Dualism

photographyeducationcompositionentertainmentlife advice

Oct 11

Perfectionism and chance hold equal importance in the realm of art. This is evidenced by the works of great Artist, including iconic photographers like Ansel Adams and Henri Cartier-Bresson. Their contrasting approaches demonstrate how diverse techniques can lead to extraordinary creations.

Ansel Adams – Master of Perfectionism

Adams, known for his black-and-white landscapes, especially from U.S. national parks, epitomized perfectionism. Every one of his photos was meticulously planned, with compositions refined down to the smallest detail. Through his techniques, particularly the zone system, he precisely controlled exposure, creating carefully thought-out and flawlessly executed shots. Adams viewed photography as a form of controlled expression of beauty, where chance played a minimal role.

Henri Cartier-Bresson – Poet of the Decisive Moment

Cartier-Bresson, regarded as the "father of street photography," represented a completely different approach. He believed in the "decisive moment" – a fleeting instant that could neither be predicted nor planned. He captured what unfolded in the here and now, trusting his intuition and embracing chance. His photographs were filled with life, authenticity, and dynamism, captured without any prior preparation.

The works of Adams and Cartier-Bresson show that both perfectionism and chance can lead to the creation of extraordinary art. Photography, like any art form, allows us to find our own path that best expresses our vision of the world.

But there is a third approach that amplifies the message even further - Dualism

It assumes the coexistence of two opposing and complementary entities or qualities. Dualism has accompanied humanity since the dawn of time. As human beings, we combine body and mind, spirit and matter, reason and heart. This is our nature. It’s no wonder that dualism enhances our creativity, and its traces can be found in every art form—from painting to dance.

Indeed, some creators have mastered the art of merging perfection with chance, presenting the dualism of creativity in a single work. Artists like Sebastião Salgado harmoniously combine planning, preperation, technical excellence with the capture of unpredictable moments, creating unique and moving images.

This journey encourages you to think about your own creativity and find a personal path that balances control and spontaneity.

Photos: Ansel Adams (first 3), Henri Cartier-Bresson (second 3)