RIP Ian Berry, the Magnum photojournalist who shot the only photos of the Sharpeville massacre, and who spent more than seven decades working hard, being humble, and insisting the job was never about the gear

Renowned British photojournalist Ian Berry passed away at the age of 92 after a brief illness. His wife Kathie shared on Instagram that he had peacefully passed away while preparing to travel to the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia. Berry's illustrious career encompassed significant moments in 20th century history, including the Sharpeville massacre, the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia, the Vietnam War, Northern Ireland's Troubles, and the fall of apartheid.

In an interview from 2011, Digital Camera Magazine described Berry's humble approach to his work and equipment. Despite still in his 70s at the time, he discussed his kit bag containing two Leica M8.2 rangefinders, a 28-50mm lens, a Nikon D700 for SLR use, and an old 70-300mm Nikon zoom, which he considered a lighter, more portable alternative. Berry had been photographing with film since 1952 and transitioned to digital equipment later in his career.

Berry's dedication to photography began in his youth and remained steadfast throughout his life. When asked about retirement, he dismissed the notion, stating his continued health and the desire to continue pursuing stories. Throughout his career, he maintained a distinct working method, relying on contact sheets rather than digital previews to capture his shots.

This approach, instilled by his Magnum colleague Elliot Erwitt, proved instrumental in his ability to capture crucial moments, such as the Sharpeville massacre in 1960. Despite initial rejection from Drum magazine, his images later found their way into LIFE and Paris Match, used to prove the police's misconduct and clear protesters of wrongdoing. Berry's legacy as a skilled and humble photojournalist will be sorely missed.