Steve McCurry
Photographer and and photojournalist
Steve McCurry stands as one of the most iconic and influential photographers of our time. For over five decades, his lens has revealed the profound beauty, resilience, and complexity of the human spirit. Born in Philadelphia, McCurry studied cinematography at Pennsylvania State University before embarking on a lifelong journey of visual storytelling that would take him across every continent. His career took a defining turn when he crossed into Afghanistan before the Soviet invasion, emerging with images that brought global awareness to the realities of conflict — among them, his unforgettable portrait Afghan Girl, one of the most recognized photographs in history.
Through his work for National Geographic and as a member of Magnum Photos, McCurry has chronicled vanishing cultures, ancient traditions, and moments of extraordinary humanity in the most remote corners of the world. His photography transcends documentation — it invites reflection, empathy, and a deeper understanding of our shared existence. Honored with the Robert Capa Gold Medal, the Royal Photographic Society’s Centenary Medal for Lifetime Achievement, and induction into the International Photography Hall of Fame, McCurry’s legacy continues to inspire generations of artists and storytellers to see the world not only as it is — but as it feels.
