Previously unseen images of Steve McCurry

In his 40-year career as a legendary travel photographer, he has traveled to every corner of the globe. His new book Looking for Another Place contains a collection of photographs never seen before. Here he chooses a few of his favorites.

9 PHOTOS

1. India, 1999

This picture shows a shepherd who offered to take me through the countryside near Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir. He was intimately acquainted with the nomads who were soon to pass through the area in search of warmer places for their livestock. He and his family were extremely hospitable and invited me to their home, which I gladly accepted. All photos: Steve McCurry.

2. Cuba, 2019.

Cuba is one of my favorite travel destinations. The old town of Havana has a rare charm. I watched this woman walk down a shopping street in what was once a fashionable area of the city. I spotted this bridal shop with this handsome young mannequin in the window; I compared the mannequin depicting youth and hopes for a brighter future compared to a woman on the street who had a difficult life.

3. India, 1996

Over the past 40 years, I have witnessed the economic and social transformation in India. This photo was taken on an upscale shopping street in Mumbai. It was interesting to watch two women dressed in the black shop at the window and look at a photo of the famous actress Aishwarya Rai.

4. Tibet, 2005

This little child went with his family to the week-long Litang Horse Festival in Sichuan Province, where nomadic Tibetan herders gather every summer to trade and race their ponies. I was fortunate to meet hundreds of Tibetans as I traveled through their land and visited their sacred sites.

5. Papua New Guinea, 2017

The "mud people" of Papua New Guinea's highlands make scary masks and pose with weapons in a tribute to their past tribal rivalries. Although their dances are more ceremonial today, they still honor the traditions of their ancestors, perpetuating old superstitions and illusions.

6. Italy, 2011

The city of Venice has brought me back more times than I can count. The Italian ethos is based on living a fulfilling life. The breathtaking synergy of people and their environment creates an endless number of photo opportunities. Venice is a living museum unlike any other city in the world.

7. Myanmar, 1995

A young monk sits under a gnarled tree and studies in the courtyard of his monastery. The practice of teaching young men to be monks has been a tradition for centuries. They study sacred texts and meditate until they are adult monks, usually around 20 years of age. Many of the boys studying to become monks come from poor families who see learning as a way to a better life.

8. India, 2018

As I was walking down a small alley in Calcutta, I happened to pass by this small temple when the priest was starting the evening puja or prayer. Taken just before dusk, it marks the last of the daily prayers and prepares the mind for God's mercy.

9. Madagascar, 2019.

I have always dreamed of going to Madagascar. I was lucky enough to visit for the first time in November 2019. Seeing the giant African baobabs up close was an incredible experience. They are often referred to as the "tree of life" because of their age and their ability to store water during times of drought.