Afghan Girl photographer Steve McCurry shows ‘the best of the human spirit’ in his new book, Devotion

In his new book, Devotion, Steve McCurry explores selfless dedication in a way that transcends religion. He talks about taking his time to get the perfect shot

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Steve McCurry’s photograph of monks suspended from a metal beam at the Shaolin Monastery, in China, features in his new book, Devotion. The photographer talks about why he’s interested in human behaviour, and remaining respectful to gain access to sacred situations. Photo: Steve McCurry

Graeme Green

Published: 3:15pm, 20 Apr 2024

“I’ve seen the worst of humanity, and the best of humanity,” says American photographer Steve McCurry.

“It’s been a great life: to be able to witness everything I’ve seen and hopefully shed some light on situations around the world. With my experiences, I’ve seen hope and despair.”

For half a century, McCurry has been shedding light on conflicts, refugee crises and other desperate situations in places including Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Myanmar, the former Yugoslavia, the Philippines and Cambodia.

In 1979, he sneaked into Afghanistan to document life for people under the Soviet invasion, emerging months later with a beard and traditional local dress, his rolls of film sewn into his clothes.

His work won him the Robert Capa Gold Medal, and his 1984 Afghan Girl portrait of Sharbat Gula, an Afghan refugee in Pakistan, which appeared on the cover of National Geographic, is one of the most famous photos of all time.

A Magnum photographer since 1986, he has been awarded the Royal Photographic Society’s Centenary Medal for Lifetime Achievement, and was inducted into the International Photography Hall of Fame in 2019.