A Closer Look at Bruce Gilden: Depth of Field 2023

Bruce Gilden is a street-photography icon. With summer in full swing and International Street Photography Day (otherwise known as Henry Cartier-Bresson’s birthday) looming on the horizon, what better time to feature a lively chat with the master himself, recorded at B&H’s 2023 Depth of Field Conference, just before the Magnum photographer’s keynote lecture.

Gilden’s emotionally fraught depictions of real people up close are an acquired taste, and we address this aspect of his work during our chat, with Allan admitting that Gilden’s work has terrified him in the past. We also touch on a somewhat surprising facet of Gilden’s career—fashion photography—as he discusses making pictures for high-end clients such as Balenciaga, Dolce & Gabana, and Diesel. From the influence of early 20th-century mugshots on Gilden’s aesthetic to the importance of making, and living with, visual choices to keep the photography fresh, our discussion covers a lot of ground. Stay to the end to learn about Gilden’s long held photographic wish—photographing murder in a beautiful way.

And for anyone who’s ever fantasized about a taking workshop with Gilden, check out the link below to his upcoming street photography workshop in New York!

Above photograph © Bruce Gilden

Guest: Magnum photographer Bruce Gilden

For more information on our guest and the gear he uses, see:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/closer-look-bruce-gilden

Stay Connected:
Bruce Gilden Website: https://www.brucegilden.com
Bruce Gilden Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BruceGilden
Bruce Gilden Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bruce_gilden
Bruce Gilden Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/brucegilden
Bruce Gilden’s Magnum page: https://www.magnumphotos.com/photographer/bruce-gilden/
Bruce Gilden’s Upcoming New York Workshop: miamistreetphotographyfestival.org/bruce-gilden