Ian Berry dies at 92

The British photojournalist died peacefully last weekend after a short illness. He and his wife were about to fly to French Polynesia.

Seven decades of history

Berry covered Sharpeville, the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia, the Vietnam War, Northern Ireland's Troubles, and the fall of apartheid.

No gearhead sentimentality

In his 70s, Berry carried two Leica M8.2s, a Nikon D700, and an old 70-300mm zoom he called an amateur lens but kept for its light weight.

“it delivers great results while feeling very light in my bag”

Never checked the screen

Berry treated his digital camera like film, never reviewing images on the back. He preferred moving on to get the next shot.

“I have a good idea of what I've got, and rather than checking images all the time, I'd prefer to be moving on”

The tea test with Cartier-Bresson

Berry's first Magnum meeting failed because he showed prints instead of contact sheets. He returned later with contacts and ordered tea, not coffee.

The only Sharpeville photos

In 1960, Berry ignored orders to leave and captured police firing on protesters. Drum refused to publish, but LIFE and Paris Match did.

His photos cleared the accused

Berry's images were used in court to prove police had lied and to clear protesters of affray charges.

Never stopped working

Asked about retirement in 2011, Berry laughed it off. He continued working well into his old age, healthy and doing stories.

“What would I do? I'm still healthy, I can go off and do stories”