“What is important to my work is the individual picture. I photograph stories on assignment, and of course they have to be put together coherently. But what matters most is that each picture stands on its own, with its own place and feeling.” – Steve McCurry
Steve McCurry certainly is one of the most beloved and renowned photographers of all times. Born in 1950, the American is best known for his images of the conflict in Afghanistan. His career kicked off, when, disguised in native garb and with full beard, he crossed the Pakistan border into the rebel-controlled country just before the Russian Invasion was closing it to all Western journalists. McCurry had rolls of film sewn into his clothes and was one of the first ones putting a human face to the issue on every masthead.
His photograph, “Afghan Girl” that originally appeared in National Geographic magazine, is one of the most published photos in the world. Steve McCurry lives in New York but spends two-thirds of the year travelling the globe.
Being such an iconic voices in contemporary photography, McCurry is also shooting more “glossy” things, such as the world’s most famous Pirelli calendar. During the St. Moritz Art Masters, I had the honour to meet him and being photographed by him.
As for me, the reason of his success is to be found in the aesthetics of his photos, the way he works with his “object”. He saw me in a different way, found my long hair too graphic and made me put it up in a disheveled chignon to show more of my shoulders that he liked a lot.
Enjoy some of the behind-the-scenes shots! I cannot wait to show you the final result. And of course, stay tuned for a detailed outfit post to be published soon.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Steve McCurry and © Sandra Bauknecht