Why is a camera an extension of the eye?

A camera is often called an “extension of the eye” because it allows us to record visual information in a way that mirrors how we see the world. Like our eyes, cameras use a lens to focus light onto a light-sensitive surface (either a film or a sensor), and they both produce inverted images. This similarity in how they capture light and images, along with the camera’s ability to preserve a moment in time, has led to the idea of a camera as a tool that extends our perception of reality. 

What is the physical pleasure in making photographs?

Photography helps you capture anything you feel is important to remember. One photograph is powerful enough to not only remind you of an event or detail, but can bring you right back to the feelings, sounds, and even smells of the moment.

How can photography be likened to hunting?

• The “Hunt” for the Perfect Shot: Like a hunter tracking an animal, a photographer uses observation, patience, and sometimes even camouflage to find and approach their subject. They study the animal’s behaviour, wait for the right light and composition, and then “stalk” the subject until the perfect moment arrives. 
• The “Trophy” of the Image: While hunting results in a physical trophy, photography yields an image that can be displayed or shared, showcasing the photographer’s skill and their successful “capture”. 
• Strategic Approach: Both hunting and wildlife photography require a calculated approach, including understanding the environment, selecting the right equipment, and anticipating the subject’s behaviour. 
• Respect for the Subject: A good photographer, like a ethical hunter, should respect their subject and avoid disturbing their natural behaviour. 
• Telling a Story: While hunting may involve a simple “kill,” photography allows for the creation of stories through images, capturing a moment in time or a series of events. 

Henri Cartier-Bresson

Henri Cartier-Bresson (22 August 1908 – 3 August 2004) was a French artist and humanist photographer considered a master of candid photography, and an early user of 35mm film. He pioneered the genre of street photography, and viewed photography as capturing a decisive moment.

“The decisive moment”, referring to the precise instant when the visual and emotional elements of a scene align perfectly where composition, geometry, and narrative culminate in a single, fleeting image.

He was known as the father of modern photojournalism, Cartier-Bresson was also one of the founding members of Magnum Photos in 1947. In the 1970s he largely discontinued his photographic work, instead opting to paint.

He used a Leica rangefinder 50mm lens, which was revolutionary during his time. These cameras were compact, reliable, and their design was more discreet than the large cameras of this era. This allowed him to use a quick unobtrusive shooting style, which is essential for street photography.

Analyse of Henri Cartier-Bresson Images

Image 1

1. FORM — What the Image Looks Like

This black and white photograph features a woman ascending a staircase in an urban interior, possibly a subway or an old station. She is surrounded by a dramatic burst of pigeons in flight. The architectural elements include curving stair railings, tiled walls, and a glowing fluorescent light. The worn-down textures of the structure contrast with the lightness and motion of the birds.

2. COMPOSITION — How It Is Arranged

This image is an exemplary case of Cartier-Bresson’s “decisive moment”, achieved through thoughtful use of composition and timing:

Line:

Curved and diagonal lines dominate: The sweeping curve of the banister leads the eye from the lower left to the centre. The staircase creates strong diagonal lines that draw the viewer upward toward the subject and birds. The vertical lines from the tiles and banister uprights contrast this motion, anchoring the composition.

Shape & Form:

The human figure and pigeons provide dynamic organic shapes that contrast with the rigid, geometric structure of the staircase and railings. The silhouetted figure in black stands as a clear, solid form against the light background wall, emphasizing movement and intention.

Pattern:

The repeating circular pattern of the railing adds a rhythmic visual interest. The tiles create a subtle grid pattern, grounding the image in urban realism. The birds, though chaotic in motion, form a radial pattern around the woman like an explosion of life at the centre of stillness.

Tone:

The high-contrast black and white palette emphasizes shadows and highlights. Light strikes the tiled walls, creating reflective patches that contrast with the matte texture of the birds and clothes. The tonal range from deep blacks (clothing, shadows) to bright whites (feathers, tiles) provides visual depth.

Texture:

The gritty texture of the stair edges and the worn walls adds a tactile realism. The softness of the birds’ feathers juxtaposes the hard surfaces, adding contrast in feel and theme.

Space:

The photograph employs deep space through leading lines and depth cues:

The stairs recede toward the top.

The birds populate both the foreground and background, giving a 3D sense of layering.

The curvature of the banister encloses the space around the woman, focusing the viewer’s attention.

Colour:

Though the photo is in black and white, the absence of colour enhances form, line, and emotion—key to Cartier-Bresson’s visual language. This monochrome choice strips the image to essentials, amplifying the narrative and structural intensity.

3. CAPTURING THE MOMENT — Essence of Movement

This image captures a quintessential “decisive moment”:

The woman is caught mid-step, ascending her posture calm, deliberate. The pigeons erupt in a blur of wings at the perfect instant. Their unpredictable flight contrasts her steady motion. The precise timing required to capture the birds in mid-air without blur (but with enough motion implied) demonstrates photographic mastery.

The birds form an arc around her, giving the moment a surreal, almost painterly quality. It’s as though time has paused to showcase this exact intersection of form, movement, and emotion.

4. Use of Specialist Vocabulary

Rule of Thirds: The woman is positioned along a vertical third line, not centred, which adds visual interest and natural balance. The railing’s curvature follows a dynamic S-curve, leading the eye naturally through the frame.

Depth of Field: The image uses a deep depth of field; everything from the railing to the far wall is in focus. This creates spatial complexity, letting the viewer absorb every element.

Framing: Architectural elements act as frames within the frame, especially the curved railing and ceiling arch.

Leading Lines: The lines of the stairs and railing guide the viewer’s gaze directly to the subject and birds, enhancing the moment’s clarity.

Contrast: Both visual (dark figure vs. light wall) and thematic (stillness vs. motion).

Image 2

Select one image of his work and apply the theory of the decisive moment to your understanding of the photograph with detailed analysis of its form (what it looks like), composition (how it is arranged) and capturing a moment (essence of an event, action or movement) .

The decisive moment is particularly concerned with the overall structure and composition of the photograph, such as shapes, geometry, patterns, action and movement. Comment on these elements as well as other formal elements such as:

The seven formal elements are commonly known as:

– Line
– Shape & Form
– Pattern
– Tone
– Colour
– Texture
– Space

Also make use of other specialist photography vocabulary such as, rule of third, depth of field – see Photography Vocabulary below.

and add this to the conclusion of the photo. popular photo, revolutionised street photography and candid photo, iconic for decisive moment, magic in mundane, taking something ordinary and showing it in a new light