Is it possible to capture a “Cartier-Bresson” inspired image with an iPhone? As a longtime admirer of his work, I’ve often tried to bring some of his signature style into my photography, albeit with limited success. Cartier-Bresson’s mastery of the candid, decisive moment is unparalleled, yet Elliott Erwitt’s playful, humorous approach is equally inspiring for me.
The iPhone may not be a Leica, so there are some limitations. However, it still has a camera and that’s all you need to capture photos in the spirit of Henri Cartier-Bresson with his iconic “decisive moment” style. Here, I’ve included a couple of iPhone images that loosely fit this genre, together with some insights into Cartier-Bresson’s approach to photography.
1. Focus on Timing and the “Decisive Moment”
• Cartier-Bresson believed in capturing moments that tell a story in an instant. Look for fleeting expressions, gestures, or interactions, and snap just at the right second to catch something unique and unrepeatable.
2. Stay Unobtrusive
• Be subtle and blend into the scene. Cartier-Bresson often took photos unnoticed, allowing subjects to act naturally. Try to avoid overly posed shots; instead, capture people candidly in their environment. Because mobile phones are used by everyone you are unlikely to stand out from the crowd when taking images in busy environments.
3. Choose Black and White for Timelessness
• Cartier-Bresson primarily worked in black and white, which emphasizes form, light, and shadow. You can shoot in colour and convert to black and white later, or use a black-and-white filter in-camera.
4. Frame with Precision and Use Geometry
• Look for lines, shapes, and symmetry in the environment. Cartier-Bresson was a master of composition and often used natural or architectural elements to frame his subjects.
5. Experiment with Depth and Layers
• Cartier-Bresson used layers to create depth. Try shooting through windows, doors, or other objects to add foreground interest. Capture multiple elements (like a person walking in the background with another subject in front) for layered storytelling.
6. Rely on Natural Light
• Cartier-Bresson never used flash, preferring natural light. Use soft, ambient lighting and avoid artificial lights or flash, which can disrupt the natural look of the scene.
7. Capture Everyday Life with Emotion
• His work often showed ordinary people in everyday settings. Focus on authentic moments—someone lost in thought, two people in conversation, or someone walking alone.
8. Use Fixed Focal Lengths
• Cartier-Bresson favoured a 50mm lens, my two example here used the 28mm on the iPhone which was most likely the standard at the time. Try to stick with one focal length to get a a consistent perspective.
9. Edit Sparingly
• Cartier-Bresson believed in minimal editing. Keep any adjustments subtle—slight exposure correction or contrast adjustment—but avoid heavy filters or saturation.
By combining these techniques, you can capture powerful, storytelling images with your iPhone that evoke the raw, candid energy of Cartier-Bresson’s work.
Comments