India, Dec. 9 -- In 1997, Martin Parr took a photograph titled, A Perfect Cup of Tea, Sand Bay, England. This is the caption he gave it: "I've done many other pictures of cups of tea, but this is the best: every component is correct. It's a perfect cup of tea in a perfect Wedgwood cup and saucer on a perfect red gingham tablecloth."

It is this rare ability to locate impeccable composition in the utterly ordinary that made Parr one of the most extraordinary photographers of our time. From seaside towns to global tourism circuits, his mischievous yet empathetic lens changed the way we look at modern life, and at each other.

Parr, aged 73, died on Saturday at his home in Bristol, the Martin Parr Foundation announced in a statement. Parr is...