Happy Birthday Mr. Doisneau

Today, Incognito invites you to remember Robert Doisneau. Last week was the 100th anniversary of his birth, so it is a special occasion to make you discover his photographs, or more precisely our favorite photos by him. 

Be-Bop in Cave, 1951 by Blondyn_Bubble

I adore this photo because of its light. The contrast between the white woman and the black man with this dark background make this photo luminous. But what strikes the most my attention and make this shot so special to me are the gazes of the couple. The man is totally fascinated by the woman, his dancing partner. But regarding her, her gaze is directed towards us, she looks at us straight in the eyes. This detail gives a really special feeling to it, then the movement which is kind of hung make it even more particular. Doisneau sure knew how to  capture the instant.  

The seaman laundry, 1961 by Blondyn_Bubble

With this one I claim my love for France.The capital and the banks of the Seine on which walking by is a delight ! The Eiffel Tower in background gives to the photo its authenticity, we are not in a mere french town, we are in Paris. The boat is here to make us think : imagine yourself sunbathing with friends on the ship's deck. The special detail here, the multiplication induced by the laundry symmetrically hung and the slice of life stories that Doisneau is sharing with us.

The Hell, 1952 by Shug'A'Very

I adore this photo because of its dreamlike dimension, it is almost as if the policeman were really in front of the gates of Hell. But at the same time I feel like I am in The hunchback of Notre-Dame because of this huge gargoyle, you know these cathedral figures with grinning faces made to frighten people. I love this photo because it seems like we are between dream and reality: if this policeman is doing his daily inspection, he doesn't seem to realise that he is at the gates of Hell...but Doisneau, the photographer, has seen it through the lenses of his camera.

The Blottot Kiss, 1950 by Shug'A'Very

With the picture of the kiss of the Hôtel de Ville, I think that this photo here is definitely one of my favorite by Doisneau. I love it because he succeeded in capturing the auspicious time: these lovers are not kissing. If they are about to do it or if they just did it a while ago, this is up to the viewer to decide. This photo let you be the one to interpret it.

If you want to know more and see more, have a look to his Atelier.

Blondyn_Bubble and Shug'A'Very
(translated from french by Shug'A'Very)