Steve McCurry is widely regarded as one of the greatest photographers of all time and a pioneer in color photography. Known for his ability to capture deeply human moments in conflict zones, McCurry rose to international prominence after smuggling rolls of film out of Afghanistan just before the Soviet invasion over 40 years ago. These images, published in The New York Times and Time Magazine, marked the beginning of a storied career. He's perhaps best known for the iconic Afghan Girl portrait, which became one of the most recognizable images in the history of National Geographic. A member of the prestigious Magnum Photos collective, McCurry has traveled extensively through Asia and the Middle East, focusing on portraying the human condition amidst war and cultural richness.
A significant chapter in McCurry’s career is tied to Kodachrome film, which he used for decades. He estimates having shot several hundred thousand images on it. In 2009, Kodak gave him the last roll of Kodachrome ever produced. He shot its 36 frames with careful deliberation over six weeks, later releasing the final images as a tribute to the medium. Despite his strong connection to film, McCurry fully embraced digital photography in 2005 and praises it for its convenience, low-light performance, and ability to ensure image accuracy in real time—a significant improvement over the uncertainty of film focus.
McCurry’s photographic philosophy centers on simplicity and immersion. He advises against over-researching a location or overpacking gear, favoring spontaneity and focus. Often, he relies on just one camera body and a single lens, typically a 24-70mm, for the bulk of his work. McCurry emphasizes that meaningful photography demands dedication and obsession, cautioning that the lifestyle may not suit everyone. Though he delegates post-processing, he strongly believes in printing work to fully appreciate it. He prefers candid shots to posed portraits and champions color photography for its capacity to reflect the real world and cultural detail, though he acknowledges that black-and-white can be more effective in intense, chaotic scenes like war.
For aspiring photographers, McCurry stresses passion, readiness, and persistence. He encourages working a scene thoroughly, not overpreparing, and stepping outside of one’s comfort zone to engage with people and environments. His travels through countries like India, Afghanistan, Cambodia, and Tibet have yielded striking images that resonate emotionally and culturally. For McCurry, every individual photograph must hold power on its own, regardless of the broader narrative.