Over the course of a century, there have been many great masters of photography who have changed the medium and our understanding of the world. A more recent example of this is Steve McCurry, a veteran photographer who has given us hundreds of iconic images. In the past four decades, he used the medium to document the spectrum of human experiences from around the world, some of which are poetic, some of which seem like a dream. So, today, we look back at his insightful quotes and the tips that can inspire you to shoot better.
Emotional Connection
The beauty of Steve McCurry’s images is capturing moments that you can connect to easily. “I’m more interested in the poetry out on the street, people, human behavior,” the photographer said in an interview with Journeys in Artistry. “And I’m not so much interested in trying to describe a place in a more literal sense.” This proves that when you visit a new place, the idea is to define that place with an emotion—joy, sorrow, curiosity—to let the viewer better resonate with what they are seeing. If they are moved, they will remember the picture years after they have seen it.
It’s About The Story
Every photograph tells a story, no matter how mundane the scene is. For instance, in one of Steve McCurry’s most famous images, Boy in Mid Flight, you see a kid running. The story is not just about the boy running, but also about Jodhpur, a city in Rajasthan, India, where colorful houses with handprints invite viewers to know more about its residents. The boy, one of the residents of this place, with his back to the viewers, is inviting you to be a part of the narrative. In a single moment, you see various stories converge. This is something that you must apply in your photography, too.
Be Respectful
If you are photographing a new place or community, you have to have a sense of empathy and respect for them. As Steve McCurry said in an interview with Samsung Newsroom, “In my experience, most people are approachable. I find that once you explain what you are doing and how you can bring them into your process, people will open up and let you take their pictures.” You have to be transparent if you wish to make a picture that goes above the surface. Communication can help you build trust. and thus, make your photographs appear more authentic.
Look for the Unexpected
Speaking about his photograph, Boy in Mid-Flight, Steve McCurry said to Lens Magazine, “I took one of my favorite pictures when I was in an old part of Rajasthan, India. I stood for about two hours, and one little boy dashed through, and I caught him mid-stride.” McCurry’s photographs showcase the decisive moment. The photographer highlights the significance of patience and readiness, and how these factors can help you capture truly unique images. This proves you have to be willing to put in the effort to get the perfect shot, even if it requires you to return to the scene over and over.
Experiment and Evolve
In another interview in The Talks, McCurry speaks about “evolving and experimenting and reinventing yourself,” and how simply ceasing to do this is like “hitting a drum, the same note over and over again.” McCurry’s career also took him from being a photojournalist to capturing portraits of people around the world. He never ceased to go after what he wanted, and evolved as a person. So, as a result, you must shy away from trying new things, working with different genres or subjects. Growth is the only answer.
Simplicity is the Best
Steve McCurry’s photographs are simple and straightforward. The images are layered with visual cues, but on the whole, they hit you right where it is needed. As a result, keeping your compositions simple can help you convey deeper meanings. Only look for essentials, especially if the narrative is really complicated.
Challenges Are a Part of The Journey
The photographer has travelled to places with extreme temperatures, documented conflicts and wars, and been in positions that risked his life. However, McCurry only did it because these stories had to be told. If you are someone who likes portraits, you may not necessarily see these issues. But you may come across problems of your own, which you must take head-on. Spend time in research, plan your shoots, understand the story, and keep going back until you are satisfied with the results.
Steve McCurry showcases how your photography journey can teach you so much on the job itself. So, when you hit the wall, do not give up. McCurry had his fair share of issues, but over time, he succeeded. His patience, love of the medium, hard work, and humility are a few things that have helped him come so far. If you want to achieve greatness, then the only that can stop you is you.
