How does Bruce Gilden photograph people close-up?

Sofa Sessions: Conversations with Martin Parr - Bruce Gilden
Iconic American street photographer, Bruce Gilden, joins Martin Parr for the third instalment in the MPF series 'Sofa Sessions: Conversations with Martin Parr'.
They talk personal inspirations, being able to instantly engage with subjects and Bruce's recognisable use of flash, isolating the people he photographs.
They also discuss if knowing - or not knowing - the history of photography is important to producing engaging and original work.
Subscribe to the Martin Parr Foundation channel and click the bell to hear from more from established and emerging photographers in conversation with Martin Parr, at the Martin Parr Foundation in Bristol.
Signed copies of Bruce's recent photobook 'Face' are available from the foundation's website: www.martinparrfoundation.org/...
Produced by the Martin Parr Foundation.
Filmed and edited by Alexander Parkyn-Smith
/ alexanderparkynsmith

[@Zecamilleo]

I completely agree with the "young photographers don't know the history of photography". Immediately thought about some "famous " film photography on KZbin and Instagram.

[@Adrian-wd4rn]

You mean Joe "Rip off gilden and attempt to be Meyrowitz but fail horrendously" Greer?

[@robinbhairam7508]

As an old fella, late to photography and desperate to find my voice, and learn my craft, I found this excellent interview humbling. I probably don’t have enough time left to ever make my mark as a creative, but it is wonderful to share the insights of those (I mean BG and MP?!! Just pure creative geniuses!!) who have spent a lifetime honing their craft … Thanks and subscribed … 😊

[@simonssol3526]

A great idea explained, that of focussing on the process of taking photos, rather than having the goal of being successful photographers. That is where greatness comes through.

[@ado1101]

Bruce Gilden and Martin Parr, the talent siting in that couch is off the charts

[@dbag3345]

@Eli Santiago you're smoking rocks

[@Niele160]

@@dbag3345 I actually agree. I like his persona, but his photos, especially portraits are just not really my taste. Of all the Magnum photographers, he's easily the worst in my opinion. Talking about Gilden here not Parr.

[@Zecamilleo]

@@Niele160 i agree.

[@louisomar9666]

instaBlaster.

[@GS-vb3zn]

I’d love to see the chart you’re referring to.

[@Rambleswithmycameraonyoutube]

I think this is a powerful interview and has helped me positively change my views on Bruce Gilden and is a reminder to me to never judge a book by its cover or in this case never judge a person until I hear their back story, a great laid back interview from Martin Parr.

[@MartinParrFDN]

Thanks @Rambleswithmycamera. We aim for these interviews to give an insight into the lives and work of the photographers. So glad that you found this a powerful interview and thanks for taking the time to share your views with us.

[@maxbashyrov5785]

nobody cares about your views on Bruce Gilden. also, who are you to 'judge' him?

[@-ca--]

@@maxbashyrov5785 Nobody cares about your opinion either...

[@iainmacdonald7034]

Superb,Martin, thank you. I’ve seen a couple of conversations now with Bruce talking very openly, being quite vulnerable in some ways, and it’s changed my opinion of the man. He’d previously come across as this brash, self-centred, in your face, predator on the street, picking on the weaker, vulnerable beings around him. But getting to listen and understand him more, his complexity and human qualities start to come out. Really interesting.

[@Clicknick007]

I love this conversation with Bruce Gilden. In the last part, they cover the current lack of personal style by many photographers - whereas in the past you could recognise a Bailey, an Avedon, a Parr, a Gilden for that matter, now portraits and styles are much the same for the new breed of photographers, so there is still work to do for those wanting to make a name for themselves.

[@MartinParrFDN]

Do you think that there are fewer new voices emerging at the moment? Perhaps there are just as many new exciting photographers but they are now surrounded by many others who are working within existing paradigms?

[@itsyou5436]

its because all the new kids learning the same crap over youtube :) maybe also because of youtube recommendations :D

[@Clicknick007]

@@MartinParrFDN Good point. My comments are not based on full knowledge of the up and coming talent, however, the lockdown has provided some time to review the current market - a project which is ongoing, and hopefully will allow me to make more informed comments. In the meantime wishing everyone at MPF and the followers' good health, #staysafe. I have copied a link from another podcast on photography which gives a perspective from the "new wave"..... open.spotify.com/episode/3q6Cw3pH6otWestRWGiSJd

[@kannonfps]

it's like the music industry , now anybody can pickup a decent dslr and take photo and claim he/she's a photographer , you just have to take a look at "insta repeat" and you'll see that so many people just want to get some clicks on their images when fan ho was out there taking photos instagram and all that wasnt around , people were not that corrupted with numbers , now so many people just want to get a lot of likes instead of working on their photography i'm a baby in this world and i still need to learn a shit ton about photography , what make a great series , how to be more confident when there a lot of people , how to use light in "new" ways and i skip so many others stuff other wise this comment will be way too long my point is that now since everyone can take photos , it's way harder to pop out of the masses , just look at what's popular on youtube ... videos that make millions of views are in general not the most interesting content but rather shitty challenges/reaction videos etc

[@manilamartin1001]

I also think the way Americans talk about photography is limited. Just for example, Japanese photographers have their own looks and styles and they read photographs differently.

[@ghardieno8]

I've only just been exposed to Bruce's work via his Cherry Blossom book and I was blown away. This is such a great conversation, I could have listened to you both talk for hours

[@dreamcatcher3622]

Listening to two intelligent, articulate and thoughtful artists talking about their work, bliss - subscribed and belled.

[@MartinParrFDN]

Thanks dream catcher. We have a new film with @Karen1Knorr out now, have you been able to watch this?

[@viktorgnezdilov6331]

Absolutely correct ! People do not know the history of photography and people talk about things they don't have knowledge about . I am the perfect example I thought i understand photography until i decided to start a college , where we study all the classic photographers including you two guys . Happy to say my idea of photography changed completely for 3 weeks and now i am looking for the meaning and the context instead of just snaps without a story . Thank you for your work ! Brilliant

[@timppatimo6287]

Great talk! Every time Bruce speaks he manages to somehow summarize himself very briefly but truthfully. Like his photographs :) It would be awesome to see Alex Webb in that sofa talk format. Also, a pleasure to see a photographer interviewing another photographer. Cheers!

[@TitoMariategui]

Good to hear 2 legends taking about their photography. Greetings from Lima-Perú!

[@MartinParrFDN]

Thanks for following the goings on at the foundation. Look forward to welcoming you on a visit.

[@leosheepman]

Great video. Very interesting to hear these two talk.

[@kannonfps]

i love this interview cause it show that this guy isnt just some jerk , hes really passionate and give it all , i've seen too many people in some videos complaining about how he critique the work of other when even myself i could tell that the photos that he critiqued were trash , and i'm only a baby in the photography world people got offended by his honesty when he wasnt even trashtalking :') we live in a era where people can learn from so many different sources and it's amazing , so thanks for this interview that show a different side and point of view on this amazing dude

[@Machster10]

Well spoken commentary. Agreed

[@MartinParrFDN]

Thank you for your detailed comment @Karma, we really appreciate hearing from our audience. Yes, the interview really allows Bruce to explain his stance, and the perspective from which he takes pictures.

[@Renzsu]

Having done a workshop with Bruce and knowing how critical he is of shit work, one of my proudest moments was him telling me I took a "pretty good" picture :)

[@Machster10]

I like Bruce G. Genuine human being.

[@antros82cy]

I love sofa sessions. Keep it up MPF!

[@MartinParrFDN]

Thanks Andreas. We have just released some new content so subscribe to hear from more photographers as the films are released.

[@francescapaluan4987]

love you guys!

[@skippem]

fantastic video, so inspiring! thank you!

[@tonydesarzec907]

A wonderful interview. Thank you.

[@MartinParrFDN]

Thanks for listening. We really appreciate comments from our audience.

[@francineperrin4845]

I feel privileged to enter the intimacy of such great and talented photographers. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity

[@MartinParrFDN]

It is our pleasure Francine Perrin - the intention of our sofa sessions is to bring you to an informal discussion about photography with different voices that you might not otherwise hear from.

[@chrismav3908]

thoroughly enjoyable

[@georgedisario2799]

Down right inspiring. Thank you.

[@MartinParrFDN]

Great to hear you found this inspiring!

[@manilamartin1001]

wow. He was one of my heros growing up. Amazing work and changed photography landscape.

[@MartinParrFDN]

Great to hear of the influence that Bruce had on you

[@aboutphotography]

Great interviews! Thank you

[@MartinParrFDN]

You are welcome. There are many more to come.

[@missixtify]

Fabulous! Thank you.

[@MartinParrFDN]

✨Thanks for the support ✨

[@nigelfairburn7554]

Thanks for posting interesting and important points made at the end

[@MartinParrFDN]

Thanks @Nigel Fairburn, thanks for listening through 🎧

[@JoseJeuland]

I love his work and specially his personality ! Great interview.

[@MartinParrFDN]

Thanks for commenting Jose

[@JoseJeuland]

Martin Parr Foundation - beautiful work and initiative !

[@MartinParrFDN]

Thanks for the support. Many more to come!

[@arthurrmcphee4885]

Excellent video!

[@skfirojali2429]

His thoughts on photography is amazing especially for us who is trying to find his place as photographer

[@MartinParrFDN]

Great you were able to learn from the film. Thanks for also taking the time to comment @SK Firoj Ali

[@vers1fier]

Brilliant interview! Totally get Bruce's view on present-day photographers lacking a historical background knowledge on photography; couldn't agree more!

[@MartinParrFDN]

Thanks for commenting. At the Foundation we have loads of resources to help people access rare and out of print photography books so that it is easier for them to learn about the history of photography

[@followtheboat]

Wow, my two favourite photographers: MP chatting with the king of street. Gilden's photography stands head and shoulders above his contemporaries because his work is so intense and engaging. Few come as close, and I mean that both physically and artistically. He inspired me to pick up a flash when shooting street, and I love it, but Gilden remains untouchable IMO. Thank you for this great insight.

[@MartinParrFDN]

It is great to hear about how different photographers influence the way that our viewers shoot pictures themselves. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us @followtheboat

[@MontyCantsin5]

5:33: 'A lot of people talk about things but they don't have knowledge of it.' Look at the comments posted in response to other Bruce Gilden videos to see just that! Many people seem to be experts on the dynamics of street photography; particularly being offended on behalf of the subjects that Gilden pictures.

[@merlinmediagroup]

I personally don't dislike his photography but dislike his approach. As somebody who experiences anxiety it would be quite uncomfortable to me for a fully grown man coming up to me and flashing a camera in my face.

[@MontyCantsin5]

@@merlinmediagroup: The images you end up seeing are a result of the approach; you can't have one without the other. The French-born writer Dantec once remarked that, 'True art is cruel by definition.' Making someone a bit uncomfortable for a few seconds seems like a reasonable trade-off if it's going to result in an artwork being made.

[@merlinmediagroup]

@@MontyCantsin5 Your perspective really just translates to justifying bad and toxic behaviour because it might yield some sort of creative/positive result. There are plenty of world famous street photographers whose work is just as captivating as Gilden's who have respect for their subjects. "True art is crue by definition" is just a bullshit, pseudo-intellectual quote. What the hell even is "true" art?

[@MontyCantsin5]

​@@merlinmediagroup: To an extent it does equate to that, yes. Many great artists have lived unsavoury lives and that was necessary for the creative process. I wouldn't advocate killing or torture to create work (although some might), but a certain level of narcissism, self-destruction, sacrifice, etc is needed if one wants to dedicate themselves to art. It should also be said that art is also a very giving thing and most artists I know stand up for social justice, are against forms of abuse, value difference, etc. This isn't a black and white debate; navigating these issues is complex. You seem to be hinting that Gilden doesn't have any respect whatsoever for his subjects; that is nonsense. He wouldn't photograph the people he does if he didn't admire them in some way. Once again, I repeat the point I made previously: the fact that Gilden is successful and why his images are recognisable and stand out from the thousands of other street photographers out there is because of his approach. If you think he should stop working because he gets in people's faces, ok, but that seems like a pretty weak argument to me. I suppose a definition of art in the sense that I referred to would be the following: creating something uncompromising, not copying past work within a particular genre to any great extent, having some sort of unique personal vision that is easily recognisable (the most difficult thing to do in photography), revealing some truth about the human condition, making work that accurately reflects the time that an artist lives in, etc. Good art usually upholds those standards.

[@Screenwriting]

Love these guys.

[@MartinParrFDN]

Thanks for taking the time to comment @ D S

[@PhotoLighthouse]

What a genius photographer and a great guy. I had the honor to shake his hand at a book signing in Manhattan a few years ago. Hats down, Bruce, thank you for the work you have done.

[@MartinParrFDN]

Really great to have your comments. Thanks for taking the time and watching the interview.

[@Magneira]

Amazing

[@IanDocherty335]

Not what I expected from Bruce Gilden....and all the more enjoyable for that. 👍 📷

[@nickfanzo]

Legends of the art form

[@skahead68]

love the guy, wears his heart on his sleeve. we need more like him in the world of 'street' photography today. try and get Chris Killip. please!

[@MartinParrFDN]

Keep tuned is all I will say...

[@matildebattisti6179]

Real men, so much love

[@elshuffles]

2 legends of the game.

[@MartinParrFDN]

Thanks for commenting @elshuffles

[@B2BWide]

"The Swiss guy died in a car crash"-an interesting way to remember Werner Bischof... Nevertheless this is a great interview and mostly changed my approach to Bruce Gilden's images.

[@EphemeralProductions]

Yeah he was just throwing details out there to help Bruce remember if he knew who he was referring to. I do stuff like that all the time, I’m constantly forgetting words and having trouble articulating what I’m trying to say. lol

[@SourcePhotography]

Paraphrasing: "We're lifers, and we do it because we have to do it. Doesn't matter if there is no money involved. If I had nothing, and I could just do my photography, that's what its about. And that does show through." My sentiments exactly, it's not at all about money or notoriety. It's about somehow trying to satiate the endless need to photograph. And with that intention behind your every photograph - it does show through!

[@MartinParrFDN]

Thanks @SourcePhotography, it is clear that those that are driven to photograph often create very engaging work. Especially when following a particular interest there is often a deep dive into a topic or idea that would not make a commercially viable project and may not be fashionable at the time - as you say the intentions behind a work show through in the end.

[@morongosteve]

hell yeah

[@BS2Dos]

Wonderful interview and a wonderful character. I often hope I’ll run into Bruce here in NYC sometime while I’m out and about. Wanted to share a comment about the discussion point and perhaps, different viewpoints of Martin and Bruce regarding the extent to which young photographers should be inspired by previous generations. On the one hand, it kind of goes without saying that if you’re interested in photography and own some glass and spend time taking pictures, then it follows that you’re going to study and develop an interest in photography more generally. It’s like, if you love taking shots of landscapes you should - if you’re serious at least, be familiar with the work of Ansel. But on the other hand, I get what Martin was suggesting and the idea that the two are not necessarily mutual exclusive and it is perhaps, possible to develop a unique style without being familiar with what came before. I kind of interpret this viewpoint as one which perhaps recognizes that there’s maybe a danger of individual style being inadvertently ‘soured’ - however subtly, by being overly familiar with the work of the ‘great’ photographers. Anyway, great interview.

[@kannonfps]

it's been about 3years+ since i started my journey as a photographer , and i only recently started to get involved with what came before cause like you said my interest in photography is growing more and more , i want to learn about them cause i feel like they are inspiring as hell . i mean look at some of the masters of street photography , fan ho , henry cartier bresson etc , they didnt learned photography from the past but still managed to be recognised throughout the years , they are the litteral proof that you don't need that to be a great photographer or even considered as a master of your craft i'm only a baby in this world but i crave to learn more and more , from masters , from my mistakes , from my instincts etc i just hope somedays people realise that photography isnt just about what freaking camera you own ... cause sometimes ... god it's annoying

[@MrLeicamaster]

@@kannonfps Bresson was influenced by Kertesz, Robert Capa and he also studied painted so in a way he was very influenced by the past.

[@christophevw2241]

What can we say... He is probably one of the best and most unique

[@danield.teolijr.archivalco688]

. Great interview Martin as well as a fantastic series! Have always enjoyed seeing Bruce's work. Barbara Lee Diamonstein (before she became a - Spielvogel) did a bunch of interviews of the golden age photogs from the 70's & 80's. They are on KZbin. Bruce is on target with what he talks about being a 'lifer.' Artists of all stripes use their art to make sense of their world. If your dedicated to your art, you must produce and keep producing, whether you have an outlet or not to make $…or even have any practical use for your output. Irrespective of recognition, fame and riches, we all have one thing in common…as long as we can keep pressing the button and freeze time, we feel the better for it. Weegee on the subject…“Sure. I’d like to live regular. Go home to a good looking wife, a hot dinner, and a husky kid. But I got film in my blood.”

[@MartinParrFDN]

Thank you for pointing us to another collection of interviews. We will have a look through these as there is some very interesting material there.

[@frankietie]

Bruce is my hero, is who took my here, to this beautiful world of sp, great man, strong, lout, my man. i love him

[@MartinParrFDN]

Thanks for taking the time to comment Franklin

[@kikeheebchinkjigaboo6631]

Martin Parr Foundation Hookers on her ion and rock Cocaine? That’s soooo early 1990’s. Utter bore!!!!! There was even a black pimp in the 90’s who did a documentary on NYC hookers which premiered on HBO

[@krishartsphotography5643]

Nice & Thanks :)

[@ondrasheq21]

Every time two great photographers get together for an interview it's a feast, I'd listen to them for hours too. I would very much like to see interviews with top but underappreciated European photographers, eg Gerry Johansson, Krass Clement or Pentti Sammallahti.

[@MartinParrFDN]

Thank you for the suggestions @Ondrej K, please let us know if there are others you would like to hear from and we look forward to seeing you at the Foundation in the future.

[@robbywahyudionggo8953]

Long Live The Legends

[@Don-zo4vx]

The talent that Martin Parr and Bruce Gilden THINKS is sitting on that couch is off the charts. Me, I'm not so sure.

[@scottyharp]

Great talk!

[@MartinParrFDN]

Thanks for taking the time to comment @Scott Mcfall

[@scottyharp]

@@MartinParrFDN thanks for the content! 🙏

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

Awesome interview really enjoyed that. Liked and subbed.

[@MartinParrFDN]

Fantastic - that's what we want to hear!

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

@@MartinParrFDN welcome mate have a great weekend

[@Z_Victory_Z]

“A photographer photographs a murder” Indication #1 that Bruce never understood Blowup.

[@FauxtakuLounge]

Shalom, Bruce.

[@suehodnett6911]

Classic

[@katedemenok8340]

The most difficult thing is to come up with something completely new because so much has been done . But not impossible

[@robindeepsingh6793]

we don’t know how much hasn’t been done until it’s discovered. There’s probably a lot more of ‘what we don’t know’, than ‘what we do know’. The world’s an oyster, the mind plays tricks to cloud it.

[@morganfisherart]

I too, as this is my first discovery of Gilden, would have appreciated at least a few photos included to illustrate certain points he mentions. Of course I'll be googling him from now, but if your goal includes introducing photographers to those who don't know them, it might be a good idea in the future. Anyway, I enjoyed his no-nonsense NYC way of talking. He reminds me of my friend Misha Erwitt (son of Elliott Erwitt), another fine street photographer from NYC. When he came to my salon in Tokyo, he gave a slide show and a talk which he estimated would last 45 minutes. He ended up talking and answering questions for 3 hours!

[@MartinParrFDN]

Hi @morganfisherart, it is really good to have feedback and we have taken that onboard in our more recent films. When it is more difficult to find the photographer's pictures to view online, we have begun to introduce some images into the sofa sessions. Something we are keen to do is focus on the photographer telling their story, rather than it being too much of a show and tell. This is a fine line to balance and sometimes having images in the films really helps to contextualise what is being said. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the content too - we love having interaction with our audience.

[@gerardojuarez8779]

I would love to see Joel Meyerowitz in this convo!

[@senior_ranger]

I love Joel and would also love to see him talk with Martin. Trouble is, you know exactly what he's going to say!

[@MartinParrFDN]

Hi @gerado and @wetracy. I hope you were able to catch our photochat live event with Joel Meyorowitz and Martin Parr recently?

[@fluxfotos22]

Bruce Gilden reminds me of William Klein. You can tell that he studied his style.

[@billpickle2875]

I would love to know what bruce thinks of william eggleston. 2 of my fav photographers.

[@Clicknick007]

Yes! I thought this Arena review of Eggleston dug deep into his style and talent. He can produce a full exhibition from a walk around a carpark.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXi1Z5J-YqxkbcU

[@hernanzenteno9760]

Interesting. I just add that it would be better if in the edition you include the photos they are talking, there are no point to see their expression all the time. And taking in account that this is mainly for photography interest would be nice to include photos in the video. Just an idea to make it more powerful. Many thanks for share. Saludos

[@MartinParrFDN]

Thanks for your feedback. Would you be interested in seeing links to their work included in the description? We are keen to focus on the social and human discussion of photography as much as on the images.

[@hernanzenteno9760]

Oh, yes, many thanks for the reply. Happen to me that I search the pictures they are taking about and if you don't use them in the video it could be helpful have them in links. In this case I know a lot of the images but always I like to see them again in context of the chat @@MartinParrFDN

[@MartinParrFDN]

Thanks Hernan. We will include relevant links when we have them so people can take a look at the work. We are also adding more of the material we have here at the foundation to the collection pages on our website. That is a growing source of interesting and often unique material.

[@ToyoteroMundial]

@@MartinParrFDN Yes, please.

[@perryhallstreetphotography3746]

20:33 👏👏👏

[@Hassebas88]

the work of bruce gilden reminds me of the music of the band swans

[@MartinParrFDN]

Interesting comparison, nice to think about the link between visual and auditory arts,

[@jmoss99]

Do you think there might be a problem with the 1.2 fitting into a Canon 2000D adapter without hitting the mirror?

[@MartinParrFDN]

Sorry @jmoss99, unfortunately we aren't able to help you with this question. Maybe another viewer can?

[@kiwipics]

If Bruce Giden got in my face like that I wouldn't be too impressed. I don't regard it as skill at all really.

[@kraszavitca]

please, please, please Paolo Pellegrin, get him, please. Could be so extraordinary to hear him too.

[@kraszavitca]

or Moises Saman

[@knobexploitmusicelectronic9218]

Driven by selfknowledge, selffrustration, and instinct...

[@simonsimon5120]

Haha, it's funny to compare the background with most of the photographers today. Here there are litteraly a tons of books instead nowadays the background is... mostly gears, cameras and colorful lights. I'm pretty sure this say something about how photographers now consider their own practice and art.

[@MartinParrFDN]

We hope that there are still a lot of photographers who have books in their studios and offices. Photobooks can be expensive to collect and so we have opened our library to members. This makes all of those resources open to the public and means that these influences can reach those who might not otherwise be able to afford to see these works. Photography on KZbin does tend to have a gear focus but I think there is some complementary elements to these two camps. Specifically being able to take pictures in situation that may have been very difficult to photograph in the past. How do you think that this affects practice now?

[@kennethakennetha]

he knew exactly about the hate but he never gave a fk about it and that's why I like his styl;e

[@mariano0105]

I would love to see Josef Koudelka.

[@wylie_photo]

Yes, that would be pretty special!

[@MJL7557]

Richard Sandler recently replied to a comment on Instagram - which read "Gildening" - that in either '81 or '82, Bruce asked Richard to teach him how to use the flash. I get the feeling that they were tight for a very long while throughout the '80s, but maybe something deteriorated their mate-ship in later years. Maybe Bruce would have mentioned Sandler in this interview if it were true, which I am sure it is.

[@HeyDispatchLady-wu5yz]

Gilden started flash in the late ‘70s.

[@terrencechouinard9178]

Who was the second photographer MP mentioned? Swiss photographer who did some car crashes?

[@MartinParrFDN]

It was Arnold Odermatt and you can read more about him, as well as see some of his photographs here: www.deutscheboersephotographyfoundation.org/en/collect/artists/arnold-odermatt.php

[@MrPressPhotographer4]

I would like a chance to photograph Martin Parr.

[@willparsons32]

I think Bruce nailed it to the wall (...and a brick one at that!!) Is when he said that knowing the history of photography is what really makes the difference... This is so Bang on... what I believe that he's saying is that if the photographer shoots the same genere as a photographer before thyself then it is nothing new... However, if a photographer is able to shoot a new idea then they're making a name for themselves. This is what seems to be the main goal of a photographer - to discover a new "Version" of photographing.

[@Chris-is1rd]

Just one more reason why I love Gilden. Like me, he thinks the movie Blow Up wasn't any good

[@MartinParrFDN]

Hi Chris. Blow Up really caught a lot of people's imaginations. Do you have a favourite photography film?

[@AmazzalAbderrahman]

Zero Dislike

[@akosszilvasi]

Mr. Gilden mentioned his appreciation of the old mugshots. I would add that the old passport photos were just as fascinating. If I remember correctly, Colossal (or Open Culture?) had a few spectacular examples of those. If our government would not restrict passport or ID photos to the current, terminally boring format I would enjoy shooting passport photos. Especially in black and white.

[@MartinParrFDN]

There is something interesting about the functional role of passport photos that requires everyone to conform to a standardised type. I know that photos on UK driving licenses are rendered in B&W from an original colour photograph. Are there any other types of photograph that form typologies?

[@mattiopattio]

13:51

[@plasmadlite8661]

18:27 Martin name drops a couple of photographers I have no idea how to spell :) Can anyone help me out?

[@meabster]

Weegee was the first one he mentioned. I'm not familiar with the second one.

[@plasmadlite8661]

@@meabster thank you! I managed to identify the second one, he's Arnold Odermatt - and indeed his work is quite striking!

[@MartinParrFDN]

Thanks for clarifying this @Plasma D'Lite, we will be sure to link where relevant in future video descriptions.

[@TomHamRomero]

BRUCE was in Bristol! no way

[@MartinParrFDN]

Bruce gave a talk at the foundation. If you are interested in viewing this then members have access to films of all our previous events. Are you based in Bristol?

[@TomHamRomero]

Martin Parr Foundation I am - I can't really understand how I missed it - I keep an eye on all your stuff - guess not enough ! :)

[@MartinParrFDN]

@@TomHamRomero Sorry you missed it. Have you signed up to our mailing list to make sure you get a reminder anytime we have new talks announced?

[@REMY.C.]

I despise Bruce Gilden work. In the same time. I admire Bruce Gilden work. He's the only artist who's work make me feel this way. I think that's what's genius.

[@kraszavitca]

(Y) slaute,

[@6bProductions]

how do you make money as a street photographer and is it easier to make street photos in Europe?

[@MartinParrFDN]

Many different ways to make money as a street photographer, but it is a very competitive area to get into. In regards to whether it is easier in Europe, it is really going to depend where exactly you are. I can imagine that busy streets, like the New York streets on which Bruce has taken some of his most memorable images are good for street photography whether they are in America, Europe or Asia. The key is going to have interesting subjects and an original style. Thanks for taking the time to comment @6bProductions

[@rockywaters9592]

When I look at the street photography of Fan Ho and Cartier Bresson, then look at the work of Bruce Gildon, I can't help but feel that street photography standards has took a massive nosedive.

[@matthewchiang]

In your opinion, what about their respective works makes you feel that way?

[@johnkosterimages]

Gilden doesn't love his subjects, clearly. He is a hunter on the street, and loves to capture images of people that disturb and startle. Nothing wrong with that, but it ain't love of humanity that drives him.

[@g-r-a-e-m-e-]

Is Bruce red-green colour blind, maybe? Many men are. When he talked about his wife pointing out something red which he hadn't noticed. Very typical of red-green.

[@NicolasDykmansable]

these shiny calves...

[@weisserth]

"How does Bruce Gilden photograph people close-up?" -- Sean O’Hagan at The Observer on an interview he did with Joel Meyerowitz: I ask Meyerowitz about the combative, confrontational style of street photography espoused by the likes of fellow New Yorker Bruce Gilden, and he grows visibly angry for the only time in our conversation. “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.” --

[@MartinParrFDN]

Thanks for sharing this response to the question posed. Interesting to see how Bruce explains his approach in the film, as you can see there are different ways that this approach is perceived.

[@dudedavid522]

The least informative title which is accurately descriptive. The man's vest spoke more to the video topic.

[@kkfox7822]

My only issue with Gilden’s approach is how problematic it is for epileptics.

[@2yoyodog]

Gilden...Why try to act in a Shakespeare play?..there's other options for you...you "know the street"...you'd be perfect in a Scorcese film..!!!

[@amolitor9]

I always find the "I do My Art because I Have To" line disingenuous, especially from people who have made a nice (or better) living from the activity. People are flexible. Odds are that if it hadn't panned out, you'd have found something else to do with your time, Bruce. But, I guess it's expected of you to say that.

[@jasemunnproductions]

That's likely because you've never been driven by a passion you can't explain. It's like an energy you cannot stop. You live for it. It's the conduit that connects your soul to the world. This is what people mean when they describe something being " in your blood". Gilden is genuine when he says he would do it without money. The money came after, and he would consider it like food. Just something that helps him photograph. If you've never felt that drive, you'll never understand it.

[@chucksavage3712]

I'm sorry to say this but I find Mr Gilden's approach to be overly aggressive and abusive towards his subjects as evidenced by his many shots of scared senior citizens. He evens yells at his victims to smile etc.. in the most disrespectful way. I'm sorry Bruce Gilden your work and attitude towards your subjects disgusts me. I also dislike flash photography for street work as it looks tacky.

[@eushak_3340]

he needs to stop taking faceshots of random addicts on the street just because he used to be a crackhead himself, its not consensual and its humiliating for the person, you don't have the right to do whatever the hell you want just because you're a subpar photographer who used to smoke methamphetamine. exploiting someone for personal gain is disgusting and creepy, I hope he got smacked for it eventually.

[@Dahrenhorst]

Bruce Gilden is the one photographer I despise. There is no excuse for his kind of photography, regardless of how he tries to rationalize it. In many countries of the world this kind of photography is illegal since years, for a reason.

[@mari0sK]

Gilden is the most overrated photographer I know.