The internet has made the world smaller but, despite that, there are times when some people must seem so out of reach. How, for instance, do you get to talk to Richard Branson? Imagine my surprise, and delight, therefore, when one of the world’s greatest photographers responded to my email. Enjoy his stunning work, and my ‘networking’ story, right here.Steve McCurry has been a one of the most iconic voices in contemporary photography for more than 30 years, with scores of magazine and book covers, over a dozen books, and countless exhibitions around the world, to his name. And he’s won more awards than most of us could dream of!
In fact me, Chris and Patrick were sitting at a computer, last night, admiring his stunning work, and talking about a local photography club. As we chatted we stumbled upon these wonderful ‘tea / coffee’ images so I decided to drop Monsieur McCurry a quick email, because, somehow, they summed up everything Phil Hopkins is about……’I can’t afford to buy them Steve,’ said I, ‘but will you let me use them?’
And guess what?
- The World in Your Cup
A reply from his ‘people. This is what they said: “It’s always nice to hear from people who appreciate Steve’s work………..we do appreciate that you’ve taken the time to contact us regarding the use of images for your blog. We will permit you the use of the photos………thank you again for taking the time to check with the studio.”
Two things. It pays to ask, it pays to be polite and never think that anyone is too remote to network and connect with.
Brazil
The photos I particularly wanted to feature on my blog were Steve’s wonderful ‘tea/coffee’ shots which, time and again, illustrate how a ‘cuppa’ is so instrumental in either the process of relaxation or relationships.
Istanbul, Turkey
The images speak at an emotional level and, as I indicated in an earlier blog, you have to reach people at an emotional level to truly connect. If you don’t then you are simply a cold, hard sell merchant and you will have limited success.
Thanks for your help Steve.
The World in Your Cup stevemccurry.com/galleries/world-your-cup
Go check out his amazing work at stevemccurry.com/blog
All photos by Steve McCurry, a gentleman and a scholar. Thanks buddy.
