Steve McCurry, the legendary photographer known for his National Geographic shoots and the iconic image of the Afghan Girl, has revealed his current camera setup in an exclusive interview. At 76 years old, McCurry is still an active shooter, and his approach to photography has evolved significantly over the years.
McCurry's current setup is surprisingly simple. He exclusively uses a single lens, the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 Asph zoom, for 95% of his work. This decision is a far cry from his earlier days when he carried a camera bag filled with multiple cameras, lenses, and film. The photographer has streamlined his equipment, now consisting of just one camera body, a single lens, a few memory cards, and a couple of batteries, all stored in his pocket.
The switch to Leica was not a spontaneous decision but the result of meticulous analysis. McCurry compared the performance of his Nikon and Leica systems, shooting test pictures in the studio and on the streets. He involved his assistants in the process, creating a comprehensive chart to evaluate the results. The conclusion was clear: Leica lenses offered superior sharpness, resolution, and overall image quality.
McCurry's focus on print quality is a significant factor in his choice of equipment. He prints daily in his Pennsylvania studio, producing images for books and exhibitions. He requires a lens that can deliver exceptional prints, and the Leica SL series meets this criterion. McCurry notes that he can create much larger prints for exhibitions with the Leica SL series compared to his earlier work with film or Nikon cameras.
Despite his fondness for Kodachrome, McCurry avoids attempting to replicate the old color slide film look with his digital cameras. Instead, he aims to capture genuine moments and emotions, prioritizing storytelling over specific color palettes. He appreciates rich colors but ensures they enhance the narrative of the photograph.
McCurry's minimalist approach to equipment and his focus on the emotional impact of his work have made him a renowned photographer. His dedication to his craft and his willingness to experiment with different techniques and technologies have contributed to his enduring success in the field.
