The five things travel has taught me: Steve McCurry, photographer

We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.

Advertisement

This was published 5 years ago

The five things travel has taught me: Steve McCurry, photographer

By Julietta Jameson
Steve McCurry.

Steve McCurry.Credit: Alamy

GENEROSITY

In India, there was an elderly woman I encountered, whose back was hunched almost to a 90-degree angle. She had been a widow for 70 years; her husband died when she was 14. Living in a community of widows since then, she made a living as one commissioned to pray for others. After I made her picture, she invited me in for tea. I was impressed by her hospitality. She lives joyfully, and shows no sign of sorrow or resentment.

OBSERVATION

I was driving down a road in Rajasthan and it was nearly 110 degrees (43 Celsius), when a storm suddenly whipped up. Through a big cloud of dust, I could see women huddled together, singing a prayer for rain. My first inclination was to protect my equipment. Then I realised my camera and my lenses could be replaced, but the moment was fleeting. I got out and shot a roll of film, and it was magical. After only moments, the storm passed, and the women went back to work as if nothing had ever happened.

FAITH

In 1992, I photographed a group of tribal nomads in the desert near Kandahar, Afghanistan, which faces west toward Mecca to offer prayers. Kuchis, as they are known, would spend winters in the lowlands of Pakistan, and summers travelling to the mountainous regions of Afghanistan. This tradition was disrupted during the long Afghan civil wars.

HOPE

The final months of 1989 were some of the most momentous and hope-filled since the end of World War II but, until it happened, we couldn't imagine that the Berlin Wall would actually fall when it did. I was there when the celebrations were televised live worldwide, as people danced and celebrated on the hated wall.

Advertisement

HOSPITALITY

The outback is by far the most memorable place I have visited in Australia. The natural beauty of these ancient landscapes and fossils dating millions of years struck me. It is very serene and quiet. Emus, eagles, and yellow footed rock wallabies add a magical feeling to the outback's visual richness. I had the privilege to stay at the Flinders Ranges at the Angorichina Station for several days. I found the sheep farmers Ian, Eddie and Alice to be some of the most welcoming and warm people I've met. This was a one-of-a-kind homestay experience that makes you richer and fully connected to the place you are visiting.

Silversea Cruises has deployed Steve McCurry to the outback. During his visit to South Australia, Steve took powerful images capturing one of the worst droughts in Australia's history. Silversea Cruises is commemorating the inaugural arrival of its flagship, Silver Muse, to Australian waters with a campaign to support Australia's drought-stricken farmers via Rural Aid. The cruise line's partnership with Rural Aid aims to raise awareness and funds for the drought.

Sign up for the Traveller newsletter

The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.

Most viewed on Traveller

Loading