Magnum Photos and street photography

Thanks to the vision of its pioneering co-founder, the photo agency has a deep-rooted relationship with the genre

With a history spanning more than 100 years, street photography is an established and revered practice. Magnum Photos has a deep-rooted relationship with the genre, from the pioneering Henri Cartier-Bresson’s notion of ‘the decisive moment’ to notable contemporary photographers reimagining what street photography can be.

There is no singular approach, rather a diversity of unique voices each working to their own vision; from Cartier-Bresson’s wanderings to the vivid social satire of Martin Parr. Throughout the Magnum archives there are myriad approaches and a plethora of visions of what constitutes the genre, from the charming and light-hearted to the visceral and vital; from those who manoeuvre through crowded streets, to those who take a slower approach.

Henri Cartier-Bresson

Born in Chanteloup-en-Brie, France, Henri Cartier-Bresson developed a strong fascination with painting early in his life. In 1932, after spending a year in the Ivory Coast, he discovered the Leica, his camera of choice from that moment on, and started a life-long journey within photography.

Made a prisoner of war in 1940, he escaped on his third attempt, in 1943, and subsequently joined an underground organisation to assist prisoners and escapees. In 1945, he photographed the liberation of Paris with a group of professional journalists, then filmed the documentary LeRetour[TheReturn].

In 1947, with Robert Capa, George Rodger and David ‘Chim’ Seymour, Cartier-Bresson founded Magnum Photos. After three years spent travelling in Asia, he returned to Europe in 1952, where he published his first book, ImagesàlaSauvette[ImagesontheRun].

Right: ‘Hyères, the Var Department’ by Henri Cartier-Bresson. France, 1932.

Henri Cartier-Bresson in Paris, France, 1967. Courtesy of Robert Delpire.