Robert Doisenaum "It was delicious"

Robert Doisneau (1992)

Montrouge, Paris

14 April 1912 - 1 April 1994

"I don't photograph life as it is,

but life as I would like it to be."

French photgrapher, Robert Doisneau was one of the earliest pioneers of photojournalism. And like most members of the 'old guard,' he lived quite a colorful life - from forging passports and identification papers for the French Resistance to a short lived stint as a fashion photographer for Vogue. But he always preferred street photography, especially photographing the streets of Paris...

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"The marvels of daily life are so exciting;

no movie director can arrange the unexpected

that you find in the street."

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While his body of work, spanning 50 years, is magnificant, Monsieur Doisneau is best known for the now iconic photograph: Le baiser de l'hotel de ville (Kiss by the Town Hall):

It was not revealed, until 1992, who the models in this photograph are: Francoise Delbart (then 20) & Jacques Carteaud (then 23)

"[He] asked if we would kiss again for the camera.

We didn't mind. We were used to kissing.

We were doing it all of the time then,

it was delicious."

- Francoise Delbart

I did not learn of Monsieur Doisneau's artistry until very recently, when I began to get seriously serious about my craft. I find his street photography to be very inspirational indeed. I can't wait to return...

Today is Monsieur Doisneau's 100th birthday, celebrate it with me - grab your camera and get going!

Vivre! Rire! Aimer!

Temple