France Photography

Henri Cartier-Bresson

The Decisive moment is a kind of pre-visualisation different from Steiglitz "proper moment." Considers it his special artistic intuition. Looking for significant moments in ordinary life that surprise us. Instant in which formal spacial relationship of the subject are composed to reveal a special meaning. Acutely aesthetic. Dont compose the scene - you find it.

Place de l'Europe: Man jumping, caught mid-air. Formally composed well.

Gestapo Informer Accused - Shot of a victim of the Nazi's. Woman is pointing out an informant. Capturing of the expression and historical document becomes important. Excitement of winning and exposing perpetrators.

Different subjects with different ideas of meaning. All about a single shot. Not about a manipulation. tHe real photographer has the patience to make these pictures. Described as a detective laying in wait with his camera