One-Minute Masterclass Advice from Steve McCurry: Be in the Moment

by Eric Kim on October 28, 2011

In today’s 1-minute masterclass with Steve McCurry, he talks about getting “in the zone” when he is out shooting. He prefers to shoot alone and to quietly explore the streets without speaking much, to get a feel of the environment he is shooting in.

Although I am a big fan of shooting together in groups (it helps you be more comfortable) shooting alone is when you can be in almost a meditative state– enjoying life around yourself alone.

More Photographs by Steve McCurry

1x1.trans One Minute Masterclass Advice from Steve McCurry: Be in the Moment

Copyright Steve McCurry

1x1.trans One Minute Masterclass Advice from Steve McCurry: Be in the Moment

Copyright Steve McCurry

1x1.trans One Minute Masterclass Advice from Steve McCurry: Be in the Moment

Copyright Steve McCurry

1x1.trans One Minute Masterclass Advice from Steve McCurry: Be in the Moment

Copyright Steve McCurry

1x1.trans One Minute Masterclass Advice from Steve McCurry: Be in the Moment

Copyright Steve McCurry

1x1.trans One Minute Masterclass Advice from Steve McCurry: Be in the Moment

Copyright Steve McCurry

When you are out shooting, do you prefer to go alone or in a group and why? Share your experiences in the comments below! 

Tagged as: masterclass, phaidon, steve mccurry

  • ed subijano

    Personally, I prefer to do solo photowalks as I can always take my time to observe and go wherever I please. Easier to get in that “zone” that way for me. Even on group photowalks, I would go off on my own and then rejoin the group later on at a designated time and place for other social activities. I tend to produce more “keeper” shots that way based from my personal experience.

  • Nick Thompson

    I prefer to be on my own. Sometimes I like standing in one place and just observing the surroundings and the people and waiting for that ‘moment’. I’ve done shoots with a group and didn’t enjoy it.
    Nick

  • http://lrntn.wordpress.com/ lauren

    thanks for the video! Almost sounds obvious when you hear it, but I’ll take any words of wisdom from Steve McCurry any day. Most definitely alone. Agree w/everything Ed & Nick said.

  • J. D.

    I prefer shooting alone; much easier to concentrate that way.

  • ghill77

    I enjoy both but I do my best work when alone. When I’m with a group it’s more the comradery of being with others. When I’m alone it’s all about the photographs.

  • http://twitter.com/Adarsha_Evans Adarsha Evans

    Definitely alone. I have tried it twice with another person present and it just doesn’t work for me, I find them too distracting. I can’t zone out unless I’m on my own, and then yes, it is a moving meditation, finding the moments, being invisible…

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  • http://www.facebook.com/donahuememp James Donahue

    Go it alone.

  • http://twitter.com/dodgemedlin Mark Dodge Medlin

    It’s a lot easier to be inconspicuous when you’re shooting alone.

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  • http://twitter.com/Gazonthestreet Gazonthestreet

    just stunning images from a master, the colours and atmosphere portrayed are incredible, thanks Eric for sharing

  • Val

    These photos by Steve McCurry are epic. They contain so much color and detail that I feel as if I am there. I think that is the sign of a true street photographer, when you capture a moment in time while simultaneously conveying every ounce of emotion from that moment. I am a novice photographer myself and I am absolutely amazed by street photography. I love the concept of wondering the city streets, observing and taking in the world around me through my camera lens. I agree with the comments below in that one should walk alone on photowalks. Being alone allows you to take your time, truly observe and capture your desired subjects without any outside person adding creative control. It could be nice to have someone to share the inspirational artistic moment with but that is what the photograph is for. Steve McCurry appears to be an extremely talented street photographer and I admire his work. I hope to one day be a successful photojournalist, any suggestions on becoming an excellent photographer?

  • http://www.facebook.com/zoolkareem Zool Kareem

    Definitely solo walk. Groups distract you and make you more visible.

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