Photography is...
The term tHE dECISIVE mOMENT originates from the english translation of the book Images a la sauvette (published 1952) by french photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908-2004). His undisputable talent for framing, seeing, composing and capturing moments of both everyday life and historic events, continues to inspire millions of photographers around the world.
When talking about being a talented photographer, the phrases often used is intuition and being able to see photographically. Having a quick eye for a perfect composition (framing) and knowing the visual potential in a given situation is crucial, when trying to get the perfect photo.
Since I read the definition of tHE dECISIVE mOMENT in my ealy years as an inspiring photographer, I have always felt a connection with the principle. It is poetic, challenging and philosophical. Just like life itself. But as time goes by the photo does not: As Roland Barthes writes in his book La chambre claire; "...when I look at a photo, I always include in my seeing the thought of the moment, being however short, when an actual object was immovable in front of the eye."
Being over thirty years old, having kids and responsibility, I feel I am in a position where I need to put my actions into words. Translate my feelings into arguments.
What am I doing? Why do I repeatedly go out and shoot photos of downhill-riders and climbers and skiers and other actionsport athletes? The answer is right at the tip of my lens; To get that mOMENT of course! But was is the mOMENT? How do I know it is the right one?! And how can this passion turn into an obsession? What am I looking for?
So, from now on it will be a structured quest in finding aspects of tHE mOMENT. I am definately not a scholar, so do not expect this to be a perfect thesis. This is just me trying to enjoy myself while living and doing what I love to do...
Here is my manifesto