#241 ENGLISH - Why Bruce Gilden doesn’t ask for permission (and what that reveals)

Bruce Gilden is one of those photographers people think they’ve already understood. The flash. The closeness. The confrontation. But when you actually sit down with him, you realize the real story runs much deeper.

I visited Bruce at his home in Beacon, just outside New York, and we spoke about what it takes to keep your edge for more than sixty years. About how New York changed. About why he moved from photographing the heartbeat of the city to the heartbeat of the individual. And about why distance has nothing to do with respect.

He talks about comfort versus fear, about talent versus reputation, and about why courage alone will never make you a strong photographer. We dive into influence, Magnum, the decisive moment, and the difference between taking pictures and truly seeing.

What stayed with me most is this: the photographers who keep growing are the ones who stay honest. With their taste. With their weaknesses. With the work itself.

If conversations like this push you forward, you’ll love our live online masterclasses. Every month, an international photographer shares how they think, how they build projects, and what really shaped their work. It’s one hour of clarity you can apply immediately to your own photography.

You’ll find more information here.

Now enjoy this conversation with Bruce Gilden.