Steve McCurry has been an icon in contemporary photography, as a National Geographic Magazine photographer.
After graduating from Pennsylvania State University, he got employed by a local newspaper The Daily Collegian, where he started his career as a professional photojournalist. After several years domestic experiences in photoj, he left for India to freelance. Then he boosted his career there, as a freelance. He is best known for his 1984 work, “Afghan Girl“.
The 12-year-old girl Sharbat Gula, was studying in a refugee camp on the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan when this photograph was taken. Her parents were both killed in an Afghan village during an air attack by Soviet.
People always associate this picture with Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece Mona Lisa, because of her unfathomable eyes. Her eyes conceal tremendous sadness but at the same time you can read courage and determination. The contrast between her crystal clear eyes and slightly dusty face and her worn-out clothes, shows her sufferings and strengths.
What is important to my work is the individual picture. I photograph stories on assignment, and of course they have to be put together coherently. But what matters most is that each picture stands on its own, with its own place and feeling.
Humanity is always what he seeks for. Depicting profound stories out of ordinary people is the assignment for each photojournalist. But beyond that, Steve has taught us how to utilize composition to be a good photographer.
Here are some composition tips to shoot gorgeous pics.
- Rule of Thirds
The guideline proposes that an image should be divided into nine equal parts by two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines, and that important compositional elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections.
- Leading Lines (Radii/Diagonals)
Use natural lines to lead the eye into the picture. It usually starts at the bottom of the frame then lead the eye upwards and inwards. You can easily find a leading line from roads, walls, railways, etc. It generates a feeling of motion, and the lines often meet each other in a vanishing point.
- Natural Framing
A natural frame can direct the viewer’s eye to what you want to show, also can add depth and dimension to your picture. You can use windows, doors, anything as a frame.
- Patterns/Repetition
Patterns can emphasize your subject and show the size and scale. It’ll also bring impact to the viewers. Patterns can be found in flowers, grocery store, basically it exits in your daily life. But breaking the pattern will enhance graphically appealing.
- Symmetry
Symmetry is pleasing to the eye because it shows perfect balance of an image. And visual balance brings a certain stability and harmony.
Above are just a few tips to improve your works, there are more rules like texture, scale, contrast, light, angle, layer, decisive moment… etc. As Steve puts it, enjoy yourself and photograph in your own way and your own style.
If you’re interested in photography, go out and practice as much as you can. That’s the most important rule.
xin mengchen 
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