By Tony Van Le

I am sharing Henri Cartier-Bresson’s seminal work, “The Decisive Moment,” because of how much Cartier-Bresson has shaped my approach to street photography. When I first learned that Japanese Zen hugely influenced his photography, it immediately struck a nerve because of my long-held interest in this Eastern philosophical tradition.

Back in my twenties, learning and practicing Zen meditation allowed me to manage my stress, anxiety, and rampant thoughts. It was a pivotal moment in my life. Fast-forward many years later, learning of HCB’s approach of being a blank slate so that he could be receptive to all that was around him and become one with what he photographed made just too much sense to me. Adopting this approach myself has become more than just a photographic practice; it has become a mental health one.

His book “The Decisive Moment” fundamentally shaped the genre of street photography and influenced generations of photographers. Published in 1952, it is a visual treasure trove. It celebrates spontaneity, timing, and the unrepeatable instant when all the elements within a scene harmoniously come together, creating a composition that transcends mere documentation and transforms into a narrative-rich, emotionally resonant image. Through his lens, the streets become a stage where stories unfold, and each frame encapsulates a microcosm of the human experience.

One of the book’s lasting contributions to street photography is its emphasis on intuition and the ability to anticipate moments before they unfold. Capturing the decisive moment requires a photographer to be in sync with their surroundings, observe keenly, and be ready to photograph the unexpected. This philosophy has become my guiding principle.

Henri Cartier-Bresson’s “The Decisive Moment” is a cornerstone of street photography. Its enduring significance lies not only in the captivating images it presents but also in the philosophy it espouses—the philosophy of seizing the fleeting moments that define the essence of life on the streets. I continue to draw inspiration from Cartier-Bresson’s timeless wisdom, making “The Decisive Moment” an indispensable guide for my photographic practice.

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Book Review: “The Decisive Moment” by Henri Cartier-Bresson