Who Is Kevin Carter? Age, Biography and Wiki
Kevin Carter was born on September 13, 1960, and tragically passed away on July 21, 1994. He was a South African photojournalist whose work predominantly focused on the humanitarian crises and injustices in Africa. The most notable of his works include the haunting photograph of a vulture waiting near a starving Sudanese child, which earned him the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography in 1994. In 2025, Carter continues to be remembered not only for his striking and sometimes controversial images but also for the ethical discussions they provoke about photojournalism and the role of the photographer in humanitarian crises.
| Occupation | Photographers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 13, 1960 |
| Age | 33 Years |
| Birth Place | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | South Africa |
| Date of death | 27 July, 1994 |
| Died Place | Parkmore, Johannesburg, South Africa |
Popularity
Kevin Carter's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details on Kevin Carter's height and weight are not widely documented, it's noted that he was a physically active individual, often seen in rugged environments for his assignments. During his life, he maintained an athletic build that complemented his adventurous pursuit of capturing extraordinary stories through his lens.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Kevin Carter had a complicated personal life that was often overshadowed by his professional commitments. While exact details about his relationships remain private, it is understood that he had strong connections with friends and fellow journalists in the industry. Carter’s work took a significant toll on his mental health, which may have affected his ability to maintain long-term relationships, adding a layer of tragedy to his life story.
As a child, he occasionally saw police raids to arrest black people who were illegally living in the area. He said later that he questioned how his parents, a Catholic, "liberal" family, could be what he described as "lackadaisical" about fighting against apartheid.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Kevin Carter's financial status reflected the unpredictability of a freelance photojournalist. His earnings predominantly came from various publications and photography projects. After his death, his impactful images earned him posthumous recognition, but concrete figures concerning his net worth remain speculative. Current estimates suggest that the lasting influence of his work continues to contribute to his legacy rather than direct financial profit.
Career, Business, and Investments
Carter's career was characterized by his fearless exploration of challenging environments—documenting political turmoil, famine, and human suffering across Africa, particularly in Soweto, South Africa—during the apartheid era. His investment in telling the stories of the marginalized left an indelible mark on the field of photojournalism. He co-founded the Bang-Bang Club, a group of photographers who documented the social and political issues in South Africa during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
After completing his military service, in 1983 Carter returned to Johannesburg and took a job in a photographic supply store. This is how he met local photojournalists and received his first commission. He partnered with the Johannesburg Sunday Express and became a weekend sports photographer. He took photos at Saturday and Sunday matches.
In 1984, he moved on to work for the Johannesburg Star, exposing the brutality of apartheid.
Social Network
Despite his untimely death, Kevin Carter's influence endures in contemporary discussions around photojournalism ethics. His work continues to be shared on social media and academic forums, provoking critical dialogue regarding the responsibilities of journalists. His legacy can be explored on various platforms that honor significant photojournalists, and forums dedicated to ethical photography practices.
Kevin Carter (13 September 1960 – 27 July 1994) was a South African photojournalist and member of the Bang-Bang Club. He was the recipient in 1994 of a Pulitzer Prize for his photograph depicting the 1993 famine in Sudan; he died by suicide less than four months after at the age of 33.
His story is depicted in the book The Bang-Bang Club, written by Greg Marinovich and João Silva and published in 2000.
Education
Carter's educational background reflects his commitment to storytelling through images. He attended the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, where he developed his skills in photography and gained a deeper understanding of the socio-political landscape of South Africa. His education, combined with on-the-ground experience, prepared him for the emotional and ethical complexities of his future work.
After high school, Carter dropped out of his studies to become a pharmacist and was drafted into the army. To escape from the infantry, he enlisted in the Air Force in which he served four years. In 1980, he witnessed a black mess-hall waiter being insulted. Carter defended the man, resulting in him being badly beaten by the other servicemen.
He then went absent without leave, attempting to start a new life as a radio disc-jockey named "David". This, however, proved more difficult than he had anticipated. Soon after, he decided to serve out the rest of his required military service.
After witnessing the Church Street bombing in Pretoria in 1983, he decided to become a news photographer and journalist.
