I suspect I'll regret posting an answer here based on the underlying skepticism and mildly cynical language of your question ... but ... what the heck, why not?:ROTFL:
Contrary to other's opinion, I think "The Decisive Moment" is still a pretty broad swath to work in. HCB may be credited with inventing the photojournalistic phrase and of being a master of the moment, but he wasn't the only one. In Robert Doisneau's book "Three Seconds of Eternity" he alludes to the nature of still photography as tiny segments of time that ultimately add up to maybe 3 seconds captured at 1/500, 1/250, 1/100 of a second. In that way still work can differ from any other form of visual expression.
IMHO and experience:
Obviously, "Decisive Moment" indicates some sort of peak timing that defines the image captured. How one interprets that can range widely ... yet it seems that there are moments that better define a situation, human condition, or alignment of elements more powerfully than others.
"Anticipation" is one tenant of the technique. When I teach the notion, I use a crude example to make the point: See the banana peel on the floor, see the distracted man walking toward it ... wait for it ... wait for it ... snipe the man in midair! HCB's shot of the French policeman walking in front of the gaping mouth facade of a doorway is that type of shot.
However, while extremely important, it has been my experience that "anticipation" is only one aspect of Decisive Moment photography.
Empirical intuitions often play a huge role in capturing just the right fleeting expression, momentary juxtaposition of elements, or unexpected turn of events. As a teacher of mine once quipped, "You have to be outwardly tuned to your surroundings and you must supremely refine that sensitivity to always be ready for the unexpected when it presents itself ... to which I add: "... presents itself in a "blink of an eye".
It is here that honed instincts, practiced reflexes, and a tool that reacts swiftly at your command comes into play.
Here is a cross section of work I've managed over time ... "over time" to demonstrate that it isn't just luck, because everyone gets lucky from time-to-time.
Most are illustrating the human condition but some just took advantage of a fleeting composition, or even a briefly favorable lighting situation.
The Decisive Moment" - fotografz
- Marc