Chris Steele-Perkins, the internationally acclaimed photographer who spent more than four decades documenting the world through his lens as a member of the prestigious Magnum Photos agency, has died at the age of 78. The British-Burmese photojournalist passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 8 in Japan, according to his wife, photographer Miyako Yamada, who confirmed the news through an emotional Instagram post.
"His life as a photographer has been exciting, rewarding, and enriching," Yamada wrote in her tribute. "Thank you very much. We should all be grateful for the enrichment he brought to places and people that might otherwise have remained unseen." Magnum Photos also announced the photographer's death on their official Instagram account, sharing a photograph of Steele-Perkins taken at the agency's London offices in 1994.
Born in Yangon, Myanmar, in 1947 to a Burmese mother and English father, Steele-Perkins relocated to the United Kingdom with his family when he was just two years old. He initially pursued academic studies in psychology at Newcastle University before discovering his passion for photography and making the career shift in the early 1970s. By 1971, Steele-Perkins had established himself as a full-time photographer in London, where he focused his early work on documenting urban social issues, particularly poverty and inequality.
His career gained momentum when he began contributing to The Sunday Times Magazine, and in 1973, he traveled to Bangladesh to photograph humanitarian work being conducted by various relief organizations. However, his major breakthrough came with the publication of "The Teds" in 1979, a groundbreaking documentary photo book that captured Britain's rebellious Teddy Boy subculture. The book featured youth who had revived Edwardian-style fashion with a defiant, rebellious twist, and Steele-Perkins' gritty black-and-white portraits masterfully showcased Britain's working-class youth in their sharp suits, perfectly blending style with defiance.
"The Teds" is now widely regarded as a landmark work in both documentary and fashion photography, establishing Steele-Perkins as a significant voice in contemporary photography. That same pivotal year, 1979, marked another major milestone in his career when he joined the renowned Magnum Photos collective. Four years later, in 1983, he achieved full membership status, becoming the first person of color to be awarded that distinction at Magnum Photos—a significant turning point for the agency, which had been predominantly white and European since its founding in 1947.
Steele-Perkins' influence at Magnum Photos extended beyond his photography, as he later served as President of the organization from 1995 to 1998, helping to guide the agency through important developmental years. Throughout his tenure with Magnum Photos, he worked extensively on international assignments, covering some of the most significant global events and crises of his era. His work included documenting the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, capturing the devastating famines in Africa, and reporting on the complex conflicts in Lebanon.
In addition to his conflict and crisis photography, Steele-Perkins also developed a deep appreciation for documenting rural life in Japan, where he eventually chose to settle with his wife Yamada. This work represented a different facet of his artistic vision, showcasing his ability to find beauty and meaning in quieter, more intimate moments as well as in dramatic world events.
Gregory Halpern, Magnum Co-President, released an official statement reflecting on Steele-Perkins' remarkable legacy and contributions to the field of photography. "It is with deep sadness that we reflect on the passing of Chris Steele-Perkins," Halpern stated. "His photographs could be both tender and unsparing, revealing both dignity and difficulty in equal measure, and they have shaped the way many of us think about what photography can do."
Halpern continued his tribute by emphasizing the photographer's lasting impact on the industry and the people he worked with throughout his career. "For 46 years, Chris was a vital part of Magnum Photos. His powerful photography helped define what photojournalism could be. His dedication to storytelling and generous mentorship shaped countless colleagues and inspired photographers and audiences everywhere." Steele-Perkins' death marks the end of an era for documentary photography, leaving behind a substantial body of work that captured both the struggles and triumphs of human experience across multiple continents and cultures.
