Photography is an immediate reaction, drawing is a meditation

Photography is an immediate reaction, drawing is a meditation

Henri Cartier-Bresson, a renowned French photographer, is often credited with coining the phrase, "Photography is an immediate reaction, drawing is a meditation." This quote perfectly encapsulates Cartier-Bresson's approach to his craft and sheds light on the different processes involved in photography and drawing.

For Cartier-Bresson, photography was all about capturing a fleeting moment in time, an immediate reaction to the world around him. He believed in the power of the decisive moment, the split second when everything comes together perfectly to create a powerful image. His iconic photographs, such as "Behind the Gare Saint-Lazare" and "The Decisive Moment," are perfect examples of his ability to capture these fleeting moments with precision and artistry.

On the other hand, drawing was a more contemplative and meditative process for Cartier-Bresson. While photography allowed him to capture the world as it unfolded before him, drawing gave him the opportunity to slow down and truly study his subjects. Through drawing, Cartier-Bresson was able to delve deeper into the essence of his subjects, capturing their emotions and personalities in a way that photography could not always achieve.