Who is Henri Cartier-Bresson?

Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908-2004) was an internationally renowned French photographer, often considered one of the pioneers of modern photojournalism. His approach to photography, which he described as the decisive moment, profoundly influenced the art of capturing fleeting moments that reveal universal truths through a single image.

Trained as a painter, Henri Cartier-Bresson began exploring photography in the 1930s. He traveled the world, documenting major historical events, landscapes, portraits and scenes of everyday life with a precision and sensitivity that became his signature. His favorite camera, a Leica 35 mm with a 50 mm focal length, enabled him to remain discreet and capture spontaneous moments without disturbing his subjects.

In 1947, Henri Cartier-Bresson co-founded Magnum Photos with Robert Capa, David Seymour, George Rodger and William Vandivert. This agency played a crucial role in the professionalization of photojournalism, allowing photographers to retain copyright over their images and to freely choose their subjects.

Henri Cartier-Bresson is best known for his black-and-white photographs, which capture the complexity and beauty of the human condition. Images such as Derrière la Gare Saint-Lazare and Rue Mouffetard have become icons of photography. He also covered many historic events, including the liberation of Paris in 1944, India’s independence in 1947 and Gandhi’s death.

In 1974, Henri Cartier-Bresson gradually retired from photography to devote himself to painting, but his influence on contemporary photography remains immense. His work continues to be studied and celebrated for its unique ability to capture the essence of the moment and transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Henri Cartier-Bresson is recognized today as a master of his genre, having left an indelible mark on the history of photography.

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