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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

#7

Photography By Rene Maltete

Rene Maltete Report

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Fire Bird
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If he is waiting for the other guy to make his move, that will be quite awhile. Stalemate.

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Photography By Rene Maltete

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Jean Donahue
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Being a conjoined twin is hard enough when you're both the same sex!!

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#18

Photography By Rene Maltete

Rene Maltete Report

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#24

Photography By Rene Maltete

Rene Maltete Report

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Alternathy
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Take a picture first, help later. Nothing's changed the last few years..

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#27

Photography By Rene Maltete

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Fire Bird
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That one girl is thinking twice about skiing after seeing that guy.

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Photography By Rene Maltete

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Lua boots
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live in Paris and I think this one is my street xD... they are still working on that road >_< Endless works everywhere :) yeah... T_T

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#43

Photography By Rene Maltete

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Gemala Hapsari
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

picture from Bretagne? (=brittany). Guessing from the lady's traditional hat..?

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#44

Photography By Rene Maltete

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Lynn Donovan
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The first poster promotes a fair for young people and families. But the boys seem to have grown up :)

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#48

Photography By Rene Maltete

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Lynn Donovan
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6 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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)

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#51

Photography By Rene Maltete

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Lua boots
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nobody leaves its handbag alone like this anymore in Paris :( ... I want to return to the past

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Stefano Aprea
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a self-portrait of Rene Maltet, author of all these photos. Here in old age rene-58df9...5d2608.jpg rene-58df9dc5d2608.jpg

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Molly Block
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Look at those gaps in the brickwork on the road. A woman in heels could NEVER walk on that.

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#61

Photography By Rene Maltete

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Sasy
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

maybe it has a hole in it, to block out any other light ?

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#62

Photography By Rene Maltete

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Stefan Reiff
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait! You mean Handel's "Water Music" isn't played IN the water at all???

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