7 Lessons from Famous Photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson

Henri Cartier-Bresson is one of the most famous photographers in history.  In fact, we’ve written about him as a famous photographer before.  Cartier-Bresson was the co-founder of Magnum (a photo agency of the day) who brilliantly captured the events and spirit of the 20th century. His life was packed with adventure and excitement, which he translated into the body of work that we all love.

But have you ever wondered what Cartier-Bresson could teach you, to help you reflect on your own work and become a better photographer? I was checking out a book of his images the other day and began wondering what some of these lessons might be. So I’ve put together a list of 7 things that I think we can all draw from Henri Cartier-Bresson’s life and work.

And what if the action is in the middle of a war zone? What then, Bresson? Okay... fine. He would probably still go.

1.     Find out where the action is, and get there!

“The world is going to pieces and people like Adams and Weston are photographing rocks!”  -  Henri Cartier-Bresson

Henri Cartier-Bresson was one of those people who just seem to find themselves in the thick of it. His life would make an awesome film, taking in, as it did, so many of the twists and turns of the 20th century.
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7 Lessons from Famous Photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson