Steve McCurry, the renowned photographer known for his iconic National Geographic covers and the famous '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 trusted Nikon with the Leica SL2. McCurry's meticulous approach to photography extends beyond his equipment choices; he prioritizes the final print, ensuring his lenses produce images that translate well into large-scale exhibitions.
His preference for a single lens and camera body is a departure from his earlier days, when he carried a camera bag filled with multiple lenses and cameras. McCurry's current setup is minimal, consisting of just one lens, one camera body, a few memory cards, and a couple of batteries, all stored in his pocket. This streamlined approach allows him to focus on the essence of his craft.
Despite his love for Kodachrome, McCurry avoids emulating the old color slide film look with his digital cameras. Instead, he aims to capture genuine emotions and storytelling elements. He collaborates closely with his retoucher to achieve this, ensuring the final image reflects the scene as he saw it, without trying to mimic film aesthetics.
McCurry's dedication to his craft and his thoughtful approach to equipment choices make him a true master of photography. His work continues to inspire and influence generations of photographers, solidifying his place as one of the most respected and celebrated photographers of our time.
