Steve McCurry, the legendary photographer known for his National Geographic shoots and the iconic 'Afghan Girl' image, has revealed his current camera setup in an exclusive interview. At 76 years old, McCurry remains an active shooter, and his choice of equipment is surprisingly simple: a single lens and one camera body.
McCurry's go-to lens is the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 Asph zoom, which he uses for 95% of his shoots. This decision comes after a thorough analysis, where he compared his Nikon and Leica systems. McCurry found that Leica lenses offered superior sharpness, resolution, and print quality, making it the obvious choice for his work.
His minimalist approach to photography extends beyond the lens. McCurry has ditched the camera bag and opted for a more streamlined setup. He now carries only his 24-90mm lens, one camera body, a few memory cards, and a couple of batteries, all stored in his pocket. This simplicity allows him to focus on the essence of his craft.
Despite his love for Kodachrome, McCurry avoids chasing the old color slide film look with his digital cameras. Instead, he aims to capture genuine moments and emotions, letting the color and storytelling aspects of the image take center stage. His prints, which he produces daily in his Pennsylvania studio, benefit from the high resolution and sharpness of his Leica lenses.
McCurry's dedication to his craft and his willingness to experiment with different equipment make him a true master of photography. His insights into the importance of print quality and the emotional impact of images offer valuable lessons for aspiring photographers. As he continues to create captivating visuals, McCurry's influence on the art of photography remains as strong as ever.
