Steve McCurry: The Iconic Photographs

To be perfectly honest, I ordered this book as soon as it was announced, then waited months while it was being made. In that time I developed a thought that it requires some serious nerve for any photographer to publish a book titled "the Iconic Photographs" while still alive.When the book arrived I was somewhat consumed with the idea of how can anyone possible declare his own images to be iconic. Well, I stand corrected, Steve McCurry have delivered a fantastic collection of images, well worthy of the Iconic Photographs label.The book is filled with images reflecting on images rather than religious obsession with technical data, and I am impressed to see Steve have included images where focus or exposure may not be "technically entirely accurate" however the images, the moment and the composition simply are so strong and magnificent that discussing technical data is meaningless. On a related note, the book show images captured with everything from film to high-end 24+megapix cameras, and a historical progression clearly showing the fingerprints of some of the earlier digital slr cameras, but through this Steve McCurry carries the same tone and look. To me this is a iconic book for the reason that it is about images, magnificent images.For a moment forget the price of this book, and simply enjoy the sheer magnificence of a huge book of photography. Each page another outstanding moment captured and printed.I am completely delighted with this book. and yes, Steve you are forgiven for declaring your work iconic. it IS.!

I'll try not to repeat what other reviewers have said or what the product is described as by the manufacturer. Regarding the version I received from Amazon: the cover sheath that the book comes in is black unlike the pink one in the photograph. The book is bound in blue silk (like the product photo). The signed print is well placed inside the front cover of the book. The reproduction is superb and the paper is exceptionally thick. The publisher, Phaidon, could have done a better job in packing the product in a larger shipping box, but mine arrived with no real damage to speak of.It's a marvelous collection of McCurry's career thus far. The prints are so big at times you feel as if you are right behind the camera taking the photo with McCurry. Most photo books don't give you that sensation as the prints are often less than half the size of the ones found here. It's not as big as Helmet Newton's "SUMO" (full size version) or other offerings from Tachen like "GOAT", but in some ways it's better because it's big but not too big. Unlike some other massive photo books, you can sit down in a chair and leaf through it or lay it on a table or even the floor, which ever suits you best.The fact that only 3300 of these books have been made and that it is signed by McCurry make it an obvious collectors item. It's worth it.

I don't think the other reviewers actually emphasized on the size of this book. It is huge. As a coffee table book, it will cover your entire coffee table. Which is not a bad thing when it is filled with McCurry's great photos. Don't plan on reading this in bed or leafing through with it on your lap.Caveat: There are no new photos in this book, just the same old ones found in other tomes, except in a larger format. If you like McCurry's photos, then you will likely find this worthy to have in your collection. The discounted price from Amazon makes this less expensive than some photo books nowhere close to its size and there's an actual original glossy print that comes with each book! How much is that worth?The photos in this book cover the entire page and sometimes, spread over 2 pages. That's my only real gripe, I do not like it when a photo spans 2 pages and have the binding runs through/over the beautiful image. But this is not the first, neither would it be the last, photo book to do that.All in all, I'm glad I got a copy and I'd highly recommend it to anyone who likes McCurry or for that matter, photography.

This book contains beautiful reproductions of some of the best of McCurry's amazing portfolio. The photos are well chosen, and the print work is top notch. You should be aware that even by photo book standards, this is a HUGE book - 15 inches tall - but all of that space does lend itself to extraordinary detail in the photos. Some of the photos are split across the fold, but the quality of the binding is such that its actually not too distracting.Steve McCurry is deservedly one of the world's most acclaimed photographers and after viewing this book, you'll be in no doubt as to why.

A splendid photography book about photos from a professional photographer.

The eye on this man is tremendous, and the skill of the editor in putting together this volume of work is stupendous. WELL worth the money for some of Steve McCurry's gorgeous photographs. The double page spreads in this oversized book... you can pour over every inch forever. I'm delighted with this purchase, let me tell you. If you like McCurry's work, this one is a must have.

No point trying to talk about the images. Wise decision to just print them without captions or anything else next to them, not even page numbers.There's probably no point either in adding to the chorus of complaints about pictures ruined by splitting them on two pages-- I just can't help it... Some images survive it, most don't. At least have someone with a brain pick them! Suffice to say some of the thumbnails at the end look better than the two-page spread.Still, beautiful photographs. Even if you also have McCurry's Portraits or similar, don't even think about it! It's well worth it. I bet the other photographs wish he never met *that* girl :)

A wonderful presentation of the best photographs of Steve McCurry. The huge format of the book gives the pictures a suitable setting. I would take issue with others who have complained about pictures spread over two pages; I felt that those pictues were well selected and the page break was invariably in a place where it had low impact, while the double page spread helps the larger pictures. If I have any complaint at all, it is that I would have liked a little more text on the pictures and perhaps a more detailed biographical note.My book had the yellow sticker as well, but it came off easily enough with no deposit left behind.

What a fantastic book! I pondered long & hard over which McCurry book to get & this one is absolutely beautiful. Yes a few of the photos are over 2 pages & it is a large book but for me this didn't spoil the book at all. A genius at work & his photos speak directly to you.,It makes me want to grab my passport & camera & go back to some of the countries I have visited & take even more photos myself. It is a book I Know I will go back to time & time again & wrap it around me like a comfort blanket. Sensational!

This book of Steve McCurry's iconic photographs is simply one of the most beautiful I have had the pleasure to own. The subject matter covers many of the countries he has travelled too and is of mixed subject matter - some portrait, some figures within the landscape (which in one case particularly really gives it scale) and some landscape. I could neither put it down nor stop looking at it when it first arrived and everyone I have shown it to has felt the same. The colours are amazing but it is for me the pictures of the people set within the reality of their lives which are superb. It takes the person seeing the images to places they might never see and expresses the soul of that place and people vividly and sometimes heartbreakingly. Definitely connects with me on every level. Thank you Steve McCurry and Phaidon for producing the book the way you have. As a photographer myself it has given me a goal to aim for too although I realize it is a long way away right now.  Travels with My CameraTravels with My Camera

What a book, the quality of pictures are outstanding.It's bigger than I originally thought, but I'm impressed with the work of the author and photographer.Highly recommended

Lovely book. Nice quality pictures. Bigger than expected but I have to admit the size does enhanced the photos viewing. The book does not disappointed. Satisfied with the purchase.