I guess a lot of you fellow bloggers are well known with the work of Steve McCurry, not the least his very beautiful blog. The American photojournalist is one of the most iconic voices in contemporary photography, having done a lot of magazine covers, over a dozen books, and countless exhibitions around the world. Last weekend he was in Norway, participating at the Nordic Light International Festival of Photography. I was there, both at the exhibition and his lecture in the evening. And it was very interesting to listen to the famous photographer.
One of the most interesting things McCurry told was that he is usually travelling light. Only one camera on the street, one lense, no flash, carrying a tripod but rarely using it. Having an extra camera of course, but not carrying two of them around. McCurry is famous for how he uses light and colours, and not the least for his portraits. At Nordic Light he told us he usually works very fast. He is looking for the moment, and they don’t last long. He is not pushing people around, directing them, but makes people feel relaxed and trusting him, and he works with intuition. He also admitted this might not do on the streets of New York, “You want to take my picture? But who the hell are you?”. In this short video McCurry tells about his portraits and that he nows prefer digital to the old rolls of film:
Quite a lot of photographers wanted their pictures taken with McCurry. Or getting a signed book or poster.
Steve McCurry told about the Afghan Girl, the young refugee who was on the cover for National Geographic in 1985. He found her again after 17 years, and life had been tough for Sharbat Gula. Both he and the National Geagraphic have since been helping the woman financially, but even that is tricky, since the people surrounding her thought that made her something of a millionaire.
Anyway, it was great to see this exhibition and listen to what McCurry had to say. I also was fortunate to take his picture, but I had to work very fast, with a lot of people pushing around for attention… More photos on this link.
I love his work. Especially the tribal women he captures in that ‘moment’
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Me too, Nancy, me too.
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Nice review of the event, Bente.
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Glad you liked it, Steve.
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Bellissimo, eccezionale…stupendo!!
lol
McCurry riesce a catturare l’attimo; lo sguardo, la ruga, la luce…quello che noi si guarda distrattamente….e poi ha una buona, buonissima tecnica fotografica.
Lui nelle “foto” che incontra ci si tuffa!
Bel post! grazie!
ciao
.marta
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Grazie mille, Marta. Ciao!
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Good reportage Bente.
Cover his head with cloth (and -1 exposure) your portrait of him
become very close to his photography. 🙂
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I’ll try next time. 😉 Thanks a lot, Yoshi. 🙂
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Awesome Bente. The photo of the Afghan girl is one of my all-time favourites. Always good to hear how these recognised photographers work. Thanks for sharing the moment with us.
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It is interesting to learn how a veteran works, escpecially since I know his work so well. Thanks Lausannerob.
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Lucky you to see Steve in person. I have admired his work for a very long time. One thing I know I lack is that ability to make people comfortable to have their picture taken. He does that so spectacularly well.
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Maybe that is why most of my pictures are landscapes and animals. 😉 Thanks, Gunta.
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wow, that final photo is fantastic! he should love it !
thanks so much for taking us along; that must have been an amazing experience! z
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Well I had problem with getting some space, and there was no time of course. But thanks, and you are right, an amazing experience.
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That sounds like an interesting evening, Bente. Your images are very good.
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Interesting indeed, Karen. Thanks a lot.
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he is great photographer and always we will remember with this amazing girl… Thanks and Love, nia
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Stunning images. Love that last one. – Suzan –
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How fortunate you are that you got to meet him, see his work, and listen to him speak! And then you got wonderful photos, too. My favorite is the large black and white. You captured him very well – and fast, just the way he works. Nicely done.
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His work is so amazing. So are your images here! I especially love the last portrait you took of him with the Afghan girl’s beautiful eyes behind him.
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Great work Bente .Your photo’s are very good.And he is a specialist in Photography and portrets.
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Those penetrating gazes of the women are fascinating, almost as though they themselves are there with you in the crowd . . . what a wonderful evening for you all and your shots are so good. I love the understated look you have caught in Steve MCCurry’s demeanor.
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So neat you were able to meet him! I love the black and white photo you took of him! Interesting he prefers digital.
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Great photos.
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I love his work! How exciting that you were able to see this exhibit and meet him as well. Thanks for all the information.
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Fantastic story, Bente. I’ve admired the work of Steve McCurry for a long time. That night would be one to remember for ever!!
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A great photoshoot from you from this great artist Bente, the last photo is so WOW!
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Nice tribute post – what a great idea!
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Wonderful post Bente–lucky you! Beautiful portrait also
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WONDERFUL uplifting post ! I did not know he had a Blog. Thank you.
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How lucky you are! Thanks for sharing this! 🙂
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Must have been very interesting to meet and talk to the man. And your last portrait is very good.
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Fabulous shots – with those eyes in the background. Especially the last one.
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Great photos…and thank you for introducing me to his blog.
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How lucky!! Thank you for sharing. I love Steve McCurry’s work.
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Wow!!! 🙂
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Ha….. is sounded like a lovely time – you made some great images.
David.
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Åh vad roligt att läsa om mötet med honom. Nu vet jag lite till och hur känd han är och hur han ser ut. Spännande och roligt. Tack!
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Wow, Bente, I am so envious.
I admire Steve McCurry’s images tremendously. He captures the wonderful light and emotion of his portrait subjects. I re-watched his National Geographic documentary of Tracing the Afghan Girl only last weekend.
Love your post and summary of his visit to your country.
Your photos of the visit and talk are excellent too.
I agree with him (about having to be quick at capturing the moment). I waste too much time thinking about the shot before I take a street photograph these days.
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With your permission I share it on the network congratulations on the report
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Ok, Ricard. Thanks.
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wow Bente!!!! you are one lucky person 🙂 i admire his work!!! Beautiful shots you took 🙂
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You’re a very lucky woman!
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He’s a real friendly man: i met him fifteen or so years ago… 🙂
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Friendly, absolutely. And so inspiring.
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Thanks for sharing, his work is absolutely stunning, no wonder he is so well known worldwide! I love the shots you took, they present the man himself really well 😀
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Thanks for sharig, Bente. Very enjoyable read.
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Love how you captured his amazing work behind him … Makes for a very meaningful photo (: great post on a very special event!
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That is a super shot Bente!
I adore Steve’s work and his blog.and would give an arm and a leg to meet him in person! Lucky you 🙂
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Bente, what an opportunity! Love your last image. I am always inspired when I visit Steve’s blog.
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Thank you for your notes and the video! And of course, thank you for your photographic work!
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Great post! Thank you so much, Bente!!
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Fascinating post. Thanks for the video.
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He’s such an incredible person!! I’m so jealous you got to see him! What an experience, so amazing 😀 Love these shots of yours!
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Thanks a lot for this wonderful post 🙂
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Han er jo virkelig en fantastisk fotograf. Flotte portretter av han. 🙂
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How lucky you are! Jag blir inte lite avundsjuk…Mycket fint sista foto av honom. Hans porträtt är fantastiska och ditt reportage från eventet är flott. Skönt att höra att han försökt hjäpa flickan från Afghanistan.
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I love this post Bente. I didn’t know this photographer’s name, but I’m familiar with the image that he is autographing. I love your portrait of him. You truly captured his personality and intensity. Now I’m waiting for your gallery show like this one. 🙂
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Hi bentehaarstad. I nominated you with a Very Inspiring Blogger Award for your very good blog.
http://joellewrites.wordpress.com/2013/05/03/very-inspiring-blogger-award/
Greetings
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¡Qué fuerza tienen sus fotos!
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Tak for dette indlæg, Bente. Jeg er bekendt med noget af McCurry’s arbejde. Super billeder og meget spændende.
Mange hilsner
Hanna
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What a terrific opportunity. I bet this was a very exciting afternoon for you and the other photographers there. He is like a celebrity among photo journalists. A marvelous display of his portraits!
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That is really cool, I remember seeing a documentary about him on CNN and the line that really stuck out for me: “I have taken more pictures than the afghan girl but thats what people know me for!”. He actually didn’t look comfortable speaking for some reason or is it just me? some people are just not comfortable with fame 🙂
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Reblogged this on Zeebra Designs & Destinations and commented:
Returning home from a short road trip, I found this page still on my computer screen. I was surprised that no one reblogged Bente’s post – how often does one see Steve McCurry on the other end of the lens? Bente, this black and white portrait captures an amazing exchange between the two of you, and all the while those bewitching eyes watch from afar! That portrait is your finest!
Z
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hey – your post deserves a much-greater audience! thanks again for a post that will burn for a long time in my mind’s eye!
z
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Wonderful post, thanks for sharing with us, I congratulate you.
Carlos
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I remember the Afghan girl photo.. Amazing to meet the man who took it!!
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Thanks for a great post. Steve is an inspiration to me! What a great experience for you to be a part of this.
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Happy to finally meet the man behind the famous photo. Your story and photos do him great honor. You must have been thrilled!
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Great post. I will never become tired of looking at photos taken by Steve McCurry, a true genius. Thanks for sharing.
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As you probably know Steve is one of my favourite photographers… Lucky you!
Jota.
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Great post ! Your portrait of him is wonderful 🙂
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A fascinating man, an interesting event, and all captured very effectively in your photos and text.
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Great and Interesting post . thank you for sharing , Bente !
groetjes, Francina
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I remember the National Geographic with the Afghan Girl on the cover – there was something very striking and riveting about her eyes… What a great experience you had to meet Steve McCurry at the photography festival!
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That’s inspiring, thanks Bente. In the video he comes across as a man with much warmth and charisma, and there in your photos his eyes really engage. Your shot in bnw of him with his Afgan Girl is a classic …. get drawn into the narrative.
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Congrats for this reportage, Bente. McCurry is great and you have made a fantastic portrait of him.
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Another voice here, with kudos – a great portrait!
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It’s wonderful works~
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How cool is that? That you could visit both his exhibition and his lecture. Love the photos you made of him 😉
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Jättefina bilder, särskilt den sista är 10/10. Filmen är kalas den med! Glad att du var där och delade!
Bamsekram och allt gott till dej!
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It’s WONDERFUL PHOTOS !!
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It must have been amazing to meet the man behind the camera. His photos are completely captivating. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
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Wonderful post. I just share it if you don’t mind?! Wish the best for you:)
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