Exclusive Interview: Steve McCurry on the Afghan Girl & 80+ Trips to India

What does it take to create one of the world's most iconic photographs? In this exclusive conversation, we sit down with legendary photojournalist Mr. McCurry, the photographer behind the iconic Afghan Girl portrait, to uncover the stories behind a lifetime spent chasing extraordinary moments. This interview was made possible by Leica, who brought Mr. McCurry to India, giving us the opportunity to have this incredible conversation. Mr. McCurry shares unforgettable stories from his career, including illegally crossing into Afghanistan, sewing exposed film into his clothes to smuggle it across the border, being arrested in Pakistan, and why preparation- not luck- is the secret to capturing extraordinary photographs. Having visited India over 80 times, he also reflects on how the country has changed over the decades, what continues to fascinate him, and some of his favourite photographs from his time here. We also spoke about the stories behind his most memorable images, the photographs he wishes had turned out differently, why the best photographs leave room for the viewer's imagination, and whether AI has a place in documentary photography. Finally, Mr. McCurry shares his advice for aspiring photographers and explains why photography is less of a profession and more of a lifelong commitment. Whether you're passionate about photography, travel, storytelling, or simply love hearing from people who have dedicated their lives to their craft, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. A special thanks to @leicastoreindia for making this interview possible. If you enjoyed this interview, don't forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe for more conversations with inspiring people from around the world.