HENRI CARTIER-BRESSON

(22 August 1908 – 3 August 2004)
-Profession: Artist, Humanist Photographer, Pioneer of Candid Photography

Early Life and Education

-Born into a bourgeois family in Paris, France
-Received early exposure to painting, studying under his uncle Louis, a renowned painter
-Explored painting and studied classical and modern art at private art schools and academies in Paris

Influence of Surrealism on Photography

-Engaged with Surrealist movement, embracing techniques of using subconscious and immediacy in art
-Recognized photography's capacity to reveal unintended meanings, influenced by Surrealist ideology

Cambridge and Army Experience

-Studied art, literature, and English at the University of Cambridge, becoming bilingual
-Conscripted into the French Army in 1930

Introduction to Photography

-Received his first camera from American expatriate Harry Crosby during a brief encounter
-Inspired to pursue photography seriously after viewing impactful photographs by Martin Munkacsi and others

Photographic Career

-Acquired a Leica camera, which became his tool for capturing decisive moments
-Traveled extensively, photographing in Europe and beyond, exhibiting his work in New York and Madrid
-Met and collaborated with notable photographers like David Seymour (Chim) and Robert Capa

Photojournalism and Magnum Photos

-Published his first photojournalistic work covering King George VI's coronation in 1937
-Co-founded Magnum Photos in 1947 with other renowned photographers
-Gained international recognition for documenting historical events and social changes around the world

Philosophy and Approach to Photography

-Pioneered street photography, emphasizing the importance of capturing decisive moments
-Believed in the power of photography to reveal truths about human existence and the world
-Focused on depicting ordinary life with empathy and sensitivity

Legacy

-Left a profound impact on photography, shaping the genre of candid and street photography
-Magnum Photos continues to uphold his ethos of using photography to serve humanity

Notable Work: "Coronation of King George VI, London 1937"

-Captured the reactions of the public during King George VI's coronation, focusing on the diverse and human elements of the scene
-Emphasized the significance of documenting everyday life and the collective human experience
-Henri Cartier-Bresson's legacy as a master photographer and his contributions to the art of photography continue to inspire generations of photographers worldwide