Robert Doisneau (1912 –1994) was a French photographer who
used a Leica on the streets of Paris in the 1930’s. He was a champion of
humanist photography and with Henri Cartier-Bresson a pioneer of
photojournalism.
Doisneau was known for his modest, playful, and ironic
images of amusing juxtapositions, mingling social classes, and eccentrics in
contemporary Paris streets and cafes. Influenced by the work of André Kertész,
Eugène Atget, and Henri Cartier-Bresson, in more than twenty books he presented
a charming vision of human frailty and life as a series of quiet, incongruous
moments.
“The marvels of daily life are so exciting; no movie
director can arrange the unexpected that you find in the street.”
Doisneau's work gives unusual prominence and dignity to
children's street culture; returning again and again to the theme of children
at play in the city, unfettered by parents. His work treats their play with
seriousness and respect.
I enjoyed seeing the photos of the young boys in berets. I suppose that's not so common nowadays.
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