Humanist photography

A few decades before the emergence of contemporary photography, modern photography encompassed artists such as Henri Cartier-Bresson or even Robert Capa.

At this time, humanist photography saw the light of day for the first time.

After World War II, Europe was devastated. The economy had plummeted and an entire continent had to be rebuilt. The horrors of war marked the oldest and impacted the little ones.

Faced with all this, many photographers decided to capture the happiness that was hidden in the small pleasures of life.

Thus, Robert Doisneau immortalized the image of a couple kissing in the street. A photograph that became a symbol throughout the world of the French current of humanist photography.

Artists place man at the center of their creation.

The favorite subjects of these images are men, women and children in their daily lives. Students, workers, housewives … anyone can be the center of the humanist image.

This trend is gaining ground little by little and other artists join the style of Doisneau: Izis, Willy Ronis, Edouard Boubat, Henri Cartier-Bresson …

Many photographers decide to immortalize the society of the time.

This creates a photographic style close to war photography and press photography.

At this time the first photography agency was also born: Magnum.

Photographs become independent and give artists the opportunity to choose their subjects. Most of the photographs are published in the press and in magazines such as Life or Paris-Match.

Today many other photographers continue to perpetuate the legacy of humanist photography .

This documentary photography is also used today and in press reviews, but it is also exhibited in art galleries, as is the case with the works of Steve McCurry.

Discover the photography course offer on our platform. Humanist photography