Quotes by Henri Cartier-Bresson

About Henri Cartier-Bresson:

Henri Cartier-Bresson was a French photographer considered the master of candid photography, and an early user of 35 mm film. He helped develop street photography, and approvingly cited a notion of the inevitability of a decisive moment, a term adopted as the title for his first major book. His work has influenced many photographers.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Sharpness is a bourgeois concept

Henri Cartier-Bresson

To photograph: it is to put on the same line of sight the head, the eye and the heart.

Henri Cartier-Bresson

Photography is simultaneously and instantaneously the recognition of a fact and the rigorous organization of visually perceived forms that express and signify that fact

Henri Cartier-Bresson

Reality offers us such wealth that we must cut some of it out on the spot, simplify. The question is, do we always cut out what we should? ­

Henri Cartier-Bresson

Think about the photo before and after, never during. The secret is to take your time. You mustn't go too fast. The subject must forget about you. Then, however, you must be very quick.

Henri Cartier-Bresson

During the work, you have to be sure that you haven't left any holes, that you've captured everything, because afterwards it will be too late.

Henri Cartier-Bresson

Memory is very important, the memory of each photo taken, flowing at the same speed as the event. During the work, you have to be sure that you haven't left any holes, that you've captured everything, because afterwards it will be too late.

Henri Cartier-Bresson

Author Bio

  • NameHenri Cartier-Bresson
  • DescriptionFrench photographer
  • BornAugust 22, 1908
  • DiedAugust 2, 2004
  • CountryFrance
  • ProfessionPhotographer; Photojournalist
  • AwardsHasselblad Award; Lucie Award