Steve McCurry: A perfectionistic technique and ability to enhance appearances in order to see beyond them. Works on childhood collected in an exhibition in Florence.
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The “Steve McCurry Children” exhibition will be held at the Museo degli Innocenti in Florence from May 19 to October 8, 2023. It will feature 100 photographs taken by the famous American photographer over nearly 50 years, portraying children from all over the world in scenes of their everyday life. The aim of the exhibition is to celebrate childhood in all its facets, depicting children as bearers of energy, joy and the ability to play even in the most difficult contexts. In addition, the exhibition aims to raise awareness of the issue of youth exploitation in the countries McCurry has traveled to, especially in Asia, where all too often children are forced to work instead of going to school. The exhibition will take place at the Istituto degli Innocenti in Florence, a symbolic place for childhood that has been promoting and protecting children’s rights for more than 600 years.
Everything has already been said about McCurry.
Almost everything has already been written about Steve McCurry. His biography has been recounted countless times, and his photographs are known the world over. However, there is always something new to discover about such a prolific and talented artist.
Born in 1950 in Philadelphia, Steve McCurry began working as a war photographer in the 1980s, documenting conflicts in the Middle East and South Asia. He became famous for his photograph “The Afghan Girl,” taken in 1984 during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. The photograph has become iconic, depicting the suffering and strength of the Afghan people.
But McCurry has not limited himself only to conflict photography. He has also documented daily life in many parts of the world, from the streets of New York City to the countryside of India. His photographs are characterized by a strong attention to detail and a great sensitivity to human emotions.
Most of my photos are based on people. I look for the unprotected moment, the essential soul peeping out. (Steve McCurry)
To make his photographs, McCurry uses top-of-the-line photographic equipment. His main camera is the Nikon F6, a professional SLR with a wide range of customizable features and settings. He also uses a wide range of Nikon lenses, including the Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 and the Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8. These lenses are known for their sharpness and ability to capture fine details.
But photographic equipment is not the only thing that makes Steve McCurry an extraordinary photographer.
What sets him apart is his ability to see beauty and humanity in every situation.
His photographs show us the world through his eyes, and make us see the things we often miss. Whether he is documenting a war or a simple scene of everyday life, McCurry shows us the beauty of life and reminds us of the importance of looking beyond appearances.
McCurry is one of the greatest photographers of our time. He continues to inspire and surprise audiences around the world-no doubt he has created a legacy that will endure in the history of photography. If I had to sum up his work in a very few words I would call it a wise, sharp and saturated vision of eyes and faces and souls.