Steve McCurry, Blogger
July 29, 2009 at 10:17 am Tina Hay 2 comments
I just learned that our favorite photographer, Steve McCurry ’74, has a blog. Looks like he’s been doing it since May. He talks about the stories behind some of his photos, explains his thought process, and offers advice to budding photographers. On the latter subject, he says, “When people ask me how they can become a photographer, I almost never mention cameras, lenses, or technique. I say, ‘If you want to be a photographer, first leave home.’” He goes on to explain the importance of exposing yourself to new places and experiences.
Among other things, I learned from reading his blog that some of his images were projected at the Staples Center during Michael Jackson’s memorial service. Pretty cool.
Tina Hay, editor
Entry filed under: College of Arts and Architecture, Famous Penn Staters, Penn State alumni, Photography. Tags: Michael Jackson memorial service, Steve McCurry.
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1. Tom Dulaney | July 30, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Steve’s wife–whose name I forget–worked with my at Chilton Co. on Iron Age magazine for a while.
One day Steve ambled in among our cubicles. Attracted to him by the cameras hanging from his neck, we talked. He told me his plan to go to Afghanistan to photograph the war.
For whom? I asked.
Freelance, he said.
I admired his courage and thought he was crazy–in equal measures in my mind. Having spent 3 years in the army and narrowly missing an all-expense paid trip to Vietnam with optional combat depending on the Vietcong’s plans, my sense of adventure had been blunted at that time.
Off he went, she soon followed. Some long time later—I cannot recall if it was months or years–she returned to visit. She would stay in the states to act as his agent, as his photos were catching on.
Then came his famous photo of the green-eyed Afghan girl that mesmerized the world.
I was glad to have made the connection, not so much for his fame but to have met a daring person willing to follow his dream through gunfire and danger. Many who take that hazardous road less traveled are never heard of again, either due to death or obscurity. But they are no less courageous for the world’s inattention.
People like Steve and his wife, who dare and by dint of talent, effort and some measure of good fortune succeed, inspire all of us to take a chance.
Tom Dulaney
2. Steve Williams | August 14, 2009 at 9:16 am
I agree with Mr. Dulaney’s description of the talent and effort put forth by Steve McCurry. I saw it in him in the 1970s when we both worked at the Daily Collegian. Steve was passionate about photography then and has remained that way today.
Steve Williams
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