To say St. Petersburg is beautiful would be an understatement. It’s beyond beautiful. It’s alternately opulent and grand, elegant then imperial. The city still held many stories that master photographer Steve McCurry felt he needed to tell, despite having visited many times in the past.

“I go to places that I’m curious about. I like to go to places I have been before so I can examine them further,” says McCurry. “There’s value in not over-researching a place and going there to just discover it without any preconceptions.”

The white-nights of summer led Steve’s travels to Russia’s “Venice of the North.” Spurred on by the splendid light, he wandered through St. Petersburg’s parks and gardens, visited the famous onion-domed churches and even somehow found his way onto the city’s rooftops. Always curious, he delved deep into the city’s heritage and looked beyond the pastel-fronted buildings to immortalize unguarded moments.

Capturing the rare slices of life in which we are unaware is what our master photographer excels at: the child playfully holding a statue’s hand, a jogger taking a break in the park, a street performer laughing in front of the camera. Everything is there, including the sense of authenticity that transcends the superficial. McCurry captures the commonplace and turns it into something extraordinary.

An expert at framing the unexpected, Steve McCurry has the uncanny knack of being in the right place at the right time. Tinged with gold, this body of work is proof of that. And we, the audience, are immersed into the authentic beauty of St. Petersburg as a result.

Capturing the Authentic Beauty of the World

Steve McCurry needs no introduction. He is most probably the greatest living photographer today. His iconic “Afghan Girl” image has captured the hearts and minds of thousands – the eloquence of her haunted expression, telling the world of her fate through her vivid green eyes – is simply stupendous.

So, when considering our new direction, Steve was a natural choice for us. He is a born storyteller with the soul of an explorer. His unique ability to capture what is left of the authentic beauty and truth in the world and express it with clarity and emotion is just brilliant. A McCurry image not only takes you on a journey, it inspires you to travel the world.

To learn more about the partnership between Steve McCurry and Silversea visit: www.steveandsilversea.com

Steve McCurry

Steve McCurry has been one of the most iconic voices in contemporary photography for more than 30 years. His work spans conflicts, vanishing cultures, ancient traditions and contemporary culture alike – yet always retains the human element that made his celebrated image of the Afghan Girl such a powerful image.

McCurry has been recognized with some of the most prestigious awards in the industry, including the Robert Capa Gold Medal, the National Press Photographers Award, and four first prize awards from the World Press Photo contest.