#1217 - Henri Cartier-Bresson

Swan Lake, Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow, USSR, 1954
#1217 - Henri Cartier-Bresson

"Taking photographs is a means of understanding which cannot be separated from other means of visual expression. It is a way of shouting, of freeing oneself, not of proving or asserting one’s originality. It is a way of life."

~Henri Cartier-Bresson
(1908-2004)

Henri just thrived on travel. It released his curiosity to constantly discover more. He had a great desire to visit Russia. In his application for a visa he included a copy of his great book “The Decisive Moment”. The Russian authorities were duly impressed and because he did not speak the language, the state provided him a translator who also served as his guide. He was given incredible access and permission to photograph inside the hallowed Bolshoi Theatre during a performance of Swan Lake. Henri initially wanted to be a painter before he found his way to photography. It seems here his love of Degas is inspiring his vision all be it subconsciously.