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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

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    #7

    Photography By Rene Maltete

    Rene Maltete Report

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    Fire Bird
    Community Member
    7 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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    #12

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

    For those who don't speak French : "You are the majority"

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    #13

    Photography By Rene Maltete

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    Jean Donahue
    Community Member
    7 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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    #24

    Photography By Rene Maltete

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    Alternathy
    Community Member
    7 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
    Community Member
    7 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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    #33

    Photography By Rene Maltete

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    Lua boots
    Community Member
    7 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

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    Gemala Hapsari
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    7 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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    Lynn Donovan
    Community Member
    7 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
    Community Member
    7 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

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    Lua boots
    Community Member
    7 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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    #59

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    Molly Block
    Community Member
    7 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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    Sasy
    Community Member
    7 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

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    Stefan Reiff
    Community Member
    7 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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