Henri Cartier-Bresson
Henri Cartier-Bresson: A Master of the Decisive Moment
Full Name and Common Aliases
Henri Cartier-Bresson, often referred to simply as Cartier-Bresson, was a pioneering figure in the world of photography. Known as the father of modern photojournalism, he is celebrated for his candid and spontaneous style that captured the essence of life in a single frame.
Birth and Death Dates
Henri Cartier-Bresson was born on August 22, 1908, in Chanteloup-en-Brie, France. He passed away on August 3, 2004, in Montjustin, France, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence photographers and artists worldwide.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Cartier-Bresson was a French national who made his mark as a photographer, photojournalist, and painter. His work transcended the boundaries of traditional photography, earning him a place among the most revered artists of the 20th century.
Early Life and Background
Henri Cartier-Bresson was born into a wealthy family, which afforded him the opportunity to explore his artistic inclinations from a young age. Initially drawn to painting, he studied under the tutelage of Cubist painter André Lhote. This early exposure to the arts laid the foundation for his later work in photography. In the early 1930s, Cartier-Bresson discovered the Leica camera, a tool that would become synonymous with his name. The portability and versatility of the Leica allowed him to capture life as it unfolded, a concept that would become central to his photographic philosophy.
Major Accomplishments
Cartier-Bresson's career was marked by numerous accomplishments that solidified his status as a master of his craft. In 1947, he co-founded Magnum Photos, a cooperative agency that allowed photographers to maintain control over their work. This was a revolutionary concept at the time and helped to elevate the status of photojournalism as a legitimate art form. His work was featured in major publications such as Life, Harper's Bazaar, and Vogue, bringing his unique perspective to a global audience. Cartier-Bresson's ability to capture the "decisive moment"—a term he coined to describe the perfect instant when all elements in a photograph come together harmoniously—became his signature style and a guiding principle for photographers worldwide.
Notable Works or Actions
Among Cartier-Bresson's most notable works is his book "The Decisive Moment," published in 1952. This seminal work not only showcased his extraordinary talent but also articulated his philosophy of photography. His images from the Spanish Civil War, the liberation of Paris, and the early days of Communist China are considered iconic, offering a window into pivotal moments in history. Cartier-Bresson's portraiture work is equally renowned, capturing the essence of figures such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Mahatma Gandhi with an intimacy and insight that few could match.
Impact and Legacy
Henri Cartier-Bresson's impact on photography and the arts is immeasurable. He transformed the way people viewed photography, elevating it from a mere means of documentation to a form of artistic expression. His emphasis on capturing the spontaneity of life influenced generations of photographers and continues to resonate in the digital age. The Magnum Photos agency remains a testament to his vision, supporting photographers in their pursuit of truth and creativity. Cartier-Bresson's work is housed in prestigious collections worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris, ensuring that his legacy endures.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Henri Cartier-Bresson is widely quoted and remembered for his profound insights into the nature of photography and art. His belief in the power of the "decisive moment" has become a guiding principle for photographers seeking to capture the essence of their subjects. His quotes, such as "To photograph is to hold one's breath, when all faculties converge to capture fleeting reality," encapsulate his philosophy and continue to inspire those who seek to understand the world through the lens of a camera. Cartier-Bresson's ability to distill complex scenes into simple, yet powerful images has left an indelible mark on the world of photography, ensuring that his words and works remain relevant and revered.
Quotes by Henri Cartier-Bresson
Henri Cartier-Bresson's insights on:
Memory is very important, the memory of each photo taken, flowing at the same speed as the event. During the work, you have to be sure that you haven't left any holes, that you've captured everything, because afterwards it will be too late.
Pictures should never be posed. They are ‘revealed’ so must be accepted as they are. Left alone.
Think about the photo before and after, never during. The secret is to take your time. You mustn’t go too fast. The subject must forget about you. Then, however, you must be very quick.
During the work, you have to be sure that you haven’t left any holes, that you’ve captured everything, because afterwards it will be too late.
For me photography is to place head and heart and eye along the same line of sight. It’s a way of life.
If there is one point, it’s humanity, it’s life, the richness of life. The thing is simply to be sensitive.
All I care about these days is painting – photography has never been more than a way into painting, a sort of instant drawing.
Photography is simultaneously and instantaneously the recognition of a fact and the rigorous organization of visually perceived forms that express and signify that fact.
One has to tiptoe lightly and steal up to one’s quarry; you don’t swish the water when you are fishing.