The Prolific Steve McCurry

     For the past twenty-or-so years, we have been bombarded with change. Big change. From politics, to wars, pandemic, trends, music, and most notably our ever-evolving technology, it is safe to say that humanity is no stranger to change. However, far beyond our transmuting society are those who we never necessarily hear that much about; cultures whose names have managed to keep a relative distance from our mouths as we gossip. These are the exact types of groups that seventy-seven year old photographer Steve McCurry is interested in.

    Known best for his iconic photographs of - according to his website - "Conflicts, vanishing cultures, ancient traditions, and contemporary cultures," (McCurry) his work is nothing short of impressive. Each of his projects are exceptionally - for a lack of better words - very human, as they capture the ups and downs of the lives of each of his subjects. 

    This is especially poignant in what is his arguably most popular photograph 'Afghan Girl', which featured Afghan woman Sharbat Gula, who was attending school at the refugee camp shown in the photo. While there, McCurry also captured other refugees that were at the camp, though it is rumored that he did not get permission from any of his subjects. Despite this, McCurry's Gula-centric photo would go on to garnish the cover of a 1985 issue of National Geographic, and has since been the cover a few more times. Very notably, 'Afghan Girl' was the prime cause for support of many refugees around the world, and National Geographic has even gone as far as to cover her and her family's medical expenses.

    Steve McCurry has since gone on to capture many more iconic pictures, and has won many awards, including 'Magazine Photographer of the Year'. His works were - and still are - greatly influential and held in high regards as examples. It is certain that in the years to come, there will also come many great photographs from him!