Coming from an affluent aristocratic family, Joseph, also known as Ex-Count Desaulniers, was born in France alongside his twin brother, Claude. During the early years of his life, it is implied his family was forced to flee France and move to England, likely because of the mass emigration to Britain during the French Revolution. Not too long after, his brother passed away from illness, and the pain of losing his dear twin and caused Joseph to become emotionlessly absorbed with photography.