40 Photographs By Steve McCurry That Explore The Relationship Between Humans And Animals
Even if you’re not an avid fan of photography, you’ve probably seen some of photographer Steve McCurry’s work. He’s the same photographer who took the legendary Afghan Girl photograph that appeared on the June 1985 issue of National Geographic magazine. Throughout the years, the photographer has published many books and now he’s back again with a new one simply titled “Animals”. In his latest publication, Steve explores the complex relationship between humans and animals, and some of the photos look simply magical.
“The idea of photographing animals and people may have been planted in my mind since I was first starting out as a young photographer. My sister gave me my first photo book, Son of Bitch, a collection of pictures of dogs and their humans by the great photographer and friend Elliott Erwitt. It was the first time I saw a book on animals with humor, pathos, and wonderful storytelling,” said the photographer in a recent interview with Bored Panda. He says animals are one of his favorite subjects to shoot as they are completely unpredictable. “Animals are in constant motion, have a mind of their own and rarely pay any attention to directions from a photographer,” added McCurry.
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#1
Image source: Steve McCurry
Kathmandu, Nepal
The photographer shared some of his experiences working in Kuwait after the first Gulf War. He says it was a surreal and unforgettable experience. “There were 600 oil fields burning, panicked and starved animals were wandering about, and the landscape was dotted with dead Iraqi soldiers. It was heartbreaking to see these animals, which we were supposed to be guardians of. Those animals that escaped slaughter were abandoned and left to wander the streets looking for food and shelter,” said McCurry. He says the photograph he took there is his best work in the entire book.
#2
Image source: Steve McCurry
Altai Region, Mongolia
Another one of the photographer’s favorite shots is the one he took in Thailand. “I photographed this novice monk studying Buddhist writings in the late afternoon at a monastery in Aranyaprathet, Thailand, near the border with Cambodia. I watched the changing light as the monks went about both the mundane and sacred duties of their day,” recalled the McCurry. “With the simple use of wood and fabric, of shades of saffron from mustard gold to deep orange, their environment was serene. The patient cat completed the scene of contemplation and peace.”
#3
Image source: Steve McCurry
India
McCurry says it is his hope that people will see animals as intelligent beings that deserve our love and respect. “In most cases, our pets are totally dependent on us for their survival and safety. It’s our duty to protect them like our own children. Since we often create a special bond with certain animals, I would hope people should treat them with the care they deserve,” concluded the photographer.
Check out his amazing photographs of humans and animals in the gallery below!
#4
Image source: Steve McCurry
Bamiyan, Afghanistan
#5
Image source: Steve McCurry
Mongolia
#6
Image source: Steve McCurry
India
#7
Image source: Steve McCurry
Rome, Italy
#8
Image source: Steve McCurry
Varanasi, India
#9
Image source: Steve McCurry
Ireland
#10
Image source: Steve McCurry
Tonle Sap, Cambodia
#11
Image source: Steve McCurry
Afghanistan
#12
Image source: Steve McCurry
Chiang Mai, Thailand
#13
Image source: Steve McCurry
Kham Litang, Tibet
#14
Image source: Steve McCurry
Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan
#15
Image source: Steve McCurry
Magdeburg, Germany
#16
Image source: Steve McCurry
Bombay, India
#17
Image source: Steve McCurry
Tibet
#18
Image source: Steve McCurry
India
#19
Image source: Steve McCurry
Jaipur, India
#20
Image source: Steve McCurry
Aranyaprathet, Thailand
#21
Image source: Steve McCurry
Omo Valley, Ethiopia
#22
Image source: Steve McCurry
Al Ahmadi, Kuwait
#23
Image source: Steve McCurry
India
#24
Image source: Steve McCurry
Chiang Mai, Thailand
#25
Image source: Steve McCurry
Paraguay
#26
Image source: Steve McCurry
Mandalay, Myanmar
#27
Image source: Steve McCurry
Australia
#28
Image source: Steve McCurry
Mexico
#29
Image source: Steve McCurry
Chennai, India
#30
Image source: Steve McCurry
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
#31
Image source: Steve McCurry
Ecuador
#32
Image source: Steve McCurry
Near Samyr, Tibet
#33
Image source: Steve McCurry
India
#34
Image source: Steve McCurry
Thailand
#35
Image source: Steve McCurry
France
#36
Image source: Steve McCurry
Chaco, Paraguay
#37
Image source: Steve McCurry
#38
Image source: Steve McCurry
Bentota, Sri Lanka
#39
Image source: Steve McCurry
Morocco
#40
Image source: Steve McCurry
Vietnam
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