STARTING YOUR EXPERIENCE

Steve McCurry has been one of the most iconic figures in contemporary photography for more than five decades. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, McCurry studied cinematography at Pennsylvania State University, before going on to work for a newspaper. After two years, McCurry made his first of what would become many trips to India. Traveling with little more than a bag of clothes and film, he made his way across the subcontinent, exploring the country with his camera.

Steve´s first leapt into the global spotlight with his iconic 1984 photograph, Afghan Girl, a haunting image of a young refugee with piercing green eyes. Published on the cover of National Geographic, it became one of the most recognized and celebrated portraits of all time. Yet, McCurry’s portfolio extends far beyond a single frame. For over four decades, he has traversed the globe, from the bustling streets of India to the serene temples of Southeast Asia, from the war-torn landscapes of Afghanistan to the rain-soaked jungles of the Amazon.

Awards 

McCurry has been recognized with some of the most prestigious awards in the industry, including the Robert Capa Gold Medal. Most recently, the Royal Photographic Society in London awarded McCurry the Centenary Medal for Lifetime Achievement and in 2019, McCurry was inducted into the International Photography Hall of Fame and has been awarded three times as the best photographer in the world.

Where do you find your inspiration?

My inspiration is derived from the themes I witness across dozens of projects. I’m constantly learning something new. Every time I step foot on a plane and enter a new country, or one I’ve visited a dozen times, I know that there are a multitude of experiences just waiting for me that will undoubtedly change and refine my outlook. This is not a process that ever ends, nor would I want it to. I will forever be looking for the next challenge.

What is a great image according to you and what should it convey to the viewer?

A great image, to me, is one that tells a story and captures a moment that sticks with you. It’s not about technical perfection or showing off artistic skill—it’s about the content, the emotion, and the message it conveys. A powerful photo becomes iconic because it represents something meaningful about a place, a person, or a time. It makes us see the world in a new way and leaves a lasting impression, not just on the viewer, but in history.

Your “Afghan Girl” portrait is one of the most iconic images of all time. Can you walk us through the story behind capturing that moment?

In 1984, while in an Afghan refugee camp near Peshawar, I came across a girls’ school in a tent. I asked the teacher if I could take photos, and after photographing a few other girls, I noticed one with a striking, intense gaze—Sharbat Gula, around 12 years old. She was shy but curious, and I hoped she would warm up after seeing the others. For a brief moment, everything aligned—the light, the background, and the emotion—capturing a powerful image of her. There was something captivating and mysterious in her expression.