Henri Cartier-Bresson

French photographer (1908-2004) widely regarded as the father of modern photojournalism and a master of candid street photography. His concept of the decisive moment revolutionized how photographers approach composition and timing. Co-founded the legendary Magnum Photos agency in 1947 and documented pivotal 20th-century events across Europe and Asia. His influence is such that Henri Cartier-Bresson remains more cited in photography textbooks than the #2-ranked photographer on this list, with over 2,500 academic references.