During the 1950s and '60s, street photography was just starting to take foot as an art form, and French photographer René Maltête gave it a push with his candid and humorous scenes.
In 1951, Maltête moved to Paris at the age of 21, and bought a Semflex 6×6 camera 3 years later in hopes of pursuing a serious photography career. His big break, however, came with a series of photos that were slightly less than serious. He became known for his 'stumbled-upon' scenes of street life that teemed with ironic humor, showing how the funniest things that happen in life are often just a matter of good timing.
Though René Maltête sadly passed away in 2000, his work continues to be published and praised. Have a look at some of his best shots below, and don't forget to vote for your favourites.
More info: René Maltête
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I am Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen. The First of Her Name, the Unburnt, Queen of Meereen, Queen of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Khalisee of the Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Chains and Mother of Dragons.
Being a conjoined twin is hard enough when you're both the same sex!!
Take a picture first, help later. Nothing's changed the last few years..
picture from Bretagne? (=brittany). Guessing from the lady's traditional hat..?
The first poster promotes a fair for young people and families. But the boys seem to have grown up :)
For those who don't speak French : the text was initially "Cordonnerie" (a shoe repair shop) but the blanket hides the "RDO" and we now read "Connerie" (a screw-up)
This is a self-portrait of Rene Maltet, author of all these photos. Here in old age rene-58df9...5d2608.jpg
The guy shoveling cement looks like Robert Lepage: LEPAGE_Rob...reault.jpg
Look at those gaps in the brickwork on the road. A woman in heels could NEVER walk on that.
Wait! You mean Handel's "Water Music" isn't played IN the water at all???