Why is a camera an extension of the eye?

Henri Cartier Bresson was one of the greatest street photographers of all time, viewing the camera as an extension of the eye, capturing things in the decisive moment. This approach connects humanity and is like as an extension of the eye, hunting for the perfect photo. He captures from various angles, which creates the perfect candid photo which doesn’t alter reality.

Bresson grew up in a wealthy part of France, so was introduced to the art at an early age. What initially caught his eye was paintings, which then inspired him to look at photography, as he found this was an extension of drawing and an extension of the eye.

He began to explore using a camera which he thought was a unique way of interacting with the world. Shortly after he became well know for using a specific type of camera called Leica 35 mm rangefinder camera, that was fitted with a normal 50m lens or occasionally a wide angle lens for capturing landscapes, often fitting black tape around the cameras which would make it less conspicuous. Using black and white film and sharp lenses, he was able to capture events un noticed.

Bresson composted his photos in the view finder, rather than using a darkroom, which was used to develop photos controlling the light carefully, stopping the pictures from becoming over exposed in this process. This was the reason he used a 35mm film, which didn’t make specific adjustments to the photo, instead giving spontaneity to the image emphasising the decisive moment in the image.

Bresson specifically used a Leica 35 mm rangefinder camera which was smaller and quieter, allowing him to subtly capture the decisive moment which allowed him to use a quick and unobtrusive style of shooting. This important style allowed him have a quick and effective way of capturing the decisive moment, without being too obvious.

When shooting his photos, he captured people as they were relying on his eye to capture the perfect moment, while staying virtually unseen and in the background enabling him to capture the right candid photo . This became effective, as shooting from the background using a smaller lensed camera meant he was unnoticeable.

What is the physical pleasure in making photographs?

Capturing the perfect composition of the decisive moment was very important. Henri Cartier Bresson viewed his work as a ‘sensual pleasure’ to see shapes and geometry, as these elements were arranged along with human subjects. When taking his photos, he looked for specific details other than the subject in the perfect moment, such as lines, triangles, squares, shadows, curves and shapes.

Bresson stood by the rule of “Get it right in camera!” meaning he never cropped his photos, as he preferred to actually get close enough and at the perfect angle when shooting his photos.

How can photography be liken to hunting?

Bresson described his style of photo shooting as ‘hunting’. This meant that he carefully and precisely looked for the right moment to take his photos.