Don’t Wait for the Phone to Ring
I am often asked by photographers just starting out what advice I can offer. Here are some tips which might be a good start.
Insatiable Curiosity
Being curious about life and things around you is an essential part of being a good photographer.
Hard work
Any endeavor, any profession requires a serious commitment and effort and hard work. Unless you are willing to commit to that, it’s best not to begin the journey.
Leave home
Leave home or leave your comfort zone. Being a good photographer doesn’t necessarily mean you travel to distant
places, but you do need to get out of your comfort zone and explore, wander and observe.
Fortitude and Determination
At times, there’s a lot of pick and shovel work to photography or any other profession, and you have to be ready to work your way through these tedious times.
Dig Deep
The process of learning never stops, but at a point it’s all kind of automatic in a way. If you look at the photographers whose work is widely admired you’ll see that they’ve found a particular place or a subject, dug deep into it, and carved out something that’s become special.
Evolve, reinvent yourself, grow
You need to keep your heart and mind open. Life is flowing in front of your eyes and you need to be open to respond and allow yourself to be touched by things which are extraordinary and let it change you.
Don’t wait for the phone to ring
Regardless of how successful you are, it’s important for you to spend your time photographing things that matter to you. You need to understand the things that have meaning to you, and not what others think is important for you. Make things happen; don’t wait for others to offer opportunities. Follow up. Don’t wait for the phone to ring. Pick up the phone and call.
Kabul, Afghanistan, 1992
April 7, 2013 at 11:27
Thanks for your post Steve. Appreciate you giving your time and advice to us!
September 26, 2012 at 07:30
It’s interesting to know there many different ways of approaching your photography, i just saw a documentary about Sally Mann, a photographer who creates art without leaving her farm, she says ‘I can only create art when i know my subject very intimidly’
There are a thousand ways to skin a cat¡
June 16, 2011 at 14:00
All the 7 tips are equally important for any wedding photographer. Thanks for sharing.
June 13, 2011 at 18:29
Good web site! I really love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I’m wondering how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your RSS which must do the trick! Have a nice day!
May 20, 2011 at 16:45
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February 17, 2011 at 22:04
[...] Steve McCurry offers some advice to photographers just starting out in a post titled Don’t Wait For The Phone To Ring. Very wise advice [...]
November 14, 2010 at 15:44
Thank you for this article! It was really interesting to read and I’ll try to live according to ideas, which were posted here!
October 14, 2010 at 02:59
Dig deep – absolutely yes. The sanest advice you could have given.
October 4, 2010 at 02:12
[...] [...]
September 23, 2010 at 14:13
[...] Steve says: Don’t Wait for the Phone to Ring Steve McCurry, one of the best - he nails it. LINK I am often asked by photographers just starting out what advice I can offer. Here are some tips [...]
August 31, 2010 at 06:01
[...] Prendre’s aquests consells al peu de la lletra no estarà malament si ens hi volem dedicar, però sinó sempre podem relativitzar-ho, i així faran de més bon llegir aquestes directrius per a joves fotògrafs que hi han a la seva web i que va fer per a les moltes sol·licituds que rebia de gent demanant-li consell. Seria una traducció una mica lliure i aproximada d’aquest article. [...]
August 15, 2010 at 14:37
Thanks, Steve!
August 15, 2010 at 09:37
[...] La traducción es del blog Ver para creer y la entrada original de McCurry podéis encontrarla en su blog. [...]
July 29, 2010 at 00:47
Wow. I’m speechless.
I’m really new in photography, and my interest is in human portraits depicting true emotions.
I just found this blog, and suddenly I know that I’m your fan.
Thank you for these beautiful photos…
May 27, 2010 at 21:13
wow..i agreed with that..these tips are so good, i one of the fans of u^^
May 13, 2010 at 20:34
[...] “ Regardless of how successful you are, it’s important for you to spend your time photographing thin… – Steve Mc Curry “ [...]
May 5, 2010 at 22:34
[...] Articles I find (here’s a few) 25 Nostalgic Photos… | Boarding Pass Design | Don’t wait for the phone to ring | What we do matters more than labels | Sleeveface Photography | 141 best ‘Guess?’ ads [...]
May 4, 2010 at 17:11
Thank you Steve!
These are such wonderful tips. I do wonder how many times have you been to Afghanistan?
What made you decide on your subjects and topics?
Thank you so much for posting these images!
Hassan Arshad
May 4, 2010 at 17:22
Hassan,
I have been to Afghanistan at least 40 times over the past thirty years.
I have many friends there, and always look forward to my next trip.
Thanks for reading the blog.
Steve
May 1, 2010 at 22:56
[...] In this area family commitments, job and TV held peoples attention so adding to these was a major want. Finding the “sell” feature a major [...]
May 1, 2010 at 22:12
These statements are so true to many different things in life.
April 29, 2010 at 19:40
Steve,
A couple days ago, in response to a discussion about photography books I posted this on Luminous Landscape Forum->The Art of Photography->But Is it Art? I think it’s a pretty sure bet I’m right:
I think McCurry is going to become the Cartier-Bresson of the early 21st century — not in the sense that his photographs are like HCB’s, but in the sense that he’ll dominate the field the same way Henri did early last century. His work is phenomenal. Steve McCurry has established a transition from B&W to color in photographing people that’s like no one else’s. I think it’s going to be definitive — the standard for at least the next couple decades.
April 21, 2010 at 11:51
hey steve
i am sure you are so busy so thank you for putting the time. i started photography 2 years ago and picking up more and more.. published about 20 travel images on 1x http://1x.com/member/20146/sasson-haviv/
and now i need to make the leap so i cn continue to do what i love best which is interacting with people. i hope you find the time to look at my profile at 1x and maybe have a suggestion
thank you
sassi
March 15, 2010 at 10:13
Dear Steve,thanks a lot for your wonderful images…………..
my best wishes for you
February 23, 2010 at 17:36
Thank you very much for these lessons, Steve. Learning, wandering, opening his mind, all is right.
February 21, 2010 at 04:57
Hi Steve. I am a novice…just fallen in love with photography and wish to explore the world as you do.
As a female, personal safety is a big concern traveling alone with photo gears…wonder if you have any advice for lone female photographers traveling in remote places?
Thanks!
Sincerely, Niabail
February 23, 2010 at 19:28
It is important to travel with a translator who understands the culture as well as the language.
Thanks for looking at my blog.
Best,
Steve
February 21, 2010 at 03:40
it seems you do know what youare talking a bout- comm/eff/hrd wrk/ fort/det/ —-i like the pick and shovel concept.
February 22, 2010 at 13:49
That is what it takes…hard work, long hours, determination.
Best,
Steve
February 20, 2010 at 20:13
hi Steve, i met you in Huelva, spain, the last year, in the photo festival. i was working in the local press in these times.
i like a lot your advice, but maybe, my favorite is to have Insatiable Curiosity, it makes all! is as i think.
thanks for share your knowledge in this blog, i’ll follow you!
regards
February 2, 2010 at 14:57
Hi Steve, first of all I’d like to thank you for your advice, this week-end I’m going to visit your exposition in Milan in order to get some inspiration. As a matter of fact I would like to turn my passion for photojournalism into a real job. Too many people tell me what kind of job or career should I follow. On the contrary I want to do something that makes me feel good, strong and satisfied, something like me. My ideas still are confused, this is why I wonder if there are any opportunities for a young-confused girl like me in this world.
January 27, 2010 at 11:51
Hi Steve,
Very inspiring advice, Thank you for the knowledge you share. I’m a wedding photographer and your photos inspire me. It tells a story..
January 19, 2010 at 01:46
Hi Steve,
That is very good advice, I will also be posting a blog today about Marketing on the web. I hope it would be ok to post a link to your blog as well.
I will defiantly keep an eye on yours. It is good.
January 17, 2010 at 18:09
Great advice, Steve. I’m not a photographer but a writer, and it’s still great advice.
I really like your blog, so I’ve featured you on my blog as a “Photo Follow,” a sort of shout-out to photographers. Have a look… Hopefully you like it.
http://milleree.wordpress.com/2010/01/17/solution-2-seek-the-inspired-introducing-photo-follow/
January 15, 2010 at 12:15
Thank you for your advice. Any plans of visiting Sweden soon? I would really like to see your pictures.
Nice blog
January 13, 2010 at 22:50
I was searching for digital photography when I found your site. Great post. Thank You.
January 11, 2010 at 00:07
Hi steve,
today i ve been to your exibit in Milan. I ve come here just to thank you, your photography always are able to touch me, i travel trough your travels, i find myself lost in the eyes of the people you shouted, i smell the wind and i feel the breeze. thanks again.
January 4, 2010 at 19:03
Nice Steve, this sounds so true!!
January 3, 2010 at 15:47
I guess these advices go for writing as well. Thanks.
January 2, 2010 at 08:08
Steve,
thanks for this very valuable knowledge….
December 30, 2009 at 03:03
Thanks a lot, you are just best.
December 29, 2009 at 21:43
Ouch. Ouch. Please get outta my head. (I’m going, I’m going…)
December 29, 2009 at 13:21
till now i was waiting for the phone to ring……this blog might change it…..thanks sir
December 28, 2009 at 22:43
Like fresh air. Sometimes is easy to forget why we started to photograph. I hope meet you in Brazil. Happy new year.
December 27, 2009 at 21:26
As a junior in high school I am much in awe at your photographs. I am in fact writing a short paper in my photography class about your career in photojournalism. While I was gathering information about your life everything seemed so simple as to travel to a place you love and spend the days photographing whatever you like. Now i must be missing something or everyone would start a career in photography. As an aspiring college student, with a love for traveling and photography, would you suggest a career in photography, why or why not?
January 2, 2010 at 17:14
You should have a look at David duChemin’s excellent new book Visionmongers to help you answer these kinds of questions. I also have a post on my blog Picturing Change that is not quite as thorough as David’s book or as wise and experienced as anything Mr. McCurry could tell you, but may be of some assistance as well:
http://dojoklo.wordpress.com/2009/12/10/how-to-start-out-as-a-humanitarian-photographer/
December 27, 2009 at 11:43
You are right in “Don’t wait for the phone to ring”, but it’s difficult sometimes.
My biggest passion is photography. A friend of mine next year will spend some time in India. He is already taking contacts with some monasteries. I would like so much take the phone in order to tell that I will join him,.. but I’m worried about Indian cuisine
December 25, 2009 at 20:38
Thank for your advise ! I agree at all.
A single problem. Call & call to get answers about my proposals and don’t answer. Some editors in Spain are too busy. The problem is it’s my best customer.
December 24, 2009 at 01:33
Thanks for sharing this advice Steve. Should be part of every photographers’ creed and to look to for inspiration.
December 23, 2009 at 08:37
Hi Steve,
I am a big fan of your work
I cannot join your 2010 workshop but I will definitely make time for it 2011 wherever it may be but hopefully Asia.
Relating to this blog entry, when you went to Afghanistan before the Russian revolution, for sure that was not your comfort zone. Did you feel you had to do it to make something out of your work? I hope you don’t mind me asking.
Photography has been a long time hobby of mine (Amateur alert) and wanting to make something out of it now. I don’t know where to start. So, thank you very much for this entry. It does help. Ticked 3 out of 5 from your list already.
Cheers,
Jaz
December 23, 2009 at 03:00
Steve,
thanks for the tips, i will practice them during this holiday season
regards
Igor
December 23, 2009 at 02:57
Thanks for sharing with us this advices Steve. I specially love the last one: “Dont wait for the phone ring…”.
Cheers,
Frederic
December 23, 2009 at 01:40
Hi Steve,
Thanks for these advices.
Whenever we photograph something, our personal feeling gets involve in it and we compose accordingly.
Why I mentioning this, is because I have seen result of “Asia Without Borders 2009″ contest of national geography magazine and first price winner photograph was taken with wrong intentions. I am not sure if you agree or disagree with my thoughts.
-Pawan
December 23, 2009 at 02:20
Pawan,
Thank you for reading my blog.
Which picture are you referring to from the contest of the Asian Geographic magazine?
Best,
Steve
December 23, 2009 at 02:49
Hi Steve,
Please visit http://www.asiangeo.com/awb09_results/flipviewerxpress.html
Once you click on first page it will flip, the theme was “A face tells a thousand stories”, this is a photograph of a undernourished child of MP state of India. The child is on a weighing machine.
I am not sure what thousand stories the photographer wants to tell.
-Pawan
December 22, 2009 at 23:54
[...] I am often asked by photographers just starting out what advice I can offer. Here are some tips which might be a good start. [...]
February 28, 2010 at 17:47
Hi Steve,
Thanks for sharing with the world (and the few Americans that can pull away from the TV and look outside the incubator we live in), the inconceivable mess that the so-called developed world has created in the name of…progress.
As for your advice to photographers, “Just pick up the phone”, it holds so true. I’ve always equated this to the heebie-jeebies I had in college before calling to ask that special girl on a date… just pick up the phone.
Please continue to amaze and inspire the image-viewing public.
Cheers,
Chris Collard
Adventure Architects Photography