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Painter was Cartier-Bresson's profession before he transitioned to photography. He initially pursued painting and studied under renowned artists such as André Lhote and Jacques-Émile Blanche. Cartier-Bresson's artistic background influenced his photographic style, particularly his emphasis on composition and geometry. He sought to capture decisive moments that conveyed the essence of a scene, much like a painter would capture a fleeting expression or gesture on canvas.