In conversation with top wedding photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson
A while ago Henri Cartier-Bresson had the great pleasure of meeting one of his heroes. Me. In this never before seen interview I spoke to Henri about his life and work and my influence on him.
I travelled to meet Cartier-Bresson in Paris, taking with me a box of pickled onion Monster Munch as a gift. Legend has it that he loves them but they are impossible to find in France. We meet in a cafe in the Montparnasse area. He greets me like an old friend. It's all hugs and backslapping and little punches and neck locks. We wrestle on the floor for half an hour like Oliver Reed and Alan Bates in Women in Love. Eventually, after I land a nasty rabbit punch, a waiter comes over and separates us.
I order a large bottle of Absinthe and we settle down, two giants of the medium, and begin our conversation.
DP: Henry, how many weddings do you shoot a year?
HCB: None.
DP: What is the best wedding photo you've ever shot?
HCB: Never shot any.
DP: Has the trend for wedding photojournalism improved business?
HCB: Wedding photographers aren't photojournalists. They're just photographers who take pictures at weddings but with no one looking at the camera. It's good that they've managed to turn their hobby into a bit of paid work though.
DP: Got any funny stories from weddings you've shot?
HCB: I hate weddings and wedding photography.
DP: What do you think about all the wedding photographers name checking you on their tedious websites?
HCB: They're all pricks.
DP: I've brought you a box of Monster Munch.
HCB: Cheers mate. Are they pickled onion? Impossible to get over here.
And with that he's gone. I finish my glass of booze and reach for the bottle to get a refill. I chuckle to myself when I realise Cartier-Bresson has lifted it. Barstard! The decisive moment, indeed. What a pro!
Duncan
You legend. Did you ask Henri when his action set is coming out ?
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Mark
I presume you asked, but just left it out of the article...Is he Nikon or Canon?
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Mister Groping
I love Henri's Schindler shots. Did he get that from you?
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Robert Cleun
I know that Henri Cartier-Bresson passed away in 2004 and I do not believe this interview to be genuine and think that you may have made up this encounter!
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Gwegamya Thurpleiszk
Awesome article Derek. You must have been so stoked to interview HCB. Even 80sDiscoBride hasn't been allowed to feature any of his work yet. I feel so blessed that you are in my industry.
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christine
Awesome...
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Anonymous Steve
Good to see you're still an idiot Derk
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Doug
I am so pleased you exist Derek.
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Canon Lover
I'm with you all the way My Pye but your photos are rubbish
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Thomas
HCB is totally wrong, you can get Monster Munch is France.
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Derek
yes but the flavouring is slightly different as they are made in a factory outside Lyon. Henri is a connoisseur and prefers the UK flavours made on the Walkers production line in Leicester. But thanks for your comment.
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Lee
Hi Derek - You've still not got back to me about the interview for Find a Wedding Photographer www.findaweddingphotographer.co.uk
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Clare
what is this?
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Derren Brown
Derek is the ultimate rock star wedding photographer
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Durango CO Photographer
This interview must have been quite a while ago, since HCB passed away many years ago, or did you have too much of the absinthe and dream up the whole thing? Anyway, I hope that wedding photograph at the top is a joke - like the bride is getting into the grooms head.
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Derek
Dear Derrrango - please read out loud the first three words of the interview for clarification.
All the best
Derek
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Anony
Durango CO Photographer don't be so rude to Derek, he's remembered more about wedding photography than you've forgotten!.
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Anony Nony No
Very informative Derek, as usual you have brought out the gems of Henri Cartier-Bresson's life experiences, I feel I really know this guy now and how he ticks over!.
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dilip
Oh... it's been a good while since I've literally rolled around laughing.
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Monsieur Nom Nom Nom
Did he mention me at all? He once had me jumping across a puddle 30 or 40 times till he got it right.
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wedding photographer
Can I just say what a comfort to discover someone that truly knows what they're discussing
over the internet. You certainly realize how
to bring a problem to light and make it important. More people should check
this out and understand this side of the story. I was surprised that you
are not more popular given that you surely have the gift.
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Lorenzo Photography
I sincerely hope William Eggleston is the next exclusive interview to be revealed.
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Richard P Walton
I would have had him down as a beef flavoured kind of guy. Thanks for the insight Derek
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Mongo Nutsachs
Hi Des (is it OK for me to call you Des?),
Did you find time to ask Lenny Henry his thoughts on the controversial resizing of the Monster Much that took place during the mid to late 2000s? Initially I was devastated, but I learned to deal with it after a while. I'm just wondering how he dealt with it, if at all.
Also, please could you provide a quote for documenting my upcoming vasectomy, in a documentary style.
Thanks a lot.
Mongo
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