Frames, Geometry & Rhythm

Photography of Henri Cartier-Bresson

In these photographs by Henri Cartier-Bresson I like the way he has used the shape of the structures to frame certain aspects of the image. Photographing geometric forms or the shape of a shadow has created an interesting way to highlight a focal point. In most of these photographs the eye is directed by the way light has created lines. These lines seem to assist the eye in navigating its way around the image. This structural focus creates a layered geometric puzzle of form and light, one in which the viewer eye must decode.


Valencia, Spain (1933)

Hyères (1932)











In 'Simiane-La-Rotonde' (1954) he has used a stark white light to frame the silhouettes of people and emphasise the geometric form of the window.

The shape of the staircase in Siphnos, Greece (1961) shows repetition, thus the image feels as if it has rhythm and movement as the young girl runs into the distance.
In much of Cartier-Bresson's work there is a distinct characteristic of repetition, rhythm and form. I believe this is something that I am interested in exploring in my own work. In addition, I would also like to extend this curiosity further by investigating how light falls on such rhythmic forms.