Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908-2004) was a French photographer considered to be the father of modern photojournalism, an early adopter of 35 mm format, and the master of candid photography. He helped develop the "street photography" style that has influenced generations of photographers that followed.
Trained as a painter, he began his career in photography in 1931 on a trip to the Ivory Coast. He was one of the first photographers to shoot in the 35mm format with a Leica camera, and helped to develop the photojournalistic "street photography" style that influenced generations of photographers to come.
His visual style is a very basic and simple which is why a lot of his work looks very modern and something you would see today , that is mainly because his visual style inspired a lot of photographers. His photographs are mostly everyday scenario based. and they follow the rule of 3rds almost every time.
This photo uses a rule of 3rds by placing the subject of the photo to the left. I like this photo because its caught in motion and the stair case adds a nice touch as a path way to the bike.
NDIA. Kashmir. Srinagar. 1948. Muslim women on the slopes of Hari Parbal Hill, praying toward the sun rising behind the Himalayas.
I really like this photo because it was captured at the right moment and because it is in black and white it gives the impression that the women look like ancient statues which really helps the photo to stand out. The sunset in black and white also helps to bring out that ancient and old feeling of the photo.
This photo is very effective because it follows the rule of 3rds with the two subjects being separated by a river on the left and right side. With the black and white and the river in the middle it connotes a feeling of separation between the two people in the photo
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henri_Cartier-Bresson
http://www.magnumphotos.com/C.aspx?VP3=CMS3&VF=MAGO31_10_VForm&ERID=24KL53ZMYN
