Henri Cartier-Bresson (social documentary)

Henri Cartier-Bresson was born in France 22/08/1908. He is considered to be the father of modern photojournalism and helped develop the street photography or reportage style we all know.

Henri Cartier-Bresson says 'photography is geometry and structure, in order to give a meaning to the work one has to feel involved in what one frames through the viewfinder. This attitude requires concentration, discipline of mind, sensitivity and a sense of geometry. It is by economy of means that one arrives at simplicity of expression.

• HCB studied painting and would divide his time between painting his own work and copying the works of masters
• He took his first photo at 23 years and published his first book 21 years later
• After 3 years and 3 attempts he escaped from a German prison of war camp
• He travelled the world photographing world events including Gandhi hours before he was assassinated
• He photographed legends such as Renoir, Matisse and Picasso!
• His images are full of lines, geometry and structure. My monochrome assignment attempts images with the same geometry, structure and lines, when images are taken in black and white the structure of the image is more visible and obvious, showing the lines and geometry without the distraction of colour.

10 things HCB can teach you about photography:

1. focus on geometry - HCB applied geometry to his images poetically 
2. be patient - HCB talks about 'the decisive moment' which sometime you have to wait for
3. travel - if you are fortunate to be able to travel, different cultures can be captured
4. stick to one lens - HCB called his 50mm lens 'an extension of his eye'
5. take photo's of children - difficult these days but can create beautiful nostalgia
6. be unobtrusive - HCB would cover his camera with black tape to blend into the background
7. see the world like a painter - utilize framing, composition, explore other forms of art
8. don't crop - vehemently apposed to cropping (although I think it's ok)
9. don't worry about processing - HCB trusted someone else (it's very easy now digital)
10. always strive for more - HCB moved easily from one image to another with no attachment. I was fascinated to see a documentary interview with HCB who seemed almost unable to take credit for his work,  I wonder if by being behind the lens makes you a little braver, or provides a barrier between you and the rest of the world.