Spotting Bruce Gilden, 42nd Street

For those of you that don't know, Bruce Gilden is one of the most famous living street photographers out there. And he's got an extremely unique photography style.

Bruce prefers to inject himself into a scene, to pounce in real close with his camera and flash and to photograph people's reactions. The flash and expressions make the city seem almost like a harrowing place. It's a very interesting and bold style that is completely different from my own approach, but some of the photos he comes up with are extremely interesting.

The day I saw him I was walking to meet my brother at a tuxedo rental fitting around 42nd street. I brought my camera as I always do when I'm walking somewhere but wasn't paying much attention. Then out of the corner of my eye I noticed a man in a safari jacket running through the crowd. 'Holy shit that has to be Bruce Gilden I thought.' It happened so fast and I wasn't that prepared so I managed to take a blurry photo of him in action and a second sharp one of him after the fact. He moves so fast that the subject really has no chance to figure out what's happening until after the photo is taken. It's really an amazing and hysterical thing to see in person.

You can view his work here.

9 Comments for "Spotting Bruce Gilden, 42nd Street"

Karen says:

July 18, 2011 13:57

I remember seeing a couple of his images where he captured someone eating. I can only imagine their shock. He is fast and does get very close. Good catch! I think I prefer your style and Bill Cunningham's. I sent a link to your blog to a lady I met at the bank the other day. She messaged me back the same day, said she loved the Museum of Sex from Above. It is a very cool shot.

Steffe says:

July 18, 2011 17:51

He sure has a unique style and you photos are great. I have seen many photos of him at flickr.

Trevor says:

July 19, 2011 15:15

Now see him in action. Really great to watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRBARi09je8

Trevor says:

July 19, 2011 15:18

This might be a little better quality: http://culture.wnyc.org/articles/features/2008/jun/21/bruce-gilden/

Adriana says:

July 19, 2011 17:17

I want to see a picture of you in action. :-)