Minnies Eyes

The other day I bought a book called 'Portraits' by Steve McCurry (link), obviously the book is full of portraits and WOW they are stunning!!!! You may recognise the front cover? McCurry is a National Geographic photographer, these beautiful photos are from India, Afghanistan, Philippines, Chad, Nepal, China, Mali, Tibet, and a little from Los Angeles. Children seems to be a subject McCurry is drawn to. The photos have no descriptions or wording which I LOVE as it leaves me to interpret these faces through my imagination. The only text in the book is the first page where McCurry writes. While reading his words I certainly get the impression he is an extremely calm and patient gentleman!!!!!!

"In Portraits I look for the unguarded moment, the essential soul peeking out, experience etched on a person's face....... When I find the right person or subject, I may come back once or twice, or half a dozen times, always waiting for that right moment. Unlike the writer, once I pack my bags, there is no chance for another draft- either I have the shot or I don't. This is what drives and haunts the professional photographer, the gnawing sense that 'this it it'."

Honestly, looking into their eyes I want to know their story, I wonder what they are thinking or what they have been through! I found this book while searching one of my favourite blogs "The Sartorialist" (link), Scott Schuman writes he found inspiration from this book, as he to likes to find that something special in his street style portraits. I find inspiration the way these cultures display colour, it seems so bright and cheery, yet their lives maybe the opposite?! If you are lost for ideas for a present, I definitely recommend it, fabulous coffee table book!!!! You can buy it on this site Book depository very cheap and speedy delivery! (Thanks Jane!) X