Description
Bio
Bruce Gilden, a street photographer known for his unique style and bold use of flash, has earned widespread acclaim for his compelling images. Born in Brooklyn in 1946, Gilden’s journey to becoming a world-renowned photographer was unconventional. After leaving Penn State University and a brief flirtation with acting, he bought a camera in 1967 and embarked on his photographic career. Predominantly self-taught, Gilden developed a dynamic style characterized by close-up, flash-lit portraits. His work has earned him numerous awards, including fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Guggenheim Foundation. He joined Magnum Photos as a full member in 2002, has produced long and detailed photographic projects in New York, Haiti, France, Ireland, India, Russia, Japan, England, and more recently America.
Mentorship
Throughout his career, Gilden has remained true to Robert Capa’s mantra, “If the picture isn’t good enough, you aren’t close enough,” a principle that has profoundly influenced his approach. His ability to capture the raw, unfiltered essence of his subjects has not only defined his photographic style but also shaped his teaching methodology. As his mentees attest, “I’ve learned so much. Bruce is one of the few that can give you advice about form and content. He’s the most honest eye that you can get. No compromises, serving the art humbly and giving humanity the deepest legacy.”
Another mentee describes the challenging yet rewarding experience of working with Bruce: “Everything is going well. I’m having a tough time whilst reading my best photographs with Bruce. It’s a very honest reading and I’m questioning myself a lot. I guess ‘enjoying’ is not the proper word to describe it; it’s more about growing as a photographer. Thanks to this process I can see some of my weak points and I’m going to work on that to try to fix them.”
Bruce himself succinctly captures his approach to teaching: “I’ll be critical and tough and will help you MAKE photographs, not take photographs. It all starts by being yourself.” This philosophy is evident in his own work and in the guidance he provides to his students, encouraging them to develop a personal connection with their subjects and to approach photography with authenticity and passion. With this mentorship, Bruce will push you to confront your weaknesses and grow from the experience.
