I remember the first time I saw a Helen Levitt photograph…I was in university in a history of photography class when a photograph from Levitt’s “Chalk Series” came on screen – a beautiful black and white portrait of children’s “chalk drawing” in NYC from 1938-1948. I was hooked on her photographs of kids being kids – particularly those which feature mischief.  I laughed out loud the first time I saw the one of a little boy lifting the back of a girl’s dress for example. Though today many would find this inappropriate, it’s the innocence and lighthearted humor that makes it incredible. Though a street photographer documenting poor neighborhoods in NYC, I learn a great deal from her point of view, her artistry, her imagery from the camera angles and compositions and a genius ability to truly capture a child’s essence. I find her photographs convey a sense of the universal kid – the heart and soul of being free to express, to laugh, to cry, to run with joy. Now if I could only afford one of the out of print publications – I’d be all set.

One of the most influential photographers, Henri Cartier-Bresson introduced a new way of seeing, of photographing and telling a story with images. The style was a photojournalism approach where the photographer does not engage or direct a pose but observes, composes and captures what naturally presents itself. A master of light, composition and design, his images are inspirational with a profound depth of emotion. You get the sense of the surroundings – its fleeting sensations. It’s a moment in time forever frozen. Cartier-Bresson’s written contributions include “The Decisive Moment” which can be found in The Mind’s Eye – an insightful collection of his thoughts and philosophy.

Image is from the Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation.