Robert Doisneau’s photograph in my living room

As a kid, I grew up with a huge print of Robert Doisneau’s photograph, “Le Baiser de l’Hôtel de Ville,” hanging in our living room. I didn’t give it much thought; it was simply part of the family house decor. It wasn’t until years later that I discovered the story behind it, which turned out to be less romantic than I’d imagined. Today, I’d like to share a glimpse into the life of Robert Doisneau, iconic photographer, who roamed the streets of Paris, capturing the ever-changing world around him and his iconic image of romance.

The backstory of “Le Baiser de l’Hôtel de Ville”

As I mentioned earlier, the story behind this iconic image isn’t quite as romantic as it seems. Robert Doisneau was actually commissioned by Life magazine to capture a series on the lovebirds of post-war Paris. After the war, couples were springing up all over the city, creating a beautiful picture of joy and renewal. But the famous couple in his photograph weren’t those spontaneous lovers. While the French are known for their libertine attitudes, Doisneau’s camera still made them a bit uncomfortable. Plus, the rules around photographing strangers in the 1950s were much like they are today—getting permission was a must.

So, how did this now-legendary image come about? Doisneau use to hire actors to stage scenes for his photographs, and this time was no different. He enlisted two actors to pose as a couple, carefully crafting the perfect romantic moment. After the shoot, he didn’t think much of it, and the photo ended up sitting in his archives for nearly 30 years.

But in 1986, things took a turn. Victor Franck, a poster manufacturer, reached out to Doisneau looking for images to print. Doisneau was surprised by the request, but agreed and gave him permission to use that photograph for his posters. To him, it was just another nice shot, one among many taken for clients—not something he expected to become an international symbol of romance. And the response was incredible! The poster became an instant sensation, capturing the hearts of many, which is why my parents, like countless others in the ’90s, had one proudly displayed in their home.

The early passion to look and capture

Born in 1912 in Gentilly, a suburb of Paris, Robert Doisneau grew up in a middle-class environment that he didn’t particularly like. At just 13, he was pushed into studying lithographic engraving, a profession already on the decline, and it was far from a path he felt passionate about. Everything changed when his half-brother Lucien, whom he wasn’t even very close to, lent him a camera. Suddenly, Doisneau discovered a new way to view the world around him. Gentilly, like much of France, was still dealing with the aftereffects of World War I, and even as a teenager, Doisneau instinctively documented the broken landscapes and visible poverty around him. His early photographs served as a visual diary of the town’s slow recovery.

By 1932, at the age of 20, Doisneau sold his first photo report, which featured the Saint-Ouen Flea Market for the newspaper Excelsior. This was an important moment in his life. However, life took another turn when he was called for military service in the Vosges, as Europe braced for yet another war. In 1934, after completing his service, Doisneau secured his first job as an industrial photographer at the Renault factories. Over the next five years, he documented the gritty reality of assembly lines, workshops, and workers. But Doisneau was never one to fit neatly into a mold. His dreamy and rebellious spirit made the structured factory work feel stifling. Frequent tardiness ultimately led to his dismissal in 1939, a clear indication that this wasn’t where his heart belonged.

For Doisneau, photography was more than just a job; it was a pursuit that allowed him to frame the complexities of the world and capture the beauty of everyday life. His journey was just beginning, and the best was yet to come.

The heart behind Robert Doisneau’s lens

In 1936, Robert Doisneau married Pierrette Chaumaison, and together they settled into a cozy little house in Montrouge. This home wasn’t just where they raised their family—it also became Robert’s studio, a place where his art and personal life naturally intertwined.

Robert and Pierrette’s marriage lasted more than 50 years, until Pierrette’s passing in 1993. Robert followed her just six months later at the age of 81. Their relationship was a deep and lasting one, and you can see that bond reflected in many of Doisneau’s family photos. He often used his wife and children as models for commercial and magazine work, simply because he couldn’t afford to hire professional models all the time. Yet these images capture more than just posed scenes—they’re filled with the joy, warmth, and intimacy of everyday life, a real testament to the closeness Robert shared with Pierrette and their family.

Remarkably, the house remains in the family to this day. His daughters, Annette Doisneau and Francine Deroudille, now work from there, dedicated to preserving and promoting their father’s vast collection of photographs. Although the atelier isn’t open to the public, its legacy lives on through their efforts.

The occupation and liberation of France

Robert Doisneau was called in 1939 back to serve as a soldier, but his time in the military lasted only a year before he returned to Paris. With the outbreak of World War II, Doisneau, like many artists, had to find ways to survive. He took on commercial work from places like the Army Museum, National Aid, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. And behind the scenes, he was quietly working with the Resistance! Using his artistic skills, he forged identity cards, false passports, and documents to help those at risk. Despite his workshop being searched three times by the Gestapo, he managed to continue his underground efforts.

Even with just two rolls of film—only 24 frames—Doisneau captured life during the Nazi occupation and, later, the liberation of Paris. His images from this period reflect both the grim reality of occupation and the fierce spirit of rebellion that fueled the city’s fight for freedom. He was often in the Belleville-Ménilmontant neighborhoods, documenting the uprising and the powerful emotions of Parisians reclaiming their city. These photographs are a testament to his courage and his remarkable ability to find beauty and defiance in even the darkest chapters of history.

The oldest photographic agency in France: Rapho

In 1946, just after World War II, Robert Doisneau joined the Rapho agency, the oldest photojournalism agency in France, founded in 1933. The agency’s director, Raymond Grosset, played a crucial role in shaping Doisneau’s career. Their relationship was more than just professional—Grosset supported and believed in Doisneau, helping him secure commissions and ensuring his work was seen by a global audience, with his images appearing in major publications worldwide.

Rapho gave Doisneau the creative freedom to pursue his true passion: capturing the beauty of everyday life in France, particularly in the streets of Paris. Whether it was a quiet moment in a café or the bustling energy of a market, Doisneau’s gift for portraying human connection blossomed under the agency’s guidance. Grosset’s unwavering belief in his talent, combined with Rapho’s reach, helped elevate Doisneau to legendary status as one of the most beloved photographers of the 20th century. Their partnership lasted for decades, and Rapho remained Doisneau’s professional home until his death in 1994, cementing his legacy as a master of capturing the human spirit.

The limited but vibrant colours of Robert Doisneau

Robert Doisneau is best known for his iconic black-and-white photographs that captured the everyday life and charm of post-war Paris. However, he did take a small number of colored photographs throughout his career, though they remain much less recognized. These images, while rare, offer a unique glimpse into Doisneau’s exploration of color photography. His approach to color was careful and understated, and unlike his black-and-white work, which often highlighted the contrasts and emotions of street life, his color photographs feel softer, almost painterly. While he didn’t focus heavily on color as a medium, the few examples we have reveal the same warmth and humanism that defines his entire body of work, providing a fresh perspective on the world he so famously captured.

Palm Springs in 1960 for Fortune magazine

In 1985, the DATAR (Inter-ministerial Delegation for Regional Planning and Attractiveness) launched the Photographic Mission: a huge order of photographs with the aim of “representing the French landscape of the 1980s”. Doisneau took part, casting a disenchanted and ironic look at these cities and neighborhoods, sometimes built in a hurry and subject to repeated crises since their creation.

The Parisian suburbs of the 80s for DATAR

In 1985, the DATAR (Inter-ministerial Delegation for Regional Planning and Attractiveness) launched the Photographic Mission: a huge order of photographs with the aim of “representing the French landscape of the 1980s”. Doisneau took part, casting a disenchanted and ironic look at these cities and neighborhoods, sometimes built in a hurry and subject to repeated crises since their creation. From squares and rectangles, rail lines (RER, trains) and motorways: Doisneau transcends the ugliness of the suburbs, extracts their architectural power, volume and social depths.

Conclusion

What I find most striking about Robert Doisneau’s photography is the genuine kindness and empathy he had for his subjects. Whether he was working on a job or just capturing a quick moment on the street, he always approached people with such care and respect. He wasn’t interested in making things dramatic or sensational. For me, his photos are like little celebrations of everyday life, showing us the beauty in ordinary people and reminding us of our shared humanity. He had a rare talent for finding beauty in the ordinary, and his work reflects a deep respect for both the moments he captured and the people in them. Driven by a desire to preserve what was fading from the world, Doisneau’s images serve as memories of a time and place he cherished. They are stories told through warmth, connection, and a genuine love for humanity. If you want to experience his work, you’ll need to find an exhibition on your own, as there isn’t -to my knowledge- a dedicated museum for him.