Steve McCurry

[Moonchime]

Steve McCurry was born in a suburb of Pennsylvania in 1950 and studied at the State University. He worked for a newspaper for 2 years before leaving for India as a freelance photographer.

It was in India that McCurry learned to watch and wait on life. "If you wait," he realized, "people will forget your camera and the soul will drift up into view."
National Geographic

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Disguised in native dress he crossed into Afghanistan just before the Russian invasion and subsequently left with rolls of film sewn into his clothes. The images he produced were published around the world. Since then he has travelled widely photographing conflicts, vanishing cultures, ancient traditions and people of all walks of life.
http://stevemccurry.com/galleries

Most of my photos are grounded in people,I look for the unguarded moment, the essential soul peeking out,
experience etched on a person's face.

[Dee]

What a brilliant collection! Wow.Thank you so much, Moonchime, for introducing Steve McCurry's work to us. He really seems to have mastered this technique of waiting until he becomes part of the scenery and his subjects open up to him unguarded.

So hard to pick favourites, I instantly love so many of these. The men lazing in the grass wearing those tall straw hats, the fishermen, the ballet dancer waiting in the wings...such good compositions! The baby examined in the hospital is adorable. The faces, the colours, so vibrant and engaging. But if I'm pushed, my favourite is this one:



Masterpiece!

[Dee]

My goodness, his website is just stunning! How will we keep from importing it all here?

[Dee]

From the 'Afghanistan' folder:

[Dee]

From the 'Children' portfolio:



Pakistan


Bangladesh



Tibet



Tibet



Burma



Vietnam

[Dee]

From the 'Kashmir' folder:

[Moonchime]

I just can't decide which of his categories I like the best. He is a master of finding the "inner soul" and the first portrait of a child you posted reminded me of you when I came across it; I knew you'd like it - but then there are so many others.
The church in the snow, with the figures walking in front, is striking isn't it? It's such a great composition. I also love the photos where the shadows play, they create such atmosphere. I'm thinking of getting a book maybe.

[Dee]

I'm like you, MC, just don't know where to look. Such a luxurious abundance of colour, beautiful human faces, deep feelings and stunning compositions. We should keep exploring. Yes, a book sounds like a wonderful idea.

[Dee]

He's just amazing at portraits.










Afghanistan

[Dee]

This is adorable and would make me want to become a teacher if I wasn't already one. This wide eyed wonder at the world.

[Dee]

Fabulous face painting from the Philippines:

[Dee]

Nepal