Mastering the Art of the Decisive Moment with Your Smartphone Camera: Insights from Cartier-Bresson

I’ve always been inspired by great photography.

Even though I’m often curious about the equipment used by these great photographers, that inspiration has been more from their images than from the camera they used.

Think about it.

Do you know which camera was used to take your favorite historic images?

Most of us don’t know. It really doesn’t matter.

It was the photographer who took the picture, not the camera.

Cameras and lenses are only tools to do a job, just as a hammer is a tool to build something. No one asks, “which hammer did you use to build that beautiful house?” or “which shovel did you use to dig that great hole? I need one of those!”

Skill is important to do a job well, and the right tools can make some jobs easier or even possible, but the worker gets it done.

Henri Cartier-Bresson was one of the twentieth century's most famous skilled workers in photography.

He became famous for the expression “the Decisive Moment.”

Here’s how he explains it.

“To me, photography is the simultaneous recognition, in a fraction of a second, of the significance of an event as well as of a precise organization of forms which give that event its proper expression.”

- Henri Cartier-Bresson, “Foreword,” The Decisive Moment

So, “The Decisive Moment” is the split second when all the parts of a scene come together to create a perfect expression of the moment.

Most people think you need a fancy camera to get those results.

But can you use a smartphone?

This article will explore 5 ways to look for the decisive moment and capture it, regardless of whether you have a professional camera or a smartphone in your pocket.

“The device is not as important as capturing the moment.”

#1 Observe and anticipate

To capture the decisive moment with your smartphone camera, you must first be observant and aware of what’s happening around you. Keep your camera ready and be patient, waiting for the right moment to capture the shot.

“To photograph is to hold one’s breath when all faculties converge to capture fleeting reality.” — Henri Cartier-Bresson, The Mind’s Eye: Writings on Photography and Photographers.

He’s right. Reality is fleeting.

We must anticipate what will happen next in a scene. That means holding your camera in your hand and watching, anticipating how the scene changes.

Cartier-Bresson always had his camera in hand, ready to take a quick snap of a fleeting moment. If you use a smartphone, learn to hold it comfortably and be ready to shoot.

#2 Understand your subject

By understanding your subject, you can predict its movements and behavior, which can help you anticipate the decisive moment.

For example, if you photograph a person walking down the street, you’ll need to know when they’ll reach a visually interesting spot or when the light will be just right. Find a location and angle where the composition and lighting are right and wait for the subject to walk into it.

Here is an example:

This photo required him to anticipate when the man would enter the scene and when to push the button. He had to have already composed the image, and then he waited.

“Your eye must see a composition or an expression that life itself offers you, and you must know with intuition when to click the camera. That is the moment the photographer is creative.” — Cartier-Bresson, The Decisive Moment.

#3 Use the right settings.

Using the right settings on your smartphone camera can help you capture the decisive moment. For example, shooting in burst or continuous shooting mode can help you capture, increasing your chances of capturing the perfect moment.

Do you know how to set your smartphone for burst mode to shoot multiple pictures quickly? Here are some instructions on how to set your iPhone to burst mode. If you have an Android phone, try this link.

You’ll also need to ensure that your camera settings, such as shutter speed and ISO, are appropriately adjusted to capture the action and freeze the moment.

To control those things on your smartphone, try a third-party app like my favorite, ProCamera, or for Android, check out this article.

#4 Be creative

The decisive moment doesn’t always have to be action-packed or dramatic. Look for unique moments and perspectives that convey emotion, mood, or story.

“To photograph: it is to put on the same line of sight the head, the eye, and the heart.” — Henri Cartier-Bresson.

Remember to be motivated by your heart. Train your eye by viewing many great photos and learning from great photographers. Then “trust your feelings, Luke.” Use your head, your eye, and your heart.

#5 Practice and experiment

Capturing the decisive moment takes practice and experimentation. Keep trying and experimenting with different techniques until you find what works best for you and your style.

Henri once said, “Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.”

So, take lots of pictures. Not mindlessly, but with purpose. Then learn by examing your results, and do it again. Rinse and repeat.

Develop your photographic eye by learning from others and applying the same methods and mindset.

Conclusion

Whether you use a traditional or smartphone camera, mastering the art of the decisive moment is essential to creating impactful and compelling images.

It’s easier than most people think. We all have an instinct for what looks good. We just have to reverse-engineer it and practice developing our own style.

Any camera will do, including the smartphone camera in your pocket.

So keep your eyes open and your camera ready, and look for the decisive moment in your smartphone photography.