When asked in interviews what makes for a successful composition Bresson’s answer was one word “…Geometry.” Bresson was educated as a painter by Andre Lhote, who wrote a number of treatises on painting. Both of these men, along with artists like Hopper, had very strong convictions about the design of their work which they inherited from earlier artists and years of study. They never spoke of rules, but of principles and theories of design.
In art and photo, there are successful techniques that can be employed or rejected. Its not really a game of rules. The term rules over simplifies the education. The worst advice would be to just go out and “find your own voice.” It not much different that trying to write your own language. It ends up being a mess. Photographers seem to struggle with this more than any other profession because pushing a shutter seems very easy. If you wanted to be a professional boxer, it would be impossible without a trainer. All the heart, guts, and enthusiasm will only last so long against a well trained professional.
When Bresson was asked by Charlie Rose if you are born with a sense of design he responded, “It has to be cultivated.”
- Adam Marelli
- a comment in response to a piece about Cartier-Bresson, that was more insightful than the article.
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