Henri Cartier-Bresson

Henri Cartier-Bresson was a French photographer.  His most significant idea was the decisive moment, capturing the exact instant when a scene feels most natural and meaningful. He never asked people to pose. Instead, he used natural light and a small camera to blend in. His photos feel balanced, with simple compositions that draw focus to the person or action. He loved showing ordinary people in everyday life, not perfect or polished moments.

Key Work

Rue Mouffetard, Paris (1954)

This photo shows a young boy walking down a busy Paris street. He’s holding two bottles of wine, his cheeks are round, and he has a proud, slightly serious look, like he’s on an important errand. Cartier-Bresson shot it from eye level, so we see the world through his eyes. The background is soft and a little blurry, which makes the boy stand out. The composition is the boy is off-center, but the lines of the street guide our eyes to him. There’s no smile for the camera, however, just a real, split-second expression. 
How It Inspires My Project
  • No poses: I never say smile or look at me.  Instead, I wait for my sister’s real moments.
  • Eye-level shooting: I crouch down to my sister’s height. This makes the photos feel personal.
  • Simple compositions: I don’t clutter the frame. If she’s playing with blocks, I make sure the blocks and her hands are the focus. I let the background add context, but not take attention away.

 

Vivian Maier

Vivian Maier was an American street photographer who took thousands of photos while working as a nanny.  She loved capturing quiet, unnoticeable moments. For example, like kids playing, people walking, or someone sitting alone. She mostly used black and white film, which gave her photos a timeless feel. She never disturbed the people she shot; she just watched and clicked. Her work feels raw and honest.

Key Work

Child Playing on Chicago Sidewalk (1950s)

This black and white photo shows a young child playing with a simple toy on a city sidewalk. The child is crouched down, completely focused. Their back is slightly turned to the camera, so we see their hair and shoulders, not their face. The background has a few houses, a fence, and some scattered leaves. just a normal neighborhood. Maier used soft, dim natural light, so there are no harsh shadows. The photo feels calm and intimate, like we’re peeking at a private moment.

How It Inspires My Project

  • Capture small moments: I focus on my sister’s actions. Maier’s photo of the playing child taught me these small moments are the most real.​
  • Stay invisible: I move quietly and use quick camera shot so my sister doesn’t feel self conscious. I want her to act naturally, like Maier’s subjects did.

 

Why These Two Matter​
Cartier-Bresson and Maier work give me rules to follow. Cartier-Bresson teaches me how to wait for real moments and frame them simply. Maier teaches me how to see the beauty in small, quiet actions and keep shots honest. Together, they help my project feel like more than just photos of my sister.