Ever heard of Henri Cartier-Bresson?
If you’re an amateur, aspiring, wannabe, or professional photographer, you better say yes (then go look him up if you lied).
In a photo documentary, The Impassioned Eye, Henri Cartier-Bresson is interviewed about his images, his life, his career, and his experience as a photographer…
In order to “give a meaning” to the world, 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.
Here are a few things you should know about this legendary, master photographer…
- He studied painting and would divide his time between painting his own work and copying the works of masters.
- He took his first photograph at age 23… first book published 21 years later.
- After 3 years and 3 attempts, he escaped from a German prison camp.
- He traveled the world photographing world events, including Gandhi just hours before he was assassinated.
- He photographed legends so many visual artists dream of meeting: Renoir, Sartre, Faulkner, Matisse, Picasso.
Today’s image was inspired by studying his images that are full of lines, geometry, and structure. I’m nowhere near this master, but I am looking at things differently after “inhaling” his work.
You would not believe the inordinate amount of Bresson’s images I have reviewed the past few days. In fact, Henri Cartier-Bresson said that he digested and consumed (rather than just seeing) the images of others (particularly painters).
Are you digesting and consuming the work of legendary, iconic, master photographers who have blazed the trail ahead of you? Why not start today?
Have I piqued your interest enough to learn more about this amazing photographer?
You can find the documentary, Henri Cartier-Bresson: The Impassioned Eye
Manual: Page 71
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