Week 8: Tod Papageorge's Essay on Henri Cartier-Bresson

While reading Tod Papageorge’s essay about Henri Cartier-Bresson it seems as though Henri Cartier-Bresson was able to do anything he wanted. He started as an actor then moved on to painting and then moved on to writing. Cartier-Bresson was finally inspired to take photographs while traveling in Africa. Papageorge’s statement that Henri Cartier-Bresson is the best photographer is a large one. I understand that it is because he has spent a lot of time perfecting his craft but that is still quite large of something to say.

            I was interested in Henri Cartier-Bresson’s work about post-war, which was mentioned in the essay so I looked up the three photographs listed.  Valencia, 1933 is such a confusing yet interesting photo to look at. At first I had no clue if the face was looking through a window or if it was a mirror reflection. Since the photo is only focused on the face the background is slightly blurry but you can make out that there is a man behind the sliding door. Madrid, 1933, is also another interesting photo.  It is very dynamic and the background building that looks like it has a bunch of small windows really adds to the photo. The children’s facial expressions all look natural so this feels and looks like a snapshot photo. The last photo listed, has a nice frame around it because Cartier-Bresson takes a photo through a broken wall. This also feels like a snapshot but because of the angle and position of the camera it feels much more thought out. After looking at these three photographs it is clear that Henri Cartier-Bresson has a very good eye. I always find this tricky in snapshot photos because you want the photo to feel natural but you still want some planning to go into it so there is an interesting perspective.

            After reading the essay I looked up Tod Papageorge’s work. I was really drawn to the Studio 54 photographs. Once again Papageorge is also a snapshot photographer. These photos have so much emotion to them. They really describe a party scene that is no longer scene in New York City. The photos are so glamorous and interesting. I am really drawn to his work. There is so much glitter, smoking, and drinking that Papageorge photographs. Everyone seems to be having a great time in these photographs. They do not feel staged at all.

            Snapshot photography has always been an issue for me because I think that my best photos are the ones I plan and make people pose for. Both Cartier-Bresson and Papageorge have mastered the art of snapshot of photography. I feel like it really depends on where you are and if you take the photo at the proper time. I still want to focus on this type of photography so that I can make more personal photographs. Papageorge is some I will look for more inspiration from because I like glamorous photographs and the ones I usually look at are very staged.