One of photography’s legends is Henri Cartier-Bresson. The unobtrusive man in banker’s shoes with rimless glasses and quick grey eyes is one of the most influential photographers of his generation.

The French photographer is said to be the father of photojournalism and used 35mm format to apture his images. He is one of the founders of street photography, a photography style that is celebrated today.

His working methods are part of photography lore. He is famous for his uncanny ability to remain invisible to the subjects he photographs (he is said to cover his camera with black tape so that the shiny part of his camera is hiding. Bresson has a genius way of capturing a moment and telling the whole story in just one photo.

What is Bresson’s secret? Timing is the gift that Bresson has used for his most memorable images. Cartier said “There is one moment at which elements in motion are in balance. Photography must seize upon this moment.”

It is this instinct and that gift for finding the “decisive moment” and compassion for human nature that is Bresson’s best contribution to photography.

For more about Bresson checkout www.henricartierbresson.org

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