in spite that picture is a symbol -and i like it-, i don’t understand clear of what. For example, the picture Korda takes of Che Guevara remains as flag of the rebel, the revolution. I prefer others pictures of Mc Curry. I would like to know if that portrait is his favorite picture.
Great stuff!!
Eric,
Relationships are extremely complex within a group like Magnum. Members’ toes are a very sensitive part of the body, and one has to be carefull in how far he goes in squeezing them, if you don’t want to create havock within the group. And remember: Magnum members HAVE to live together. So you try to keep some things to yourself…
Critique is as useful when you are a ‘great’ photographer as when you’re rookie. Maybe even more so, because you tend to rest on your laurels, and a little wake-up kick for sure is always welcome.
However, the kicks I give myself are the ones I react to most. I always promised myself that the day I stop kicking my own butt it would be time to quit.
It’s one of my favorites too.
Asher,
Good for you! I remember when you posted on road trips about your plans to take the McCurry workshop. Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience? What he said/what you learned thru his critique for example. I know people who used to run travel workshops with him to India and always hoped to have an opportunity to study or travel with him myself.
Cathy,
You should definitely try to get on board one of his workshops. I learned so much in that brief few days that I don’t know where to begin…
One thing that immediately sticks in my mind is Steve’s close attention to colors. He prefers uncluttered compositions with very limited color palettes. Many of the shots that I brought for the pre-workshop critique were of kids (mine and others in my neighborhood), and were therefore often overloaded with bright colors (T-shirts, toys etc). He suggested that my photos would be much improved if I shot in black and white. I thought this was quite perceptive given that I have color blindness issues…
His workshop staff were also a great help, particularly Seth Butler, who led several sessions and discussions, and was also very supportive during the long day of shooting.
A few amusing anecdotes from that weekend:
1. When Steve and I were on the subway, we saw a tourist taking a photo of his friends. Without missing a beat, Steve came around behind the group, stuck his head in the middle, and gave a big, cheezy smile! It was hilarious- the master of portraits, beaming ear to ear in a tourist snapshot.
2. During the first few hours, I was repeated shot down by everyone I asked to photograph. Later in the day, someone said yes. I was so flabbergasted, I kept explaining what I was doing, why, etc… the subject just looked at me as if to say “I said OK, just shut up and take the darn picture already”.
3. At the very end of the long, long day of shooting, the er, um “older” students (over 35 years old) were essentially collapsed on a bench in Washington Sq. Park in the waning twilight. Seth came over and essentially challenged our masculinity. I stood up on my very sore legs, ambled over to a group of teenagers, and got one of my better shots of the day- a portrait of a French skateboarded wearing funky glasses and a classic hat. Thanks to Seth for pushing me.
4. Other things I learned: how to really pay close attention shapes, backgrounds, light, subject separation, tension, expression etc etc in compositions. Seeing Steve shoot on the street was also rapidly instructive.
I seem to have rambled…
Asher
Hernan- I read somewhere that his personal favorite is “Dust Storm”. Here’s a link, but in case it doesn’t work, just google images for his name and that photo name.
http://asianwindow.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/mccurry_duststorm.jpg
Asher, that is one of my personal favorite Steve McCurry photos as well, and I was interested to see that the “dust storm” photo David posted above (which I’ll bet was shot on the same roll or at least the same day) was not that one… but something much more in line with DAH’s personal taste and style.
I had the great privilege to meet Mr. McCurry last summer and was just tremendously impressed and inspired by his stories, his images, and even his demeanor. I was able to make the connection how the way he approached people made such a difference in the way he was able to capture people in his famous portraits.
Still, incredible stuff. Very inspiring man.
Mr. McCurry
(I hope you will visit ‘burn’ and read ours comments and maybe share some own thoughts with us)
Dot the i. There is nothing more to say about your work. You are one of the best, one of this few best photographers on the world. I remember a few discussions about photography when we talked about your work and ours voices was divided. There was some persons who just said what was said many times “best of the best” but there was many voices against. Why? Because some of them prefer more raw images like D’Agata’s of Pellegrin’s. Well, will always be someone dissatisfied, even with perfect, pure, beautiful image there always will be someone dissatisfied. For me your images lives own life. For me it’s hard to say that this is “documentary photography”. It is like with old paintings. We see only images not real life. Your photos have own reality. Timeless. This is hard to take one pictures perfect like that and you made a thousands of it. Hats off.
Hmmmm…. too much sweet honey flowing from my mouth…. but wht can I do?
I have one question if you will visit us.
Now you are working on digital camera. Your newest pictures are more monochromatic than your old pictures. Is this your new way? New path? Time for changes? Less color?
It’s look very good for me. New voice, very interesting. I wish to see more.
All the best
sorry for english
John,
“So you try to keep some things to yourself…”
I have impression you like share with your thoughts and it’s hard for you to keep this “some things” to yourself. Am I right?
And how sensitive you are? May I ask?
The kicks from yourself are not as strong as from other mambers, Isn’t it? :)
Nice to hear you here.
best
Speaking of ubiquitous appearance of Afghan Girl, I have a very recent snapshot of that (sorry, it’s just a cameraphone picture), taken just outside of Grand Bazaar in Istanbul this January – http://flickr.com/photos/mbravo/3163451576/ ; I just couldn’t pass it by because it was oh so obvious illustration of how great photography becomes represented in the big wide world.
I am so happy to see this post about Steve McCurry. His Book “Portraits” was the very first photography book to sit on my shelf and it is the one I treasure the most. David, why did you not mention that even you are featured in this book?
I am mostly drawn to Steve’s portraits because of their intensity and how he always manages to give the subject dignity and pride, which I think is very hard to do with someone just looking at the camera. Having just returned from India myself, of course inspired by his work from there, I must say that he makes photographing in India look simple. Shedding layer upon layer of complexity and chaos and just getting to the humanity of it, and I think this is why his photographs have transcended borders and cultures….everyone can relate to humanity and dignity.
I am so happy to see this post about Steve McCurry. His Book “Portraits” was the very first photography book to sit on my shelf and it is the one I treasure the most. David, why did you not mention that even you are featured in this book?
I am mostly drawn to Steve’s portraits because of their intensity and how he always manages to give the subject dignity and pride, which I think is very hard to do with someone just looking at the camera. Having just returned from India myself, of course inspired by his work from there, I must say that he makes photographing in India look simple. Shedding layer upon layer of complexity and chaos and just getting to the humanity of it, and I think this is why his photographs have transcended borders and cultures….everyone can relate to humanity and dignity.
A few years ago, I got into an arduous and frustrating argument with some European photographers. The topic: Steve McCurry. One photographer from france had told me that ‘you american photographers only understand sentimentality and the obvious.’ Well, you can imagine how that came across with me ;)). Anyway, after 3 weeks of emails, one of the German photographers said: “look at McCurry’s colors as an example of an American using color.” This, maybe, got my dandruff even more, because McCurry had been one of the first NG photographers who showed me (as a painter) the brilliance and surreal heart of color: quite the opposite of sentimentality. I pointed to the german photog, ‘red boy’ (india), Herat (red city, afghanistan) and one of my all time favorite McCurry’s photographs “Golden Rock”. In fact, i used Golden Rock as an example of the philosophical eye that Steve ass which transcends his luminous and famous portraits, which underlie his most compelling work. This work as always reminded me of Sisyphus and is for me on of the Iconic images of photography: but it is there in all his work…the scale of our lives against the wider size of the world and landscape….if not for that, what is color used for?…not for sentiment, but for expression of our bodily lives….even with out Afghan girl, this photograph for me would have been worth a lifetime of photographs…but McCurry’s portfolio is filled with many such strange, and sublime images…if his work is misunderstood, it is probably because his portraiture is so strong and iconic…but good deeply…over the spectrum of his work and not just the extraordinary body of work from India or Afghanistan…it’s there, the unusual, the unknown, the tempered, the fleeing…the pic above Kabul 2002 is just such an example…from out of the shadows, comes this begging woman’s dead child…
here is the golden rock:
http://tinyurl.com/9swbzm
and then, a few years ago, i had th opportunity to watch on NG Television the story of Steve returning to Afghanistan to find the Afghan girl…a heart breaking story really, and my father and i both, together, sat awestruck…for everything that has happened to Afghanistan, all that has been rained upon those dusty shoulders and stiff bones is there in that story…how afghanistan, obdurate and proud, has wearied and yet not given up, though it has given up so many of it’s children to death, most often at the expense and hunger of outsiders….and when they find the young girl whose grown into a woman, we see on her face all that afghanistan has endured…to understand and appreciate the Afghan Girl it is also necessary to see her anew….and to reckon with what has been done to that august land and nation….
http://tinyurl.com/7hj3wa
thank you david for sharing your thoughts with us and steve’s work….
I look forward to seeing more Profiles….Maybe Vink should be next…it would be great :)))
cheers
running
bob
JOHN…
precisely….
cheers, david
SIDNEY…
i do have a picture in Stay This Moment…which one???
cheers, david
HERNAN…
i will ask Steve…or maybe i can get him to answer you himself…
cheers, david
LAULITA…ALL
laughing!! yes, i forgot there is a portrait of me in Steve’s little portrait book…ok, now i will send one of my too many camera bags to the first person here on BURN to link to the Steve McCurry portrait of me….i am guessing either Bob or Sidney will do it , but let’s wait and see….
by the way, it is about time YOU showed up here!!!
cheers, hugs, david
It’s “Ahgan Girl” vs “Che Guevara” in the 15 round super heavyweight title bout…..
http://www.magnumphotos.com/Archive/C.aspx?VP=Mod_ViewBox.ViewBoxZoom_VPage&VBID=2K1HZO5JTKDGM&IT=ImageZoom01&PN=114&STM=T&DTTM=Image&SP=Search&IID=2K7O3R3EPAIS&SAKL=T&SGBT=T&DT=Image
david
that’s the photo i think u wanted…
David :))
so happy to see this profile…left a comment this morning, which needs to be unlocked…it’s waiting moderation ’cause i provided links to Steve’s work….there was also a typo, which i need to correct, which i’ll do once u post the comment ;)))…typing without tea in the morning is dangerous….
cheers
hugs
b
TYPO MISTAKE ;))))….morning sleep: the line above should read:
“an example of the philosophical eye that Steve HAS which transcends his luminous and famous portraits,”…not ‘ass’…sorry, old man black at the keyboard ;))
hugs
b
Dissapointing feature. I kind of feel that if burn is going to feature “Big Name” photographers, then why not offer us some genuine insight instead of 3 photographs and a few scraps of information?
what about an in depth interview?
some details of the photographers professional practise? how do they interact with subjects, edit their work, pitch their projects, that kind of stuff…
why not let a burn contributor interview them?
my 2 cents…
d:
stumped…i looked at Steve’s Portrait book this morning at Magnum…couldnt find your mug…i guess the bag will go to Sidney ;))
running
bob
i imagine that’s on the way too…given the past when both William Allard and Jim Nachtwey were interviewed and had a discussion/conversation with readers (LIVE) in the past at Road Trips, i dont doubt for a moment that that too is on the stove, cooking….
ohh….isn’t that the famed emperor Fu Manchu? ;)))
For fun:
Photographer’s dilemma-How to make the most famous photo.
http://marcinluczkowski.com/news/
SUBHRAJIT…
you win!!! Bob is losing his touch!!! please send me your address and i will send you one of my “only been around the world twice” camera bags…do you prefer normal camera bag or messenger style??? or backpack???
cheers, david
Getting everything that needs to be said[and asked] in a straight on head and shoulders portrait is dammned hard. This guy does it very very well, and technically he is also just about flawless. One of the best workers in color there is, in my opinion.
note.
I think i get where ben is coming from regards buisness practice etc.., but I for one do not care about the hows, whys and whens, I like to enjoy the work of a master crafstmen, and these are just a small selection from one.
john
Shoot!!
David, I got all excited, I thought you were still asking what photograph you took that is in “Stay This Moment”….I think I know that one…
The image at the opening of Sam’s work at the ICP, of Sam and his father and a small crowd…
http://digitaljournalist.org/issue0202/abell36.htm
I remember it because I wondered if, at the time you took it, you thought it to be a photograph (capturing that great moment of Sam and his father) or a snapshot of a very significant event, as a keepsake for a friend…we had been discussing photographs vs. snapshots on Roadtrips at the time I noticed it..
Especially considering what Sam writes about it…
“I suppose everyone has a moment in their lives they wish could ‘stay’. This would be mine. I’m with my dad at an opening of my work at the International Center of Photography in Manhattan. My dad is the guest of honor. I’ve asked him to stand. The applause makes him emotional and to keep from crying myself I grip his shoulder, smile and look down. We are a long way from our tiny darkroom in Sylvania, Ohio.
The title “Stay This Moment” is drawn from a diary entry of Virginia Woolf written on New Year’s eve 1932. She writes “If one does not lie back and sum up and say to the moment, this very moment, stay you are so fair, what will be one’s gain, dying? No: stay this moment. No one ever says that enough.”
But photographers say it when they make a heartfelt photograph, as this one by my friend David Alan Harvey proves.”
Sure you don’t want to change the contest? I like camera bags I think as much as you do, David!
good light on this great day, to all,
A.
I answer this one below – is this one for the bag contest??
:)
or perhaps that one was too easy…but no one replied….
ha ha! hope your bag can take me around the world too. David you don’t know how happy you make me!!! i don’t think Bob is losing his touch (i don’t think he can, ever), it was just that Mr McCurry being one my gurus of photography (whom i hope to meet at least once in my life) and that since i have seen and shall continue to see his ‘portraits’ and other photos countless times, it must have been that there was some divine intervention by which i found myself at the right place at the right time! lucky me! it proves that if there is a will, there’s a way :)
this is my address: Subhrajit Basu
12/1D, Chaitan Sen Lane, Bowbazar
Calcutta 700012, West Bengal, India
E-Mail: bodobose@gmail.com
by the way, since you have given the choice, i would prefer a camera backpack, preferably which can also carry a notebook, otherwise anything else you have mentioned will do. BUT my SPECIAL REQUEST is that kindly put your signature with permanent ink pen somewhere in the bag, because the value of this gift to me cannot be measured and i will cherish it forever.
cheers and many thanks…and a BIG HUG :)
subhrajit