Two years ago this day, Henri Cartier-Bresson died at age 95. Known as the father of photojournalism, he is best remembered for being one of the founders, along with David Seymour and controversial war photographer Robert Capa, of Magnum Photos in 1947, and for his concept of the “Decisive Moment” which is what photojournalism is all about. He defined decisive moment as “the simultaneous recognition, in a fraction of a second, of the significance of an event as well as the precise organization of forms which give that event its proper expression.”
Before taking up photography, Cartier-Bresson first studied painting where his major influence was Surrealism. He used only black and white film, available light (also known as “existing light”) and refused to crop his pictures.
As I explained several months ago when I began this series on photojournalism, this series is meant to help schoolpaper advisers from grade school and high schools all over the Philippines, and the participants to the photojournalism competitions in the various press conferences - division, regional and national levels. Please take the time to read the Introduction to this series.
Anyway, for every one of you who may be into photography as a serious hobby, as a bread-and-butter profession, as a class requirement, as part of your work as schoolpaper adviser, or as a photojournalism contestant, let’s take time to remember Cartier-Bresson, the man who started it for all of us.
Saturday, August 05, 2006
In memoriam: Henri Cartier-Bresson, father of photojournalism
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2 comments:
Before, I used to check-out pictures from the magazines, news papers and other reading materials. Pictures always catch my attention and I start to think develop my wild imagination. I even enjoyed pictorials and doing those silly stuff infront of the cam.
Suddenly, I came to realize that, I do have this love for photography. I amy not have that deep knowledge, but I can feel this interest and I do really wanna be a good photojournalist. This is actually my first time to explore this world, because before I fear that I might fail. But then, failure is always a part, a thing in order for me to learn more. And I realized that I am not supposed to be carried away with my FEAR because it wont bring me to the spot that I want. I hope that you be posting more informations about photojournalism.It'll be a very big help sir. I am now full of inspiration, especially when you conducted the seminar yesterday. It was then that I realized, that I could be someone that noone had ever thought that I would be.Thank you.
it is very enjoyable 2 read your blogs and lectures. thank you for your lectures...now i learned many things that can help me 2 shoot great pictures..thank you very much....
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