Robert Doisneau

(1912-1994) Documentary, Photojournalism, Portraiture

Biography: Robert Doisneau is one the most famous French photographers. Doisneau lived in France from 1912 to 1994, where he specialized in people photography, taking shots of common people as he wanders through the streets of Paris and its suburbs.

His life: Robert Doisneau was born on April 14, 1912 in Gentilly, in the suburbs of Paris. Having a not-so-good experience at school, he entered a craft school at the age of 13. This is where he had his first contacts with arts. The school gave a very limited art training, which he complemented with evening classes in life-drawing and still-life. Doisneau's interest in photography started in 1929 and he started as a professional in 1934. He worked for Renault until he was fired in 1939.

In 1939, he decided to become an independant photojournalist, but was called by the French army, where he served until 1940. He then worked for the "Resistance" until the end of the war. In parallel, he produced postcards to earn a little money. In 1949, Doisneau signed a contract with Vogue, for him he worked until 1952. As of 1952, he started working as a freelance photographer. Doisneau died in April, 1994 in Paris.

His art: Robert Doisneau's photographs were ones of common people, in common situations. He liked to wander in the streets of Paris suburbs, and to take his photographs as he went. His most famous photograph, Kiss by the Hotel de Ville, is a good representation of his style. Doisneau liked to practice photography with intuition, rather than with science.

More on Robert Doisneau:

•Robert Doisneau Website
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