Bruce Gilden video

[mat_mcdermott]

Thought some of you might be interested: WNYC (the New York NPR affiliate, and one of the best radio stations in the world IMHO...) has a three minute video clip on their website of Bruce Gilden working the streets of Manhattan. I personally don't care for his photographs but it's interesting to see his working method and hear his running commentary--especially for people who are less comfortable about street photography for fear of upsetting their subjects. Let's just say that Gilden works really close. After you see this you'll understand how he's created a world where everyone looks startled and isolated.

Link to the site (the clip link is on the left hand side): WNYC - WNYC Street Photography Project

And by the way, he looks like he's shooting an M6, a 28 (Cron or older Elmarit) with external viewfinder, and a wired flash in the other hand...

[roguewave]

Matt, thanks. Most amusing. My wife usually just walks forward and out of the scene when I want to take a portrait. This might help to temper her general unhappiness with my behavior. Are you going to submit anything to WNYC ?

[mat_mcdermott]

Originally Posted by roguewave

Matt, thanks. Most amusing. My wife usually just walks forward and out of the scene when I want to take a portrait. This might help to temper her general unhappiness with my behavior. Are you going to submit anything to WNYC ?

I've already submitted ten or so images. When out on the streets I find that if I'm with anybody else they inevitably end up right where I don't want them to be. Thankfully most of the time I tend to find an interesting backdrop or area of light and then wait, rather than the Gilden walk around and stick a camera in people's faces approach. His working method is about as far from the HCB "walk up on tip toes and make my photographs" approach as one can get. I actually find it quite obnoxious, as well as artisitically and philosophically not that engaging.

[rob_x2004]

Laugh a minute. Its a black paint MP with one of those funny winder helper things on the post. 3:12 on the video.
Love the flash work. Love the attitude. Ok its not me but I might have to change .

[mat_mcdermott]

Originally Posted by rob_x2004

Laugh a minute. Its a black paint MP with one of those funny winder helper things on the post. 3:12 on the video.
Love the flash work. Love the attitude. Ok its not me but I might have to change .

I hadn't thought about it until you mentioned attitude, but it's almost like Gilden is the perfect embodiment of the stereotypical Brooklynite: accent, in your face, slightly crass but lovable, wisecracking. It wouldn't surprise me if he busted out with (best Dustin Hoffman in Midnight Cowboy voice) "I'm photographing here!".

[Austerby]

Given his need to crouch down in front of his subjects, wouldn't he be better off using a TLR or something with a waist-level finder?

[charlesphoto99]

Thanks for this link. I've always loved Gilden's work, for the very reason many dislike it.

If you can ever find his book on Japan "Go" it's a masterpiece and well out of print.

Oh, and he uses a Vivitar 285 flash with an external battery strapped to the top. And yes, it's an M6 with a 28mm.

I'm glad that not everybody is out there doing what he does, but I'm glad there's at least one Bruce Gilden in the world. It's distinct, brave, timeless art in my opinion.

[rob_x2004]

....new-3s.jpg

[Rik]

that is no M6 for sure, indeed looks like a BP MP to me. Check the rewind knob..

[rubenkok]

Hi Matt,
Wow, thanks for the link.
You're right it's interesting to see his working method !
regards
Ruben