Hunting for characters on the Streets of New York City with Magnum Photographer Bruce Gilden. Visit WNYC's Street Shots for more videos and a chance to share your own Street photographs: www.wnyc.org/streetshots
The vest is actually really good because it’s substitutes for a camera bag. You can fit all your gear inside without worrying about someone stealing your bag
@@OllieConnorsFilms I love his work and it's so sad how some ppl can't look past someone's outfit....with that said u sure did a good job at explaining to his vest is awesome!
@@marshnate1the way he photographs is unacceptable... Jumps onto the people like there is no tomorrow... No respect for his subjects nor for the context... I don't like the way he works.
@@youngalwyn1124 this is true. I used to take street photos as a teenager and constantly harrased about it and questioned. I took about 10 year break in photography. Now I have packed on about 25lbs of muscle thanks to CrossFit. People don't say shit to me. People probably think I'm a cop.
He's working in a crowd, people are less likely to react negatively when surrounded by other people. I know some people will think his photos are brilliant but to me they look like he dropped the camera and it went off.
Say what you want about Bruce Gilden but the photo at 1:17 is just amazing. That completely lost stare he captured there is something you would never ever see in planned/arranged portaits. No matter how hard the Model would try to act it.
To me, "Street Photography" is an art for being in harmony with street people and enviroment. As for taking a photo of unexpected facial expression, you should "record" it by patience and observation, not "produce" it by assaulting, close range flashing, and indignity.
If that's your definition of street photography, fair enough. Bruce Gilden developed his own style and approach. The curious glances, odd expressions make for interesting photos when they come from odd characters. His style and approach certainly isn't for everyone. I don't think it's fair to say that it rises to the level of assault. Being in a public space means possibly being subjected to being photographed. He's certainly pushing the envelope. At the same time, he does it quickly, and then moves on. If he doubled back for another shot because he felt he didn't get the right angle or expression, then that would be another story.
*+donkeydump63* That's not the main point he's making though. "Being in harmony with street people and environment" includes not *flashing* people in the face at such short distance. It is borderline assault, and really unnecessary.
Celestial Traveler Gildens approach is definitely risky, unorthodox, and it requires advanced ballsy-ness to pull off. I've seen photographers try and duplicate his style but he's definitely built a brand around his invasive style photography. Personally, I always ask or I stand out of field of view if it's a candid.
Whatever you might think of him, he's genuine. He's not pretending he's got ethics. He only cares about the shot. I also love the analogy to war. He is a war photographer shooting like that and any one of his subjects could suddenly blow up in his face. He traversing a Manhattan minefield.
I don't see him in active warzones or taking pictures of effects on war infested areas. He assaults people by what he's doing. He takes pictures of people from close up without consent and also uses flash. I am surprised he still hasn't been admitted to the hospital yet.
You're never going to see street photos like this unless the photographer is similar in energy. True artist. Love it or hate it. I personally love it lol.
“He’s a f**king bully. I despise the work, I despise the attitude, he’s an aggressive bully and all the pictures look alike because he only has one idea - ‘I’m gonna embarrass you, I’m going to humiliate you.’ I’m sorry, but no.” - Joel Meyerowitz
So brave. Can we take a minute to notice how often he goes for little Jewish ladies with a pooch under their armpit compared to how often he goes for 6ft brothers with an attitude strutting down the street?
This video was uploaded 13 years ago when he said he was 61? So he probably is "outta the way" and in a coffin. If not from old age, then someone beat the sheet out of him by now.
adarrylljacksonsr most NYers come across as rude..its the lifestyle here!!..i do street photography as well and he is intrusive but he gets good pics!! I personally like his pics..everybody can do what they want anyway because its an art form..you cant tell picasso to paint a certain way
That's what NYC is about or at least was. If you go back to the old days and listen to the radio shows back then you know what I mean. It's a little game nothing serious or as rude as it looks it's just a way to stand out and have a little fun with people on the streets
That’s a New Yorker. My first guitar teacher was a New Yorker. They’re generally a-holes. Probably why the terrorists keep trying to attack there. His photos are pretty lame, IMO. Blurry photos of startled people. He should work for a tabloid.
if i did what he does, i think id be dead. honestly i was quite shocked seeing what he does to people. and honestly seeing the photos he takes, ive seen a lot better ones out there. but this is photography. ive seen many famous photographers with crappy photos. obviously taken after they got famous. its like music. when were famous already, people would buy our crappy music.
Well he takes the risks and guess what it shows in his work 😉 Besides nobody seems to be offended most people are surprised but they understand right away that this is just a little game
@leica.vision Who cares!! A hell of a lot of people care. People who don’t care how they impact on others are half the problems we have in this world. You calling me dumbass and saying who cares, just shows that you’re just another disrepectful dik!! So it doesn’t surprise me that you are a Gilden and Leica fanboy
I am a photographer discovered a picture you published of my grandmother many years ago. I couldn't tell how you had made such a wonderful, kind, and gentle person look so harrassed and ashamed until I saw how you shot the first woman in this video. The elderly are not your characters and they deserve much more respect than you give them.
bruce gilden is one of my favorite photographers but i must say i was shocked/amazed to see this is how he does it. very intrusive indeed, but very sincere at the same time. anyway, these are the photos people will appreciate the most 50 years from now when they'll want to see what life/people/culture were like way back now :) he is a really good judge of character since no one was offended.
Not a bully just an old kid doing old fashioned jokes and playing games with unknown people the way they did on radio or TV shows back then with famous people 😉
@@nickfanzo that's fine I won't contest that if you want to call it that, but art being art doesn't absolve him of his rudeness and/or inconsideration at all
2:09 is my favourite of the photographs in this video. I disagree slightly with some people that don't like his photographs. I'd say they look decent and definitely have a style to them. My problem lies more with how the shot was taken. I know that I probably wouldn't be too happy if someone did this to me.
I mean at least he’s honest about having no ethics. There isn’t really any other way to get real candid photographs w out being kinda intrusive and dickish. But future generations who want a glimpse into our reality will thank him later.
I have to say that I'm not a fan of his photographs. I realize they're basically just character portraits, but there is a lot left to be desired in them. There are no elements of composition to tell a story, no play of light, or feel of environment for the subject.
I am an artist, a photographer. I am a nature photographer (not street.) Yes, I watched and I listened to him saying that people are too busy focussing on their own lives to notice, but I also think there are other ways to go about photography. See the Sandra Roa or the Jamel Shabazz videos for a different (an in my opinion better) way to do street photography. Anyone can go and shove a camera in someones face, but it takes reall guts to actually talk to the people, and get to know them.
easterner2010 The old decisive moment cliche. An amazing capture is a "Decisive moment". And Bruce has many amazing photos. Don't judge his work by 5 minutes of shooting, taking great photographs is about persistence and patience.
I think Mr Gilden's shooting tactics are a bit disgusting. You shove a camera in somebody's eye and fire flash and the stunned reaction is the photograph? And that's supposed to be deep? I think the guy is highly aggressive and anti-social.
Most of his shots are capturing the shock or anger from him shoving a camera in the subjects face. He is now part of the story. Street photography where the subject is completely unaware of the photographer is far more interesting to look at and tells a better story 50 years later.
While i think his photos are interesting on one hand, i think they are "staged" on the other hand...when you pop a flash in someone's face and they react, you've set up the shot instead of capturing unscripted moments which occur naturally and are much harder to shoot. Have real mixed feelings about his photographic style.
When you pop a flash in someone's face, you don't capture their "reaction" on the photo, which is taken at the same instance. The reaction might come AFTER the flash. Jebus, it's like most of commenters never took a flash photo.
there is no such thing as "not scripted images" in photography , at the moment you setup a composition it's already over , street photography and photography in general is not a representation of reality ... thoses facial expression are actually natural since it's how they react to the moment ... yes he create the moment but you know that in life you have to create your own opportunitys right ? no matter the style you are doing or the type of photos you are doing even in "reporter" photography you compose your shot , no matter what again , there are no such thing as a "non staged image" people really need to stop with that bullshit
The one thing that street photography should not be, is intrusive. Thats the one thing you do apart from annoying people. Using the flash on unsuspecting people is remarkably rude.
really? photography in general is an intrusion. that's the whole point of it. you intrude by grabbing a part of the world and recording it onto photo paper. some of the most famous photographers in the world have intruded to get photos that have changed peoples lives and opened the eyes of others.
never really knew who he was when I visited Magnum Photos.. I just thought he was some random crazy New Yorker....damn I should have spent some time talking to him ....
He's a character too! Great faces, capturing that split second of a person. Good job putting his story together. Thanks for sharing Gilden's work and how he works.
I found this through Vimeo, where I saw some of his photos without totally thinking about what was required to capture them. My first thought was , "Oh, he's doing the Diane Arbus thing." Then the first thing I see in this video is of him pushing into the elderly lady's face and flashing his flash. For those of you who don't maybe get why the flash, the burst of flash is so fast it freezes action, so that's his technique for his "spray and pray" style. It yields some interesting images, but so would dropping a bucket of paint on someone. Just think: You're walking in NYC, the streets are crowded, you're an elderly woman. Suddenly this freak in a Tilley hat is rushing at you a flash is exploding in your face. How do you know he's not some nut case who's going to assault you? Or rob you? It is truly indefensible. My problem is that I think some of images are stunning, even iconic, yet I'm so filled with unease about how they were produced, I don't trust them and I'm ambivalent about them. It's like a documentary on "expressions people make when they think their life is over." I"ll pass on those, thanks.
If you have a weak heart and someone jumps out in front of you and fires a flash in your face, it could finish you off. Really it could. There's a lot of luck to this anyway. Most of these shots are pretty poor.
seeing this technique is cathartic to me, regarding that my potential subjects often reject my request for *a* picture, and i’ve ended up making grotesque candids. years - even decades - of experience will change lots of perspective of some optimistic, youthful photographers like me. well, just gonna drop this: *making art is not illegal. publishing it may be*
@Eli Santiago Most people are not artists. Such negative reactions to his work indicate this divide rather clearly. To continue on, despite such intense scrutiny, is certainly an inspirational trait.
IMO the weak to fight or are afraid to fight back would actually whoop Bruce Gilden down and bodybuilders wouldn't give a lot of shit about Bruce's repertoire.
His development in his style of street photography is what makes it different, i personally don't agree with his method of shooting photos he does but you can't not respect the man on paving his own way into the street photography style he goes for.
I tend to think that what he is saying about people becoming "the same", fewer characters, is pretty accurate. Times have really changed, I remember when people used to enjoy having their picture taken, there was a feeling of liberty and fun, people wanted things to happen to them in public, to live an interesting life. Women and men were both open to the adventure, though it was definitely dangerous, the culture was so different... I miss that spirit... it had its downside but today people are so uptight, and totally lacking in love and spiritedness... It amazes me that people still think they're living in a free world, so much has disappeared since the late 90's and early 2000's... its sad...
@@loklan1 It has changed, but 99% is just getting older and nostalgic for sure. People might have changed due to how much surveillance is going on. If we don't act up, we will literally end up with zero privacy in the end. I mean phones are already listening to what you are saying in order to show you ads.
I am free baby.. I’m in my prime and I don’t give a fuck, got my heart full of love and I live how I want.. but I’m a rare one baby. One of a dying breed
I like his photography a lot. I do understand why other people might not, though I don't get why they feel the need to be insulting when they express their opinion.
I like this man... that is the coolest thing I've ever seen in my life. I see characters wherever I go, but to take a picture has never crossed my mind. Amazing.
On one hand I am happy that the country I live in have very strict rules when it comes to street photography (what Bruce does would not bode well, or I am not sure how strict the rules were back in 2008 tho), but also I really wanna do some street photography as I love people watching, and I would love to take pictures of all the amazing people out there.
Exactly what is Bruce Gilden trying to "capture"? If he's trying to capture the body language of people reacting to an inconsiderate arse hole that jumps in front of their face and takes a picture without their permission, then he is a genius. And hats off to him to having "no ethics", as it's essential for the type of work he does. But in my opinion his approach is not one that should be celebrated, and neither are his pictures. They're just not that good.
@@erictrombini8519 I believe that your experiences in life affect your opinion on things like art or comedy. My opinion was that art was subjective, my experiences in my life and as a intermediate photographer myself are different to there beliefs of the original comment on Bruce Gilden and his work. My comment was more of a reflection of art in general. I think you have missed the point of what I was saying.
![[UNCUT] รัฐสั่งหยุดปล่อยคลื่น! แต่หยุดพลังปะทุ “น้องหญิง” ไม่ได้ I คนดังนั่งเคลียร์](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RmQh47eIiV0/mqdefault.jpg)
I love how he dressed up like a fisherman to basically go fishing for pictures
The vest is actually really good because it’s substitutes for a camera bag. You can fit all your gear inside without worrying about someone stealing your bag
Love how this videos 14 years old and still ends up on my feed
@@OllieConnorsFilms I love his work and it's so sad how some ppl can't look past someone's outfit....with that said u sure did a good job at explaining to his vest is awesome!
@@marshnate1the way he photographs is unacceptable... Jumps onto the people like there is no tomorrow... No respect for his subjects nor for the context... I don't like the way he works.
It's amazing he hasn't caught a fist.
His style of taking photo (sudden movements) is unbelievable. I'm surprised that people is not confronting him.
Mambo Ferido This was years ago when times were different. Do that now and he would probably get his ass beat.
hello sir! just reading sa comments and saw you here..haha! so good to bump to you in the deep web street photog content haha
Papii Chuloo false. i have a buddy who does this literally walks around with a camera and a flash and people RARELY react or confront him
Mambo Ferido - Notice that Gilden is quite a large man, physically. This has a lot to do with others not confronting him.
@@youngalwyn1124 this is true.
I used to take street photos as a teenager and constantly harrased about it and questioned.
I took about 10 year break in photography.
Now I have packed on about 25lbs of muscle thanks to CrossFit.
People don't say shit to me. People probably think I'm a cop.
"She smiled".
"That's even worse".
Haha!
That described his whole attitude
he must have his ISO set to "a-hole"
best setting ever
This comment made me chuckle :-)
lmao
Smug individual .
Tiny dinkle complex.
After 4 years. Funniest joke ever
“If you can smell the street by looking at the photo, it’s a street photograph.”
I don't like his behavior, but his ability to give zero fucks has to be respected. This man has balls of steel.
is this not a cliche New-York-I-Dont-Give-a-Shit attidude? I dislike his work very much even if his character is so colourful
+Alejandro Ilukewitsch i noticed that also
He's working in a crowd, people are less likely to react negatively when surrounded by other people. I know some people will think his photos are brilliant but to me they look like he dropped the camera and it went off.
He is a crackhead.
He won’t have balls of steel when someone gets fed up with his bs and kicks them
Say what you want about Bruce Gilden but the photo at 1:17 is just amazing. That completely lost stare he captured there is something you would never ever see in planned/arranged portaits. No matter how hard the Model would try to act it.
I thought the same....
That was one of his best shot. N the darkness if the shadows in his left face just look surreal to me.
The wide eyed guy at 2:17 just freaked me out!!!
The photo was taken about a week after 09/11 when wall street opened up again. Just some context.
No
I feel like this is a skit from portlandia
To me, "Street Photography" is an art for being in harmony with street people and enviroment. As for taking a photo of unexpected facial expression, you should "record" it by patience and observation, not "produce" it by assaulting, close range flashing, and indignity.
I so agree with you
If that's your definition of street photography, fair enough. Bruce Gilden developed his own style and approach. The curious glances, odd expressions make for interesting photos when they come from odd characters. His style and approach certainly isn't for everyone. I don't think it's fair to say that it rises to the level of assault. Being in a public space means possibly being subjected to being photographed. He's certainly pushing the envelope. At the same time, he does it quickly, and then moves on. If he doubled back for another shot because he felt he didn't get the right angle or expression, then that would be another story.
*+donkeydump63* That's not the main point he's making though. "Being in harmony with street people and environment" includes not *flashing* people in the face at such short distance. It is borderline assault, and really unnecessary.
Two years late, but well said!
Celestial Traveler Gildens approach is definitely risky, unorthodox, and it requires advanced ballsy-ness to pull off. I've seen photographers try and duplicate his style but he's definitely built a brand around his invasive style photography. Personally, I always ask or I stand out of field of view if it's a candid.
his personality is so dominating that no one tries to even confront him, man he is so quick and upfront
Whatever you might think of him, he's genuine. He's not pretending he's got ethics. He only cares about the shot. I also love the analogy to war. He is a war photographer shooting like that and any one of his subjects could suddenly blow up in his face. He traversing a Manhattan minefield.
I don't see him in active warzones or taking pictures of effects on war infested areas.
He assaults people by what he's doing. He takes pictures of people from close up without consent and also uses flash.
I am surprised he still hasn't been admitted to the hospital yet.
He actually ethically justified himself saying that he was a chrackead and bla bla bla.
Ethics applies to photography as well and his style is unethical, wether he tries to justify it or not
@@atticustay1so basically you’re just agreeing with what the original commenter said.
You're never going to see street photos like this unless the photographer is similar in energy. True artist. Love it or hate it. I personally love it lol.
“He’s a f**king bully. I despise the work, I despise the attitude, he’s an aggressive bully and all the pictures look alike because he only has one idea - ‘I’m gonna embarrass you, I’m going to humiliate you.’ I’m sorry, but no.” - Joel Meyerowitz
Wow, where does he say this?
So brave. Can we take a minute to notice how often he goes for little Jewish ladies with a pooch under their armpit compared to how often he goes for 6ft brothers with an attitude strutting down the street?
And Bruce couldn't give 2 shits, his work is unique and controversial because it's his style. If you don't like it don't look at it.
I loved the videos of Meyerowitz, the words he say are a true inspiration for a beginning student photographer!
Found the guy who wished he had the balls to photograph people, but instead does “street photography” by photographing the back of peoples heads.
0:28 the way he says "outta the way, outta the way, outta the way" feels like an organized crime shooting
This video was uploaded 13 years ago when he said he was 61? So he probably is "outta the way" and in a coffin. If not from old age, then someone beat the sheet out of him by now.
@@vnecksurferdude7041 he's still alive as of 2024
@@vnecksurferdude7041he apparently just started a TH-cam channel last week too
Not speaking on his work or skills, but he comes across as a rude individual.
adarrylljacksonsr most NYers come across as rude..its the lifestyle here!!..i do street photography as well and he is intrusive but he gets good pics!! I personally like his pics..everybody can do what they want anyway because its an art form..you cant tell picasso to paint a certain way
That's what NYC is about or at least was. If you go back to the old days and listen to the radio shows back then you know what I mean. It's a little game nothing serious or as rude as it looks it's just a way to stand out and have a little fun with people on the streets
That’s a New Yorker. My first guitar teacher was a New Yorker. They’re generally a-holes. Probably why the terrorists keep trying to attack there. His photos are pretty lame, IMO. Blurry photos of startled people. He should work for a tabloid.
@@recinese - You can't tell Picasso how to paint, but you can tell him not to be disrespectful to his models!!
Nice guys didn't achieve anything of significance ever!
if i did what he does, i think id be dead. honestly i was quite shocked seeing what he does to people. and honestly seeing the photos he takes, ive seen a lot better ones out there. but this is photography. ive seen many famous photographers with crappy photos. obviously taken after they got famous. its like music. when were famous already, people would buy our crappy music.
This guy is so New FUCKING York it's hilarious
i wonder when will someone upload video with tittle "Rude Street Photographer Die From Punch in the Jaw"
Well he takes the risks and guess what it shows in his work 😉 Besides nobody seems to be offended most people are surprised but they understand right away that this is just a little game
@@boris.dupont - You really believe that crap!! Most are offended, they just don't act out on it.
@leica.vision Who cares!! A hell of a lot of people care. People who don’t care how they impact on others are half the problems we have in this world. You calling me dumbass and saying who cares, just shows that you’re just another disrepectful dik!! So it doesn’t surprise me that you are a Gilden and Leica fanboy
I am a photographer discovered a picture you published of my grandmother many years ago. I couldn't tell how you had made such a wonderful, kind, and gentle person look so harrassed and ashamed until I saw how you shot the first woman in this video. The elderly are not your characters and they deserve much more respect than you give them.
Yes, how to resolve the likeness rights of such pictures?
hahaha
got into polaroid photography and this guy really inspires me i just found him today. thank you bruce gilden
He's Inspired Me For Years
Please don’t do what this asshole does
I can't do these crazy stunts where I live 🤣 . I'd be chased or beat up.
"the energy, the stress..."
he's stressing people out by harassing them and then taking their photo. i wouldn't like it
Kat ily you can cry later
Art making is rarely comfortable.
Degas used to make women cry when he yelled at them to get his beautiful pastels correct
No he isn't. Live a little!
@@nickfanzo that's a separating the art from the artist statement right there.
Kat ily what!?
Not many things are as beautiful as Bruce Gilden shooting New York with that piano song in the background
bruce gilden is one of my favorite photographers but i must say i was shocked/amazed to see this is how he does it. very intrusive indeed, but very sincere at the same time. anyway, these are the photos people will appreciate the most 50 years from now when they'll want to see what life/people/culture were like way back now :)
he is a really good judge of character since no one was offended.
What a world we live in....some people can find art in anything. Absolutely amazing
Being a douchebag with a camera getting in people's way.... Absolutely amazing
BG is documenting his, uhm, personality & character, not the street scenes he crashes into
WNYC needs to bring this series back.
He may be a "legend" to some but looks like a Brooklyn bully to me. In your face is his genre.
Not a bully just an old kid doing old fashioned jokes and playing games with unknown people the way they did on radio or TV shows back then with famous people 😉
Sudesh Singh art is art. Take it or leave it
@@nickfanzo can we actually leave it if it was all so fast and forced
El Chupacabra it’s still be art though
@@nickfanzo that's fine I won't contest that if you want to call it that, but art being art doesn't absolve him of his rudeness and/or inconsideration at all
I start street photography after saw his artwork, I had put down my camera for 10 years.
Lol, DR TV said not to dress like a pedo. He kinda failed.
He almost got beaten up because of that in his london trip. lOL
fascinating man and fascinating pictures
"alL of tHesE pEopLe aRe mY fRiEnDs"
People are taught to be offended by pictures but not surveillance
If I did this 'style' of photography in my town I'd be floored at my first attempt (rightly so too)' this man is obnoxious, rude and very invasive
Obviously not so much so as he gets away with it every time 😉
He makes you feel something didn't he? You despise him.
@@JohanEssenceExplorer lots of things make me feel something, doesn't make them art
@@tomkenning5482 art is subjective, what you believe something is not art for other it is.
That's New York city for ya
the photos are great!
Man i love photography,but i couldn't go sticking my wide-angle and flash in peoples faces like that lol
He has a lot of confidence :-)
Yes he does!
He is the one CAUSING the anxiety you see in his photos.
No
@@CrowCloudsyes
His photos made me smile is that a good thing ?
I guess so 😉
Yes!
I have been looking for this!!!
Really brutal approach to take someone picture. Just waiting the time when someone feels annoyed and then beat you.
Such an interesting way of working
2:09 is my favourite of the photographs in this video.
I disagree slightly with some people that don't like his photographs. I'd say they look decent and definitely have a style to them.
My problem lies more with how the shot was taken. I know that I probably wouldn't be too happy if someone did this to me.
I mean at least he’s honest about having no ethics. There isn’t really any other way to get real candid photographs w out being kinda intrusive and dickish. But future generations who want a glimpse into our reality will thank him later.
His images are super interesting and very pleasant on an aesthetic level for me. But I find his means disturbing 😂
loved it!
I have to say that I'm not a fan of his photographs. I realize they're basically just character portraits, but there is a lot left to be desired in them. There are no elements of composition to tell a story, no play of light, or feel of environment for the subject.
+Ars Ikon Try to take one like this ;)
+Toni García I wouldn't wish that on anyone.
he just concerned with catching the people.....not about composition or geometry.
Or0s rekajeancralr
Beginners think gear. Intermediats think skills (everthing you mentiond, composition, play of light or feel of environment lol). Legends think soul
I am an artist, a photographer. I am a nature photographer (not street.)
Yes, I watched and I listened to him saying that people are too busy focussing on their own lives to notice, but I also think there are other ways to go about photography. See the Sandra Roa or the Jamel Shabazz videos for a different (an in my opinion better) way to do street photography.
Anyone can go and shove a camera in someones face, but it takes reall guts to actually talk to the people, and get to know them.
These are street portraits if anything. There is no action, no story, no "decisive moment". Just what he sees as interesting people.
I agree with you, there's no "story"...
easterner2010 The old decisive moment cliche. An amazing capture is a "Decisive moment". And Bruce has many amazing photos. Don't judge his work by 5 minutes of shooting, taking great photographs is about persistence and patience.
Have you seen his photos? Judging by your comment I'm going to say no you haven't
bruce, just checked out your video, super make more please!
I think Mr Gilden's shooting tactics are a bit disgusting. You shove a camera in somebody's eye and fire flash and the stunned reaction is the photograph? And that's supposed to be deep?
I think the guy is highly aggressive and anti-social.
+Dave Esposito Weegee did this long ago and politeness has no place in art making.
He is in fact aggressive and antisocial, but that means nothing when you see his photographs.
He is one the best.
The way I think of him is "it's better than if he used a gun, but only just."
Dave Esposito nice name 🤙🏼
*Pencil Jockey*
Following your logic: John Dillinger was a successful robber of banks :)
Most of his shots are capturing the shock or anger from him shoving a camera in the subjects face. He is now part of the story. Street photography where the subject is completely unaware of the photographer is far more interesting to look at and tells a better story 50 years later.
Them Pictures
He's taking there in 2007 will,
Really mean something in
10, 20, years time Like
His older picture's from
The 70s 80s 90s do now
this is gold, thank you YT algorithm
That’s absolute gold.
2:13 If she was smiling with her teeth, she'd look like an Aphex Twins album cover
While i think his photos are interesting on one hand, i think they are "staged" on the other hand...when you pop a flash in someone's face and they react, you've set up the shot instead of capturing unscripted moments which occur naturally and are much harder to shoot. Have real mixed feelings about his photographic style.
He gets what he wants to get 🤣 What did you think photography is about? Capturing something you're not interested in?
When you pop a flash in someone's face, you don't capture their "reaction" on the photo, which is taken at the same instance. The reaction might come AFTER the flash.
Jebus, it's like most of commenters never took a flash photo.
I think his work is a lot about his perception and his personality. In this sense his subjects are nothing but mirrors.
there is no such thing as "not scripted images" in photography , at the moment you setup a composition it's already over , street photography and photography in general is not a representation of reality ... thoses facial expression are actually natural since it's how they react to the moment ... yes he create the moment but you know that in life you have to create your own opportunitys right ? no matter the style you are doing or the type of photos you are doing
even in "reporter" photography you compose your shot , no matter what again , there are no such thing as a "non staged image" people really need to stop with that bullshit
Excelente ! Greetings from Costa Rica !
Very unique style!
No one saying after all these years the dude at 2:16 is defo a demon
Yooo😂
hey im walkin here!
I love the little old lady at 3:42 that is laughing and smiling after the photo!
This man hypnotizes his caracters by his gestures
what a crazy man
good photos, but people probably didn't appreciate what he was about when he points a camera and a flash in their face...
i think thats the point
The one thing that street photography should not be, is intrusive. Thats the one thing you do apart from annoying people. Using the flash on unsuspecting people is remarkably rude.
really? photography in general is an intrusion. that's the whole point of it. you intrude by grabbing a part of the world and recording it onto photo paper. some of the most famous photographers in the world have intruded to get photos that have changed peoples lives and opened the eyes of others.
"The mindlessness of the city and everyday life"
Would help if you watched the video. LOL
lol so you get to judge what street photography should or shouldn't be? Shoot what you like and stop judging how other ppl do it
I dont think there are any rules in photography
“The one thing that street photography should not be is...”
You’re not off to a good start.
Great video
I think NY is one of the best places in the World to do a street photography. It just works in many ways. You can be creativ in many ways.
never really knew who he was when I visited Magnum Photos.. I just thought he was some random crazy New Yorker....damn I should have spent some time talking to him ....
He's a character too! Great faces, capturing that split second of a person. Good job putting his story together. Thanks for sharing Gilden's work and how he works.
That's awesome.
Great Bruce
I found this through Vimeo, where I saw some of his photos without totally thinking about what was required to capture them. My first thought was , "Oh, he's doing the Diane Arbus thing." Then the first thing I see in this video is of him pushing into the elderly lady's face and flashing his flash. For those of you who don't maybe get why the flash, the burst of flash is so fast it freezes action, so that's his technique for his "spray and pray" style. It yields some interesting images, but so would dropping a bucket of paint on someone.
Just think: You're walking in NYC, the streets are crowded, you're an elderly woman. Suddenly this freak in a Tilley hat is rushing at you a flash is exploding in your face. How do you know he's not some nut case who's going to assault you? Or rob you? It is truly indefensible. My problem is that I think some of images are stunning, even iconic, yet I'm so filled with unease about how they were produced, I don't trust them and I'm ambivalent about them. It's like a documentary on "expressions people make when they think their life is over." I"ll pass on those, thanks.
If you have a weak heart and someone jumps out in front of you and fires a flash in your face, it could finish you off. Really it could. There's a lot of luck to this anyway. Most of these shots are pretty poor.
Потрясающе! По-настоящему живые фото!
they're not observational tho, they're basically artificial
@@Person-lk1vs so what?
super funny watching him crouch down and "zap!" with that camera.
holy shit this is great. love this guy and his pics, fuck thats great
Excellent. I like how he captures them lost in thought, with no chance to hide their emotions and with expressions
seeing this technique is cathartic to me, regarding that my potential subjects often reject my request for *a* picture, and i’ve ended up making grotesque candids. years - even decades - of experience will change lots of perspective of some optimistic, youthful photographers like me.
well, just gonna drop this: *making art is not illegal. publishing it may be*
you are awesome......
Awesome.
He inspired me to have the confidence to photograph strangers. He’s an incredible photographer if you really look through his work.
@Eli Santiago Most people are not artists. Such negative reactions to his work indicate this divide rather clearly. To continue on, despite such intense scrutiny, is certainly an inspirational trait.
he only takes photos of people that are either too weak to fight or are afraid to fight back. would love to see him take photos of bodybuilders
IMO the weak to fight or are afraid to fight back would actually whoop Bruce Gilden down and bodybuilders wouldn't give a lot of shit about Bruce's repertoire.
@@GPTMagana sarcasm?
@@tipoffmedia No, I'm serious.
His development in his style of street photography is what makes it different, i personally don't agree with his method of shooting photos he does but you can't not respect the man on paving his own way into the street photography style he goes for.
Beautiful
I tend to think that what he is saying about people becoming "the same", fewer characters, is pretty accurate. Times have really changed, I remember when people used to enjoy having their picture taken, there was a feeling of liberty and fun, people wanted things to happen to them in public, to live an interesting life. Women and men were both open to the adventure, though it was definitely dangerous, the culture was so different... I miss that spirit... it had its downside but today people are so uptight, and totally lacking in love and spiritedness... It amazes me that people still think they're living in a free world, so much has disappeared since the late 90's and early 2000's... its sad...
The world hasn't changed, you've just gotten old and nostalgic and sad.
@@loklan1 It has changed, but 99% is just getting older and nostalgic for sure.
People might have changed due to how much surveillance is going on. If we don't act up, we will literally end up with zero privacy in the end. I mean phones are already listening to what you are saying in order to show you ads.
I am free baby.. I’m in my prime and I don’t give a fuck, got my heart full of love and I live how I want.. but I’m a rare one baby. One of a dying breed
I like his photography a lot. I do understand why other people might not, though I don't get why they feel the need to be insulting when they express their opinion.
Very interesting style.
"The energy is stress.. the anxiety" ... but also "DON'T SMILE, JUST WALK" when he's shooting others lol
I wish there were longer videos of Bruce Gilden - hes such a wise guy.
Love his work. Can´t understand those who say he is "a dickhead"
how do you not get it? he is jumping in front of people and shoving a lense in peoples face
those that say he's that are ones that take a ticket to view the mainstream landscapes. .... Cartier bresson let him in magnum for a reason.
Any sex to be had?
I would love to do this someday..
Come to my city and try that style of shooting!
I like this man... that is the coolest thing I've ever seen in my life. I see characters wherever I go, but to take a picture has never crossed my mind. Amazing.
“I don’t care about your question” love it
He's a G!
i love it
I love his work and I worship his attitude.
He’s an annoying asshole. Is that the attitude you worship?
"I have no ethics." - Bruce Gilden
And hes making high quality street pictures????.Give me a break.
helthuismartin lol..
He's doing what any street photographer dreams of namely have his own style and stand out from the crowd 😉
Let’s see yours then
His photos trash af. I guarantee mine a lot of betters
The photos are fire
On one hand I am happy that the country I live in have very strict rules when it comes to street photography (what Bruce does would not bode well, or I am not sure how strict the rules were back in 2008 tho), but also I really wanna do some street photography as I love people watching, and I would love to take pictures of all the amazing people out there.
Good video!
Great video & great photography.
And you call this art? It's nothing but intimidating people.
Exactly what is Bruce Gilden trying to "capture"?
If he's trying to capture the body language of people reacting to an inconsiderate arse hole that jumps in front of their face and takes a picture without their permission, then he is a genius. And hats off to him to having "no ethics", as it's essential for the type of work he does.
But in my opinion his approach is not one that should be celebrated, and neither are his pictures. They're just not that good.
you are a midwit and always will be
art is subjective, your experiences change your opinion.
@@erictrombini8519 I believe that your experiences in life affect your opinion on things like art or comedy. My opinion was that art was subjective, my experiences in my life and as a intermediate photographer myself are different to there beliefs of the original comment on Bruce Gilden and his work.
My comment was more of a reflection of art in general. I think you have missed the point of what I was saying.
@@Griffin-Media Tweaker
Un mito. Un grande. Adoro la sua tecnica, si muove come una zanzara in mezzo al fiume di gente che attraversa New York
The guys a character.