Date of Birth: August 22, 1908
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Date of Death: August 3, 2004
Biography
Henri Cartier-Bresson was a pioneering French photographer who is often considered the father of modern photojournalism. Born in Chanteloup-en-Brie, Seine-et-Marne, France, he initially studied painting before turning to photography. Cartier-Bresson co-founded Magnum Photos in 1947, an international photographic cooperative that remains influential to this day. He is renowned for his candid and street photography, capturing the spontaneity and essence of everyday life. His concept of the “decisive moment” emphasized the importance of timing and composition in photography, making him a monumental figure in the field. Cartier-Bresson’s work has been exhibited in major museums and galleries worldwide, and he continued to influence both photography and visual arts until his death.
5 Interesting Facts about Henri Cartier-Bresson
1. Henri Cartier-Bresson was one of the first photographers to use a 35mm film camera, which allowed him to capture candid moments with ease.
2. He was heavily influenced by Surrealism, a cultural movement that sought to release the creative potential of the unconscious mind.
3. Cartier-Bresson served as a prisoner of war during World War II but managed to escape on his third attempt.
4. He was an early adopter of the Leica camera, which became his preferred choice for its portability and unobtrusiveness.
5. In 1952, he published “The Decisive Moment,” a book that has become a seminal text in the field of photography.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henri Cartier-Bresson
1. “To photograph is to hold one’s breath, when all faculties converge to capture fleeting reality.”
2. “Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.”
3. “Photography is, for me, a spontaneous impulse coming from an ever-attentive eye which captures the moment and its eternity.”
4. “In photography, the smallest thing can be a great subject. The little, human detail can become a Leitmotiv.”
5. “The photograph itself doesn’t interest me. I want only to capture a minute part of reality.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Henri Cartier-Bresson’s highest net worth was estimated at approximately $10 million.
Children
Henri Cartier-Bresson had one daughter, Mélanie Cartier-Bresson, who has worked to preserve and promote her father’s legacy.
Relevant Links
1. [Magnum Photos](https://www.magnumphotos.com/
2. [Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation](https://www.henricartierbresson.org/en/
3. [The Decisive Moment – Published Book](https://www.artbook.com/9783869307886.html
4. [Biography on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Henri-Cartier-Bresson
5. [Exhibition at MoMA](https://www.moma.org/artists/973
