Henri Cartier-Bresson was a legendary French photographer, celebrated as the father of modern photojournalism and a pioneer of street photography. Born on August 22, 1908, in Chanteloup-en-Brie, France, Cartier-Bresson initially trained as a painter, which deeply influenced his photographic style. He believed in the decisive moment—the perfect instant when composition, light, and emotion align to create a powerful image.
Using a Leica 35mm camera, he captured candid moments with remarkable precision, often working unnoticed to preserve the authenticity of his subjects. His groundbreaking works include Behind the Gare Saint-Lazare and iconic coverage of major historical events such as Gandhi's funeral, the Liberation of Paris, and post-war Asia.
In 1947, Cartier-Bresson co-founded Magnum Photos, a cooperative agency that allowed photographers to retain ownership of their work. This transformed photojournalism, giving artists more creative and financial control.
Cartier-Bresson retired from photography in the 1970s to return to his first love—drawing. He passed away on August 3, 2004, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire photographers and storytellers around the globe. His life’s work stands as a testament to the power of photography to capture both the beauty and complexity of the human experience.