Nov 13, 2012
Left: Steve McCurry speaks at Langara on November 8,
2012.
Right: McCurry signs his famous image of the "Afghan Girl" for a fan.
Photos by Andrew Annuar.
Internationally recognized as one of the finest image-makers of his generation for his work with National Geographic, the veteran photojournalist has also covered an array of armed conflicts, from the Soviet invasion of Pakistan to the Gulf War, producing images that have been featured in newspapers and magazines around the world. He has also been honoured with a wealth of prestigious awards, including the Robert Capa Gold Medal and a record four first place prizes from the World Press Photo contest.
“What is important to my work is the individual picture,” says McCurry. “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 it’s own place and feeling.”
McCurry’s most recognized portrait – the “Afghan Girl” – immortalized the stirring green eyes of a 12-year-old girl in a refugee camp on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. The image eventually became the cover of the June 1985 issue of National Geographic and has been named as “the most recognized photograph” in the history of the magazine and has become one of the most widely reproduced photos in the world.
The Photography Masters Series has welcomed a variety of high profile speakers since it began in 2011, including National Geographic photographer Greg Girard, social documentary photographer Phil Borges, digital media specialist John Paul Caponigro, and Canadian gallerist Stephen Bulger.
Learn more.
Annie Mullins
Communications Officer
Communications and Marketing, Langara College
604.323.5058 | amullins@langara.bc.ca