Henri Cartier-Bresson was born 22 August 1908 in  Chanteloup-en-Brie, Seine-et-Marne, France to a wealthy family. Henri studied at Cambridge from 1929 where he studied art, literature, an English before then returning to France. He is considered to be the father of photojournalism and one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century.

Henri Cartier-Bresson coined the term ‘decisive moment’ which refers to “the moment when all the elements in a photograph come together perfectly to create a meaningful image.”

“For me the camera is a sketch book, an instrument of intuition and spontaneity, the master of the instant which, in visual terms, questions and decides simultaneously. In order to ‘give a meaning’ to the world, one has to feel involved in what one frames through the viewfinder. This attitude requires concentration, discipline of mind, sensitivity, and a sense of geometry. It is by economy of means that one arrives at simplicity of expression.”

– Henri Cartier-Bresson, ‘the decisive moment’

Originally named Images à la Sauvette (“images on the run”), his book showcases his best work over the years from his portfolio.