Week #11: Write-up

Steve McCurry
"Afghan Girl" 

Steve McCurry
Bayon Temple, Angkor Watt, Cambodia

Steve McCurry
Angkor Watt, Cambodia

Steve McCurry
Angkor Watt, Cambodia 

Steve McCurry
Angkor Watt, Cambodia

Sandra Schreiber
Bayon Temple, Angkor Watt, Cambodia

Sandra Schreiber
Angkor Watt, Cambodia

Sandra Schreiber
Angkor Watt, Cambodia

For my last weekly write-up, I decided to choose an artist who would bring inspiration to a classroom of young students. I looked up award-winning photographers and famous photos in history. Afghan Girl, the amazing photo taken by Steve McCurry caught my attention, and I was drawn into the young girl’s stare. That photo was on the cover of National Geographic in 1985. “McCurry has gone on to create stunning images over six continents and countless countries. His work spans conflicts, vanishing cultures, ancient traditions and contemporary culture alike.” (McCurry, 2014)

After looking through McCurry’s photo gallery on his website, I found myself feeling nostalgic when I saw his Ankor Watt album. I remember when I had the chance to visit Cambodia in 2011, and touring the beautiful temples was definitely one of my trip highlights. I actually stood in the same places as McCurry, and captured the same moments (although he did it with a little more flare).

I would love to show my future students some of McCurry’s famous photos with mine alongside his. It would show the class that anyone could aspire to be an important and renowned photographer. Also, his photography could be used in a multi-disciplinary lesson, and help teach the students about historical events and other cultures around the world. A quote from the Born Into Brothels curriculum guide said, “inspire others to feel, to notice, to challenge, to take action.” I believe that Steve McCurry’s photos could have that effect, and inspire future students. 

http://stevemccurry.com

Work Cited

Briski, Z. Born Into Brothels, Companion Curriculum.

McCurry, S. (2014). Steve McCurry. Retrieved from http://stevemccurry.com