Blessing and curse, destructive and life-giving—the monsoon affects nearly half the world’s population.
Known for the tropical ocean winds that sweep across Asia’s plains, bringing torrential rain, it is both a constant and one of the greatest uncertainties in people’s lives.
These downpours presented serious practical challenges for McCurry, but they also offered extraordinary opportunities to capture unique images.
He recalls:
“When I had to work in the rain, I always carried a large umbrella. I would turn my back to the wind and try to protect the lens as best I could. At times, it felt like the lens was the only dry thing within five kilometers. I was soaked from head to toe, but the lens stayed dry. I learned to balance the umbrella on my shoulder—but almost always, an assistant would try to squeeze under it, leaving the camera exposed.”
Between sudden storms, heavy rain, and floods, the monsoon season makes daily life extremely difficult.
And yet, in the gentle ripples of water covered with tiny floating plants, lapping against a white fence—and in the calm expression of the girl’s face—life goes on.