Photographer Steve McCurry clicks with Asia
A chauffeur leans against his car, Hong Kong, China, 1985. [Photo provided to China Daily Asia/Courtesy of Steve McCurry] |
You initially studied filmmaking in university, but ultimately became a photographer. Did anyone nurture or shape your photographic talent at the start of your career?
I think my professors were influential in my career. They sort of set me on the course.
Where did you get your first camera? What did you shoot?
It was a birthday gift – a Kodak Brownie. I was shooting stuff like my travels, friends and family.
You quit your job at the age of 27 and became a freelance photographer. What was it like to be a photographer in the 1970s?
It was great. I was striking out on my own, doing my own thing and not having to do assignments – I was just free. But it was very competitive.
You created many celebrated works and had a lot of inspiration in Asia. When you first came to this part of the world, what do you recall about your first impressions?
It was in India – I remember there were a lot of people on the street, and there was kind of pungent odour of curry or something. It was very crowded and a bit of shock. It was a new experience, a new world and a new adventure.