Robert Doisneau
Robert Doisneau is a celebrated French street photographer known for his captivating images that capture the essence of everyday life in Paris. His ability to transform ordinary moments into extraordinary images has made him an icon in the world of photography.
Early Life and Career
Robert Doisneau was born in Gentilly, a suburb of Paris, in 1912. His passion for photography began at a young age when he received a camera as a gift. He studied lithography and engraving at the École Estienne, but his interest in photography continued to grow.
In the early 1930s, Doisneau started working as a freelance photographer, selling his photographs to various magazines and newspapers. He was later hired by Renault as an industrial and advertising photographer. During World War II, Doisneau worked as a soldier and a photographer for the French Resistance.
After the war, Doisneau returned to freelance photography and began to focus on capturing the everyday life of Parisians. His work was featured in renowned publications such as Life, Paris Match, and Vogue.
Photographic Style and Techniques
Robert Doisneau's photographic style can be characterized by his skill in capturing candid, spontaneous moments that evoke a sense of humor, emotion, and humanity. He was particularly interested in photographing ordinary people and scenes from daily life, which allowed him to create powerful and relatable images.
Doisneau was influenced by Henri Cartier-Bresson and shared a similar approach to street photography, valuing the "decisive moment" – the perfect instant when all elements within the frame come together to create a compelling image.
Doisneau was also known for his use of natural light, which added depth and authenticity to his photographs. He preferred black and white film, which he felt better conveyed the atmosphere and emotions of the scenes he captured.
Career Highlights
One of Robert Doisneau's most famous photographs is "Le baiser de l'hôtel de ville" (The Kiss by the Hôtel de Ville), taken in 1950. The image features a young couple passionately kissing amidst the bustling streets of Paris. This iconic photograph has become a symbol of love and romance, making it one of the most recognizable images in the history of photography.
Another notable image is "Le remorqueur du Champ de Mars" (The Tug-of-War at the Champ de Mars), which captures children playing in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. This photograph showcases Doisneau's ability to find beauty and poetry in everyday moments.
Photography Gear
Throughout his career, Robert Doisneau used a variety of cameras and lenses to capture his iconic images. Some of the key pieces of equipment he used include:
Leica M3: Doisneau favored the Leica M3 for its compact size, reliability, and exceptional image quality. This camera allowed him to work discreetly, capturing candid moments without drawing attention to himself.
50mm lens: A standard 50mm lens was Doisneau's go-to choice for street photography. The focal length provided a natural perspective, allowing him to capture scenes as the human eye would perceive them.
Tri-X film: Doisneau often used Kodak Tri-X black and white film, known for its excellent tonal range and versatility in various lighting conditions. This film helped him achieve the rich contrast and deep blacks that are characteristic of his work.
Photography Books
"Robert Doisneau: Paris: New Compact Edition": Produced in close collaboration with his estate, this official and comprehensive reference showcases 560 photographs of Paris. Curated by Doisneau's daughters and complemented by his own commentary, the timeless magic of Paris in black and white is beautifully captured.
"The Best of Doisneau: Paris": This collection of quintessential portraits of Paris, including several previously unpublished works, showcases Doisneau's ability to infuse daily life with poetic nuance. His lens captures humor, irony, and tenderness, reflecting the iconic Paris of our dreams.
"Robert Doisneau": An affordable introduction to the great French modernist and chronicler of Paris, this hardcover volume offers an overview of Doisneau's masterful series, from iconic works to lesser-known images. It also features portraits of famous 20th-century personalities who called Paris home or were just passing through.
"Robert Doisneau: The Vogue Years": Showcasing Doisneau's best photographs for Vogue Paris, this handsome volume captures scenes from high-society balls, fashion shoots, and urban life in France. It features an open spine binding for optimal display and offers intimate insights into the man behind the camera, as complex and beautiful as the people and places he immortalized.
"Robert Doisneau: A Photographer's Life": This biography delves into the life and work of the French photographer, who never photographed outside France's borders. It discusses his work with the Renault company, as well as his freelance works, offering a comprehensive look at his fascinating career.
Quotes
“The marvels of daily life are exciting; no movie director can arrange the unexpected that you find in the street.”
“To suggest is to create; to describe is to destroy.”
“Photography is a moment of embarrassment and a lifetime of pleasure.”
“In the work of a photographer, the hardest thing is to remain simple.”
“Chance is the one thing you can't buy. You have to pay for it, and you have to pay for it with your life, spending a lot of time. You return, and you continue to follow up, and you're lucky or you're not lucky.”
Legacy and Influence
Robert Doisneau's impact on the world of photography is profound. His ability to capture the essence of Parisian life and transform everyday moments into timeless images has inspired generations of photographers.
Other notable photographers with a similar style include Elliott Erwitt, known for his humorous and playful images, and Garry Winogrand, who documented the streets of New York City in a similar candid style. Vivian Maier, an American street photographer, also shared a keen interest in capturing the human condition and the beauty of everyday life.
Doisneau's work continues to be celebrated in numerous exhibitions, books, and documentaries, and his iconic images remain a testament to the power of photography to evoke emotion and tell stories.
In conclusion, Robert Doisneau's mastery of street photography and his ability to capture the poetry and humanity of everyday life have left an indelible mark on the history of photography. His influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary photographers, and his iconic images continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
This week It would have been 108 years since Robert Doisneau was born. Doisneau was a part of this classic era of photojournalism in Europe, part of the same generation as, for example, Cartier Bresson or Robert Capa. He is also responsible for of one of the most well-known romantic pictures in the world. Let’s check out Robert Doisneau.