Henri Cartier-Bresson was a French photographer who is widely considered to be one of the pioneers of modern photography. He’s known for his candid, spontaneous street photography, which captures life’s fleeting moments in a way that’s both poetic and powerful. His approach to photography was deeply rooted in the concept of “the decisive moment” — a fleeting moment that is both visually interesting and emotionally engaging.
Cartier-Bresson was born in Chanteloup-en-Brie, France in 1908. He was the eldest of five children and was raised in a wealthy family. His father was a wealthy textile manufacturer and his mother was a painter. From an early age, Cartier-Bresson was exposed to art and photography and developed an interest in both. At the age of 17, Cartier-Bresson began studying painting at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. He was a talented painter but eventually decided to focus on photography. In 1930, he purchased his first camera, a Leica, and began to take photographs. Cartier-Bresson’s photography was characterized by his use of the “decisive moment,” a concept he developed which focused on capturing the perfect moment in time.
Cartier-Bresson traveled extensively throughout his career, capturing images from all over the world. He documented the Spanish Civil War, the Second World War, and the French-Indochina War. He also traveled to India, China, and the United States, where he photographed the civil rights movement.
Cartier-Bresson’s work was widely acclaimed and he was awarded the prestigious Prix Nadar in 1955. He was also a founding member of the Magnum Photos agency, which was established in 1947. Cartier-Bresson’s influence on photography is still felt today. He is credited with helping to define the concept of street photography and his work has inspired generations of photographers. His work is still widely admired and his legacy will continue to live on for many years to come.
“Is the greatest photographer of the 20th Century, he is like Tolstoy was to literature, he covered all the ground in a vast way politically, socially and the most personal and complex insight into the human personality”.
Richard Avedon
Richard Avedon’s quote about Henri Cartier-Bresson is an apt description of the immense impact that Cartier-Bresson had on photography and, indeed, on the 20th century in general. Cartier-Bresson, who is often referred to as the “father of modern photojournalism,” was a pioneering photographer who used his work to capture and document the political, social, and personal issues of his time. His work often featured a unique combination of intimacy and immediacy, providing unparalleled insight into the human experience.
Cartier-Bresson’s influence extended far beyond the world of photography, as his work inspired many other artists, writers, and filmmakers. His photographs provided a powerful visual record of the tumultuous 20th century, and his iconic images still remain some of the most iconic of the period.
Cartier-Bresson was for photography, in many ways, what Tolstoy has been for literature. His work combined a deep understanding of the human condition with an unparalleled eye for composition, providing a timeless record of the world that still resonates today. Avedon’s quote is an apt description of the legacy that Cartier-Bresson left behind, and one that will continue to be remembered and appreciated for years to come.
Henri Cartier-Bresson had a great sense of timing, a great intuition for seizing the right moment, a great sensitivity, and a sense of geometry. His photographs gave meaning to the world they captured.
Henri Cartier-Bresson explained that what makes an excellent photo for him is: “a combination of shape and geometry and something you can’t describe, which is sensitivity, or imagination.“
He believed that a great photograph should always tell a story, and that the photographer should be able to capture the “decisive moment” when all the scene elements come together to create a powerful image. He was a master of composition, always looking for the perfect balance between the elements in the frame. He also had an eye for light, often utilizing the available light to create beautiful shadows and contrast in his images.
Photography is not like painting. There is a creative fraction of a second when you are taking a picture. Your eye must see a composition or an expression that life itself offers you, and you must know with intuition when to click the camera.
That is the moment the photographer is creative. Oop! The Moment! Once you miss it, it is gone forever.
Henri Cartier-Bresson, in an interview with The Washington Post in 1957
He was renowned for his candid, spontaneous style of shooting, which focused on capturing candid moment in everyday life.
The entire point of street photography is to capture the beauty of the everyday.
Henri Cartier-Bresson
His eye for capturing life in the moment has really made his work timeless and iconic.
If you’re interested in trying to capture photos in the style of Henri Cartier-Bresson, here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Be prepared: Cartier-Bresson was always ready for a photo opportunity. He was constantly on the lookout for interesting scenes and was never without his camera. Before you head out to take photos, ensure you’re prepared with the right gear and have a plan of action.
2. Look for the decisive moment: Cartier-Bresson was always looking for the perfect moment to capture in a photo. He was constantly scanning his surroundings and was quick to act when he spotted an exciting scene. He was really a master at capturing moments. He was always on the lookout for the spontaneous, fleeting moments that make everyday life so special. His images often captured a sense of joy, emotion, and surprise. Take your time to observe your surroundings and be ready to act when you find the right moment.
3. Utilize the available light: Cartier-Bresson was a master of using the available light to create dramatic shadows and contrast in his photos. Pay attention to the light and how it’s affecting your images. You can use it to your advantage to create beautiful photos. The way he used light is another really important element. He often used the sun as a backlight, creating beautiful silhouettes and shadows in his images. He was also known to use light to create depth and dimension in his images, allowing the viewer to be drawn into the frame.
4. Capture emotion: Cartier-Bresson was always looking for the emotional aspect of a photo. He wanted to capture the feeling of the scene and evoke an emotional response from the viewer. Look for moments that convey emotion and tell a story.
5. Look for interesting compositions: Cartier-Bresson was a master of composition and always looked for the perfect balance between the elements in the frame. Look for interesting and dynamic compositions and experiment with different angles and perspectives. If you are looking to capture photos in the style of Cartier-Bresson, it is essential to be mindful of composition. He was known for his unique use of framing to create compelling images. Cartier-Bresson also utilized geometric shapes, like lines and circles, to create a sense of order and harmony in his photographs.
6. Keep it simple: Cartier-Bresson believed in keeping his photos simple and minimalistic. He tried to avoid clutter and unnecessary elements in his images. Try to focus on the main subject of your photos and keep it simple.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to capturing photos in the style of Henri Cartier-Bresson. His approach to photography is timeless and still relevant today. Keep practicing and experimenting and soon you’ll be able to capture photos that evoke emotion and tell a story.