Image Icon: Steve McCurry

Steve McCurry is one of the most recognizable photographers across the world. Holding the honor of taking what is possibly the most recognized photograph to date, of the refugee ”Afghan girl”, he has tailored the photojournalistic style that has made him famous today.  Award winning work and nerves of steel have led him to become an icon for everyone to admire. The colour radiating from his photographs are his signature, and the look of each image, deep and dramatized, make up the story that until etched into the frame, were not told. He has mastered the technique of allowing the soul of a subject to creep to the surface and reveal its true self, regardless of their vulnerability due to the current state of affairs.

After studying film history at Penn State, McCurry realized photography was just as interesting as the moving image. First taking photographs for The Daily Collegian, the Penn State newspaper, he then began his photojournalism career in the Soviet War in Afghanistan. But hiding behind a camera during a war wouldn’t cut it, as he wanted to submerge himself deep into story he traveled so far to cover. Cleverly disguising himself in the native wear of the people, and sewing his film into his clothes, McCurry blended right in, taking photos of the indigenous people, creatures, landscapes, events and activities.

 As a frequent contributor of National Geographic magazine, Steve McCurry’s work is amongst the greats in the photography world. As a great photographer, it was only right that Eastman Kodak allowed him to shoot on the Kodachrome transparency film, the last roll of film produce by Kodak at the cusp of the digital photography revolution. Although he shoots both digital and film photography, McCurry prefers film. As he continues to shoot all over the world, The New York based photographer will be an icon for eternity as someone who has not only set a standard but has raised the bar in a style of photographer that is distinct in its purpose of story-telling.

Afghan Girl