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Capturing a more relaxed side to the glitz and glamour of the Cannes Film Festival

I'm a sucker for red carpet events. The glitz, the glamour. It's harmless, sheer indulgent fun – backed by a multi-billion pound entertainment industry that I've always admired. But with many photographer capturing the poised and the perfect, it's so refreshing to discover the work of Vincent Desailly, a French photographer based in Paris.

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Elegantly dressed couple ascending the Cannes Film Festival steps in black and white, surrounded by festival attendees and staff

His take on the recent Cannes Film Festival was unexpected and honest, capturing the more human, relaxed side of the celebrities that attended the annual event. With a black and white focus, his snapshots from the evening reveal the hidden side to what happens when all the A-list celebrities grace the red carpet and pose for the wall of photographers, all fighting for their attention to get the best shot.

I'm talking everyone from the classic Hollywood goddess that is Charlize Theron right through to directing royalty in the manner of Woody Allen. Each and every shot reveals a sneak at the real people behind the hours of hair and makeup, and expensive, carefully chosen outfits.

Vincent is also co-founder, former head editor and photo editor of Snatch Magazine, a monthly French magazine about culture, society and fashion. You can discover more of his photography work at www.vincent-desailly.com. Or follow him on Tumblr or Instagram.

Via direct submission | All images courtesy of Vincent Desailly

A woman in an embellished gown looks over her shoulder at the Cannes Film Festival, captured in black and white
Woman viewed from behind at Cannes Film Festival, lit by camera flashes, wearing an embellished off-shoulder dress in black and white photography
Woman at Cannes Film Festival wearing a beaded black dress and pearl necklace, captured in black and white photography by Vincent Desailly
Woman in an ornate white layered gown standing alone on the Cannes Film Festival steps, surrounded by blurred figures and photographers below
Black and white photograph of a woman with hands behind her head surrounded by photographers and press at a red carpet event
Black and white portrait of a woman at Cannes Film Festival wearing a white top and dangling earrings, with blurred figures visible in the background
Two men in suits and sunglasses converse at Cannes Film Festival, surrounded by photographers and press in black and white
Woman with swept-back blonde hair wearing a patterned sleeveless top at a red carpet event, surrounded by photographers and press in the background
Woman with long blonde hair touches her face whilst surrounded by photographers at a formal event, captured in black and white
Man in black tie and white shirt at Cannes Film Festival, captured in candid black and white photography by Vincent Desailly
Black and white portrait of a woman at Cannes wearing a draped white gown and diamond necklace, looking contemplative away from the camera
A man in a tuxedo and a woman in an embellished dress at a formal event, captured in black and white at Cannes Film Festival
Woman with platinum blonde hair smiles whilst conversing with an older man at Cannes Film Festival, captured in black and white by photographer Vincent Desailly
Black and white photograph of a woman and man in close proximity at Cannes Film Festival, with the woman smiling whilst looking away and the man gazing towards her
Three elegantly dressed figures in formal attire at a black and white Cannes Film Festival event, captured in a candid moment away from the camera
Black and white photograph of attendees at Cannes Film Festival surrounded by photographers with cameras and bright lights during a red carpet event
Woman in patterned dress and blazer walks down grand steps at Cannes Film Festival, surrounded by officials and security in formal attire
Woman in black strapless gown with trailing train standing on brightly lit red carpet surrounded by photographers and media at Cannes Film Festival
Two women at Cannes Film Festival smile together as photographers work in the background, captured in black and white by Vincent Desailly
Woman in an elegant beaded gown with trailing fabric stands on a red carpet surrounded by photographers and media at Cannes Film Festival, captured in black and white
Well-dressed attendees surrounded by photographers and camera flashes at the Cannes Film Festival red carpet event
Woman with long dark hair wearing a beaded black top, photographed in black and white against a dark background at Cannes Film Festival
A man in a tuxedo glances over his shoulder towards a woman with long dark hair at a formal event, with photographers and onlookers blurred in the background
Black and white photograph of a man in a tuxedo and a woman in an evening gown at Cannes Film Festival, captured in a candid moment away from the formal posing
Woman in sequinned dress smiles whilst surrounded by photographers with camera flashes at Cannes Film Festival
Black and white portrait of a woman with braided hair looking over her shoulder, wearing an ornate black garment, photographed at Cannes Film Festival
Woman in a textured top with dark lipstick, looking away from the camera amid blurred figures at a formal event
Five formally dressed people stand on red carpet steps whilst photographers in silhouette below capture the moment at what appears to be a Cannes Film Festival event
Woman in shimmering silver gown standing on red carpet surrounded by photographers with cameras and lights at Cannes Film Festival
Two men in formal evening wear with bow ties at a Cannes Film Festival event, captured in black and white during an unguarded moment
Two men in formal black and white tuxedos share a relaxed moment at Cannes Film Festival, smiling whilst conversing with someone out of frame
Woman smiling candidly in black and white photograph at Cannes Film Festival, wearing statement necklace
Black and white portrait of a woman with wavy hair wearing an ornate lace garment, looking downward with a gentle expression
A man in a cream dinner jacket and black bow tie stands among formally dressed guests at what appears to be an evening event
Back of an older man's head with white hair wearing a dark suit jacket at Cannes Film Festival, with blurred figures in the background
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