Poetry in Pictures: Robert Doisneau

The marvels of daily life are so exciting

“The marvels of daily life are so exciting; no movie director can arrange the unexpected that you find in the street.” Robert Doisneau, iconic French photographer, April 14th, 1912 — April 1st, 1994. He also is quoted as saying

“If I knew how to take a good photograph, I’d do it every time.”

Robert Doisneau was born this month 109 years ago; reason enough for a small tribute in the form of this post. A Parisian, Doisneau is the man behind the famous le Baiser de l’hôtel de Ville (aka “The Kiss) taken on the streets of Paris and one of the most awesome photos ever ~ despite rumors it might have been staged. Even if it was staged, it was beautifully staged and sprinkles stardust of a magical moment. Stardust stays on your eyes forever once you've looked. This picture has the sprinkle. He also wrote some books worth adding to your bookshelves.

What makes a street-style photograph special? Not only the style of the subjects but the eye of the photographer. Robert Doisneau definitely had the eye. An eye that leaves glitter in the eyes of the beholder. Look at the backgrounds: they have depth and are just as important as the characters in the foreground. All in all: poetry in a picture. That’s what makes a good street-style photographer.

Of all the ‘street style’ sites around, I’d like to mention Adam Katz Sinding. Street-Style has of course evolved over the past years. My love for fashionistas has waned. Of course, I’ll notice someone who’s got it — that certain magic. That certain style. But unobtrusive is what I like. Overtly fashionable? Not my thing anymore. Another photographer I admire: Greg Williams. He does a lot of celebrities; he captures them as humans, not as Gods. That is very cool. I wish I could use one of his photos — alas, not copyright-free. But his website and/or his Instagram are full of humans even if you do recognize them.

One says a picture speaks more than a thousand words; that only applies if the image does indeed tell a story. Robert Doisneau always told a story. And left a sparkle. Inspiring in a world of sameness. I love it.