Robert Doisneau
[Photographer, b. 1912, Gentilly, Val-de-Marne, France, d. 1994, Montrouge, France.]
The photographer must be absorbent—like a blotter, allow himself to be permeated by the poetic moment... His technique should be like an animal function... he should act automatically.
The marvels of daily life are exciting; no movie director can arrange the unexpected that you find in the street.
You know, they always say that the photographer is “a hunter of images.” That is a flattering image, the idea of a hunter, it’s virile, acquired power. Actually though, it isn’t that. We are really fishermen with hooks and lines.
If you take photos, don’t speak, don’t write, don’t analyze yourself, and don’t answer any questions.
You have to let the person who will look at the picture—provided that he isn’t an ass—always walk along that visual path for himself. We must always remember that a picture is also made up of the person who looks at it.
Why should I have to photograph in a foreign place when people there do it very well for themselves?
The world I was trying to present was one where I would feel good, where people would be friendly, where I could find the tenderness I longed for. My photos were like a proof that such a world could exist.
Life is short. Break the rules. Forgive quickly. Kiss slowly. Love truly. Laugh uncontrollably and never regret anything that made you smile!
