The illuminated buildings are reflected in the dark waters of the Le Havre basin, while the hull of a boat closes off one side of the image. This nocturnal view testifies to Jahan's interest in reflections and contrasts, recurring motifs in his urban photographs.Following his move to Paris in 1933, Pierre Jahan met Emmanuel Sougez, then director of the photographic department at the newspaper L’Illustration. It was on his advice that he decided to dedicate himself to photography professionally. At the same time, he worked as a freelance photographer, taking pictures of Paris at night.