Street: People, Places, and Things -- Henri Cartier-Bresson
Details
This is our monthly street photography walk. The walk is to focus on studying the masters of photography in street photography by repeating their methods on a walk.
Each month will have a specific master to study and consider.
Generally each walk starts at the Dart Station in Rowlett.
This year's format has changed to more of a self driven model...i.e, you chose the depth and areas you wish to research for the particular photographer. There are some suggested materials but weather you review those or others is up to you. The important thing is you grasp the photographer's areas of focus.
## January: Henri Cartier-Bresson
Birth/Death: 1908–2004
Focus: The 'decisive moment,' geometric composition, photojournalism
Portfolio: https://www.henricartierbresson.org
Biography
Henri Cartier-Bresson is widely regarded as the father of modern photojournalism and street photography. Born in Chanteloup-en-Brie, France, he initially studied painting before picking up a Leica camera in the early 1930s. His concept of the "decisive moment"—capturing the split second when all visual elements align perfectly—became the foundational philosophy of street photography.
In 1947, he co-founded Magnum Photos, the legendary cooperative photo agency. Throughout his career, he documented major world events, from the Spanish Civil War to Gandhi's funeral in India. His work emphasized observation over technical manipulation; he famously never cropped his images and covered his camera's chrome with black tape to remain inconspicuous.
Recommended Video Resources
1. Henri Cartier-Bresson: The Impassioned Eye (2003)
Feature documentary with HCB commenting on his photographs, featuring interviews with Elliott Erwitt, Josef Koudelka, and Arthur Miller.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Henri+Cartier-Bresson+Impassioned+Eye+documentary
2. Pen, Brush and Camera (1998)
Documentary filmed for HCB's 90th birthday exhibitions in London, featuring the photographer discussing his images in English.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Henri+Cartier-Bresson+Pen+Brush+Camera
3. Charlie Rose Interview with HCB
Rare television interview with the master photographer in Paris, introduced by Richard Avedon.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKBSkNuUqAc