What Makes a Good Street Photograph? - Take it or Leave it with Bruce Gilden

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  • čas přidán 2. 10. 2014
  • Click here to subscribe to VICE: bit.ly/Subscribe-to-VICE
    Meet Bruce Gilden. He's one of our favorite Magnum photographers, and in case you're clueless, he won a Guggenheim Fellowship this past year and is known to be one of the badassest badasses in the business. When we asked him to film a new show, he agreed on the terms that it wouldn't suck and, if it did, we'd let him sock us in the face.
    This is Take It or Leave It with Bruce Gilden, a photo-critique series in which Bruce tells up-and-coming photographers if their work is transcendent, total crap, or somewhere in between. In our second episode, he takes on the world of street photography.
    Check out Bruce Gilden's feature for the VICE Photo Issue: bit.ly/1vvdOAS
    Click to watch Seranno shoot Cuba: bit.ly/1vEFHaD
    Check out our full video catalog: bit.ly/VICE-Videos
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Komentáře • 790

  • @tracephoto1823
    @tracephoto1823 Před 3 lety +218

    The one thing I took away from this was, “this photograph doesn’t make me ask what’s going on”. Always a good benchmark when taking/creating a photograph.

    • @johngastaldo6419
      @johngastaldo6419 Před rokem +6

      Not to be confused with taking too much time to figure out what the photographer was thinking and why he/she/they included it.

    • @Chiefmismaker
      @Chiefmismaker Před 3 měsíci +1

      The so called "Why?"

  • @willw8463
    @willw8463 Před 8 lety +239

    Although this guy is brutal with his criticism, it was very constructive to the way I now see photos

  • @user-jm7se9cf3u
    @user-jm7se9cf3u Před rokem +155

    We need more people like this in the arts. Highly critical of the art because today society is obsessed with everything is good

    • @IVMTAB
      @IVMTAB Před rokem +4

      Side effects of toxic positivity

    • @frozentrollgaming1961
      @frozentrollgaming1961 Před rokem

      damn american people doesn't even know wtf is "respect" anymore, keep that "i don't give a F" attitude you children will love it👍

    • @PlutoTheGod
      @PlutoTheGod Před rokem +7

      For real, art is subjective but 90% of photographers today have nothing unique to show and no unique perspective / techniques of their own. They get a nice quality camera and take pics of the most square ass ideas imaginable.

    • @Moodboard39
      @Moodboard39 Před rokem +1

      @@PlutoTheGod they in money only no creativity

    • @GS-vb3zn
      @GS-vb3zn Před 3 měsíci +1

      “…is obsessed with everything is good” & “…they in money…” yah, ok, geniuses.

  • @Monkeyabroad
    @Monkeyabroad Před 9 lety +579

    This guy is the inspiration behind Peter Parker's editor-employer in Spiderman.

  • @bennytroung
    @bennytroung Před 8 lety +924

    Quit hating on the guy. Honest criticism is way more valuable than empty compliments.

    • @MKETSHOW117
      @MKETSHOW117 Před 7 lety +21

      it was for a large part empty hate, worse than empty compliments

    • @bennytroung
      @bennytroung Před 7 lety +32

      How do you figure? I feel like he explained the reasons for his criticisms and they all seemed pretty valid. Maybe there's something to be desired in his delivery and tone but I don't think he said anything outright hateful.

    • @MKETSHOW117
      @MKETSHOW117 Před 7 lety +14

      The part where he talks about the photograph with the kid with a gun to his head. First he uses a useless quote that has nothing to do with what he is talking about (the only thing it has in common is that it happened in the past). Then he starts talking about the composition but doesn`t say what makes it better, just that it does. Then he says "you have to do better", that could mean that you have to do better than the original. That still doesn`t give any solid critique, it is however a helpfull tip.

    • @MKETSHOW117
      @MKETSHOW117 Před 7 lety +7

      overall he just felt like a big showoff.

    • @bennytroung
      @bennytroung Před 7 lety +6

      You have a point. I feel like him being from Brooklyn has a lot to do with his directness too.

  • @cobNE22
    @cobNE22 Před 9 lety +885

    Did that piece of string on the pencil annoy anyone else or am I going mad?

    • @themawnz
      @themawnz Před 9 lety +14

      You're not going mad, It drove me crazy too.

    • @mollywatch
      @mollywatch Před 9 lety +12

      Get that man a sharpie. *Please.*

    • @erfahnh7127
      @erfahnh7127 Před 9 lety +1

      LOL

    • @grunertee3930
      @grunertee3930 Před 9 lety +11

      I nearly stoped watching the video.

    • @_digi
      @_digi Před 9 lety +4

      Got me seriously mad

  • @vicas3334
    @vicas3334 Před rokem +14

    damn a longer version of this would be a dream

    • @Moodboard39
      @Moodboard39 Před rokem

      Short

    • @nambu1306
      @nambu1306 Před 9 měsíci

      @@Moodboard39suckmywewy

    •  Před měsícem

      Agreed. I could watch this for hours

  • @calahad
    @calahad Před 8 lety +224

    95% of what he says is pretty accurate and any person who spent several years taking photos and gave it any more attention beyond just pushing the trigger button would understand. All the haters here who are just expressing their own fears and/or don't have the balls to shoot decent street are ridiculous. Street photography IS one of the hardest to do. That's why his criticism is harsh as well.

    • @asdf42100
      @asdf42100 Před 8 lety +4

      +calahad oh jeea jea jep , hes harsh but right, but also weak photo-collection from vice.

    • @quirkypurple
      @quirkypurple Před 6 lety

      Well said.

    • @csorgotom
      @csorgotom Před 3 lety +4

      I would say street photography is the easiest to do, but the hardest to do well

    • @Moodboard39
      @Moodboard39 Před rokem

      @@csorgotom hmm

  • @Ndo01
    @Ndo01 Před 9 lety +131

    The story he makes up about the people on the beach is hilarious.

  • @TheMrWoe
    @TheMrWoe Před 6 lety +13

    the analyze of the photograph with that apple in it was amazing..

  • @repairdrive
    @repairdrive Před 9 lety +30

    As a photographer I say this series is GREAT!

  • @katherineclara01
    @katherineclara01 Před 2 lety +17

    As a photographer trying to shift for editorial portraits to street photography this is very helpful! Honestly this is the kind of critique that I look for!!

  • @distastefulvideos
    @distastefulvideos Před 9 lety +67

    I like Bruce Gilden. He knows photography and knows how to convey constructive criticism in what can be a very subjective field.

  • @zethabney3856
    @zethabney3856 Před 8 lety +88

    says he didn't like the apple but then it leads him to a like two minute long analysis thats all deep and prophetic...

    • @alexklaskaris
      @alexklaskaris Před 4 lety +5

      Zeth Abney I get the feeling he can talk about anything

  • @mikegomezfilms
    @mikegomezfilms Před 8 měsíci +5

    Everything he said was on point and just makes me reflect on how terrible my own work is. Wish I had a true master like Bruce critique my work just once!

  • @antoinebernard8
    @antoinebernard8 Před 8 lety +70

    Everyone talking about his analyze but what bother me the most is his pencil

    • @ItaiJamshy
      @ItaiJamshy Před 7 lety +2

      I can't take it

    • @MrChapu87
      @MrChapu87 Před 7 lety

      OH MY GOOOD!!! PLEASE!! Get the f**k off that thing... even in the shadow, even with this flex behavior

    • @CardboardFortress
      @CardboardFortress Před 7 lety +1

      I think its a grease pencil, they're used for a bunch of art stuff

    • @alexklaskaris
      @alexklaskaris Před 4 lety

      All the comments are about the pencil

  • @choccomonde
    @choccomonde Před 4 lety +1

    Learned so much man. Sometimes people praise or denounce my works, because of details but before hearing him I never knew what they were talking about. good job, thanks

  • @frankiegamer2984
    @frankiegamer2984 Před 9 lety +1

    I really am enjoying this series and I hope there's a lot more to come. Helpful to me who wants to become a professional photographer. Thank you Vice.

  • @iii-ei5cv
    @iii-ei5cv Před 6 lety +5

    My freshman English professor was like this... rapid-fire critique that people didn't take well but the reality was that he had a lot to get across to us, and he absolutely knew what he was talking about. The accent makes it a bit more grating than it actually is

  • @sonomama82
    @sonomama82 Před 8 lety +91

    "look at us Americans. aren't we ignorant?"

    • @RoscottProduction
      @RoscottProduction Před 8 lety +16

      +sonomama82 Thanks for the subtitles, I'm watching this without sound.

    • @sonomama82
      @sonomama82 Před 8 lety +3

      +Roscott Production thanks for posting the same comment twice. I wasn't sure if you were being sarcastic the first time.

    • @2yoyodog
      @2yoyodog Před 5 lety

      ...yes, he is..ignorant?..well, maybe just arrogant!

  • @adhyawhan
    @adhyawhan Před 8 lety +14

    it's not easy to take a street photograph, we should appreciate every struggle that was made to take this kind of photograph

  • @yellowSmileyFacee
    @yellowSmileyFacee Před 9 lety +85

    I'm actually learning from this. It's entertaining as well.

  • @VICE
    @VICE  Před 9 lety +81

    In our second episode, Bruce Gilden takes on the world of street photography.

    • @Farfetchd.
      @Farfetchd. Před 9 lety +34

      These are absolutely great! I really hope to see some more of these.

    • @mariamelliott6358
      @mariamelliott6358 Před 9 lety +2

      Ah you guys :3 I get home from a crazy 8hr shift behind the bar (in heels might i add) & I find this in my subscription box, haven't even watched it yet but fucking thankyou! Cannot get enough of Picture Perfect & all that good stuff :) legends xxxxxx

    • @redpuds
      @redpuds Před 9 lety +36

      i want moaaarrrr

    • @Red83ua
      @Red83ua Před 9 lety +30

      We need more!

  • @magical571
    @magical571 Před 9 lety +16

    lol, on petapixel they called it blunt and honest, but he sounds just like any art professor. that's not rough xD he is just spot on, as any professional should.

  • @JordanReynoldsx
    @JordanReynoldsx Před 9 lety +1

    This is a great series you got going. Please keep it coming.

  • @emiliocabra331
    @emiliocabra331 Před 7 lety +147

    People if you can't take honest critisism and are offended by everything, photgraphy isn't for you... or anything for that matter

    • @AV-wx9rm
      @AV-wx9rm Před 7 lety +12

      keep in mind. how you shoot is different from someone else. so why go by how this guy THINKS?

    • @thai2go
      @thai2go Před 7 lety +2

      Mmmm... me think you still have a lot to learn son.

    • @AV-wx9rm
      @AV-wx9rm Před 7 lety +2

      nono oh really? and who the hell are you to say about someones opinions and views?

    • @thai2go
      @thai2go Před 7 lety +4

      I am giving my opinion on someone opinion... duh
      If you take so badly criticism... well you still a lot to learn my friend!

    • @CYBERDECIMAL
      @CYBERDECIMAL Před 7 lety +14

      Emilio your profile picture is terrible and out of focus.

  • @sambulleit6191
    @sambulleit6191 Před 6 lety

    Holy moly. Honestly, there was so much valuable information packed into those very short ten minutes. Brutal, but the man's worth listening to.

  • @adriansteele5679
    @adriansteele5679 Před 7 lety +7

    The string in the pencil is pulled back to sharpen the nib, it pulls back the wood to reveal more graphite. They give them to you on planes

  • @davidcottam7431
    @davidcottam7431 Před 4 lety +2

    Really enjoyed this. Wish it was longer. Might be brutal but that's the best way to learn. Anyone know if there are any similar clips?

  • @johnkraemer5505
    @johnkraemer5505 Před 8 lety

    I enjoyed the video! I liked hearing what Bruce had to say about the different pics! After hearing Bruce's feedback, it makes me think a little bit different about the photos and my own photos. Keep it up!

  • @red2lucas
    @red2lucas Před 7 lety +242

    The string on his pencil is driving me nuts

    • @Andrew-kk2ry
      @Andrew-kk2ry Před 7 lety +1

      Chris Lucas Yes!!! I must have missed half the video looking at that instead of the photos.

    • @LBenjamin
      @LBenjamin Před 7 lety +2

      Chris Lucas I scrolled down here knowing this would be one of the top comments. It's driving me nuts too!! I can't take my eyes off the damn pencil!!!

    • @M461Cfs
      @M461Cfs Před 6 lety +2

      It's the way they peel the pencil for more tip

    • @mohelism
      @mohelism Před 6 lety

      so true...

  • @satya430
    @satya430 Před 8 lety +32

    Being an amateur street photographer, I totally agree on his points about composition and other photographic thumb rules. Having said that I do not agree with his comment on the photo with a fellow holing the gun to his friend in a very jovial way, it is a good photo and makes the viewer concoct a story in his/her head. The fact that someone else has already taken a similar photo should not have to lower it's value .

    • @emiliocabra331
      @emiliocabra331 Před 7 lety

      I think it does, I mean, what would you think if someone made another Mona Lisa?!
      If you're trying to make art, you have to be original

    • @JohanEssenceExplorer
      @JohanEssenceExplorer Před 6 lety +14

      That picture is boring simple as that.

    • @zero4hunnit236
      @zero4hunnit236 Před 5 lety +3

      That picture was boring and unoriginal. In fact I think Gilden was actually being polite in a way when he made the "presumption" that the photographer must've "not learned from history" that the shot was already "done" ala William Klein.... everybody knows that was a William Klein RIP OFF.

    • @kannonfps
      @kannonfps Před 3 lety

      it's not because someone is jovial that it's a good picture ... the composition is off , the dead space kill the photo , it could have been a way more interesting shot than what we've seen , tetra hedron , not everybody , i didnt knew that and you know why ? cause i didnt study a lot of master (yes i'm a retard,but i work on that) depending on how you approach the photography world you might not study anybody for the entire time , or study everybody , just depend on what is your approach and what you wanna learn etc

    • @Moodboard39
      @Moodboard39 Před rokem

      @@JohanEssenceExplorer lol

  • @mentalbriefcase
    @mentalbriefcase Před 9 lety +1

    Great series, Vice! I do photography as a hobby and I'm learning a lot while smiling. :-)

  • @GlennnD
    @GlennnD Před 7 lety

    I like his directness. No bullshitting and straight from the heart.

  • @palad1ncz
    @palad1ncz Před 9 lety +1

    so refreshing! honest photo reviews from experienced photographer.

  • @RevJock
    @RevJock Před 8 lety +8

    Excellent! I could listen to Bruce all day long :-)

  • @yashwinning
    @yashwinning Před 7 lety +25

    At first I thought he was just a pretentious fuck who thought every photograph sucked except his own but the more the video went on the more he made sense.
    Sure he was a bit too brutal but that's only because the dude's been exposed to excellence pretty much his whole life, so when he looks at a picture people like us would think is good, he'll only find mistakes.
    But his insight was still very informative.

  • @DenisLiang
    @DenisLiang Před 8 lety +5

    really insightful. Its always cool to see experts critique. Although you should still take everything with a pinch of salt

  • @marekeos
    @marekeos Před 6 lety +1

    The apple photograph critique was awesome. Love this guy!

  • @crwn_munkz
    @crwn_munkz Před 3 lety

    We need more of this with Bruce!!!

  • @dk038967
    @dk038967 Před 9 lety +4

    this guy knows his stuff and is very funny. more please

  • @evilwarlock
    @evilwarlock Před 6 lety

    I could watch videos like this all day. Fantastic!

  • @EL3IMAGERY
    @EL3IMAGERY Před 9 lety +10

    "who cares about her chin" hahahahahaha im dead

  • @Lucas3D
    @Lucas3D Před 9 lety

    This was great thanks, I'd love more like this, thanks Vice x

  • @chrisdonahue
    @chrisdonahue Před 6 lety

    i could listen to bruce critique work for hours haha

  • @TrueTreeRadioNetwork
    @TrueTreeRadioNetwork Před 9 lety +36

    This dude is hilarious and smart, I'm laughing and learning at the same time.

  • @ishaan211991
    @ishaan211991 Před 9 lety +1

    This was awesome. I want more of this. Although i must mention i was stoned watching this. And the scorcery tale was the best.

  • @javierruiz3356
    @javierruiz3356 Před 9 lety

    lol Make more like these. I love hearing criticisms from great photographers

  • @kevinge1088
    @kevinge1088 Před 7 lety +1

    why is there only 2 episode? I really need more

  • @TheMannuman
    @TheMannuman Před 8 lety +1

    this is so inspiring, thank you Bruce Gilden!

  • @skyedog47
    @skyedog47 Před 7 lety

    Yo that was super helpful. I just learned so much from this guy.

  • @minoltacollector9128
    @minoltacollector9128 Před 8 lety +10

    I love the perspective this guy gives me.
    I dont agree with everything he says and thats ok.
    You all don't need to get so worked up, its just criticism.

    • @Moodboard39
      @Moodboard39 Před rokem

      Critique part of the business don't get butthurt about it...

  • @dinosaurfilms7425
    @dinosaurfilms7425 Před 9 lety +100

    Poison apple, huh? I think this guys brain went mush from watching Snow White one to many times.

  • @benjaminjones8870
    @benjaminjones8870 Před 7 lety +17

    I don't particularly like the guy, but after checking his site out, I find his photos of people to be very strong. Having said that, his other stuff such as "foreclosures" is as mediocre as it gets, though I'm sure he would make up some intricate story for each picture to justify it's worth.
    And that's what I don't like. Anybody can make up a random story for an image, but if it's about narrative, the image should be telling you, not the other way around. Though I believe that interpretation and narrative are over-rated and abused to justify poor imagery, and a great photo can stand alone without any need to communicate a narrative at all.

    • @RAFSWRLD
      @RAFSWRLD Před 7 lety

      Benjamin Jones A critique of a critique. You should start your own vice series.

    • @benjaminjones8870
      @benjaminjones8870 Před 7 lety +1

      Ralphstricks Bellend.

    • @oldlarry9234
      @oldlarry9234 Před 4 lety

      Benjamin Jones - very well said, I agree 100%
      “A picture speaks a thousand words “

    • @kannonfps
      @kannonfps Před 3 lety

      i don't fully agree with you on the "a picture should talk by herself" pictures that make you wonder what the f is going on are really interesting , check daido moryiama if you havent already , i'm sure you won't like it since it appear that you are the type (at the time you made the comment) to look for perfection

    • @maxbashyrov5785
      @maxbashyrov5785 Před 3 lety

      who are you and who cares about your opinion?

  • @SuperOldTramp
    @SuperOldTramp Před 9 lety

    Hope to see a third episode !

  • @brechtvanhoutte4925
    @brechtvanhoutte4925 Před 6 lety

    Do another serie of these pleaseeee

  • @richardhaw9757
    @richardhaw9757 Před 8 lety

    i love this episode! more from bruce,please!

  • @dannynguyen8967
    @dannynguyen8967 Před 7 lety +3

    I found this to be very amusing even though I don't agree with some of his points or "interpretations." It's always great to hear honest opinion. More videos like this please :D

  • @noahgross
    @noahgross Před 9 lety +3

    More! This guy is awesome~

  • @dandykaufman2
    @dandykaufman2 Před 7 lety

    Love that Jonathan Auch pic. Agreed with Gilden's dismissal of the rest of the photos.

  • @judyonzen
    @judyonzen Před 6 lety

    The best part this vd is the way he talked...truly...take or leave it...

  • @gabrielle.s1896
    @gabrielle.s1896 Před 6 lety

    Man, i love the Brooklyn accent. I really like ho w direct he is, he makes very good points. I also like the little stories he made up.

  • @chuckboris9199
    @chuckboris9199 Před 8 lety

    I would love to ee more of these, or art related videos in general

  • @joeldeakin2003
    @joeldeakin2003 Před 7 měsíci +1

    Jose Raul Valencia got chewed up in this lmao

  • @lilmichael212
    @lilmichael212 Před 18 dny

    I need so much more of this!!! 😂

  • @theworldthroughmyeye5003
    @theworldthroughmyeye5003 Před 7 lety +4

    "Look at us Americans. Aren't we ignorant?" Hahaha I love this dude

  • @guyo68
    @guyo68 Před rokem +1

    This should've been ten times as long!

  • @embassyoftoysoldier
    @embassyoftoysoldier Před 9 lety

    bruce definitely reminded of my former drama composition teacher :D

  • @T25de
    @T25de Před 9 lety

    that was fun. i could def watch him go over a large stack of photos

  • @Zecamilleo
    @Zecamilleo Před 2 lety +1

    I'm not a fan of everything in his body of work, but he is a master and knows his craft.

  • @baumsn
    @baumsn Před 9 lety

    What is on the Pencil?? Drives me Crazy!!
    ps.: keep that series up

  • @nikoszompolas6949
    @nikoszompolas6949 Před 7 lety +2

    Fantastic, it's worth of two days workshop!

  • @VeggeMight
    @VeggeMight Před 9 lety

    This was great,more please Vice.

  • @overtrist
    @overtrist Před 9 lety

    I like this fella. He might just express his opinion - but his opinions are confident and he brings em across well while being entertaining.

  • @kaichenghuang8888
    @kaichenghuang8888 Před 8 lety

    great talk, pretty straight forward.

  • @iwander10noob71
    @iwander10noob71 Před 6 lety +1

    That piece of string on the pencil!! The only thing my eyes have been following throughout the video

  • @heroesandcons09
    @heroesandcons09 Před 9 lety

    Make more of these!

  • @Louise-ki3yd
    @Louise-ki3yd Před 6 lety +2

    These are his own opinions on how the photos should be taken or how he’s used to taking the photos. Every photographer has their own way of taking photos and I personally like the way he ‘criticized’ these photos because of how honest he was.

  • @proto35
    @proto35 Před 8 lety +4

    what an amazing critique

  • @theterriblepanda
    @theterriblepanda Před 8 měsíci

    Love this guy

  • @lee-jaynewman503
    @lee-jaynewman503 Před 6 lety

    you know who you are and who do it, big respect Gildon

  • @Suburb_hell
    @Suburb_hell Před 9 lety

    I like this series too being a photographer.

  • @andythesix
    @andythesix Před 9 lety

    Please make a part 3

  • @mclvstac
    @mclvstac Před 6 lety

    I instantly love this guy. he's hilariously honest.fuck yeah

  • @christianrobotti
    @christianrobotti Před 8 lety

    I might not like his work but that is simply a preference of the type of style I enjoy. With that said, he is a very good photographer and was spot on in his critiques.

  • @RBTVN
    @RBTVN Před 9 lety

    Love it. More please!

  • @antsunclesmedia
    @antsunclesmedia Před 8 lety

    LOL that last bit "Who cares about under her chin?"

  • @jeremoe1
    @jeremoe1 Před 4 lety

    The photo of the guy towards the beginning with the hat, is that the guy on Seinfeld, Kramer?

  • @HumanJoseph
    @HumanJoseph Před 9 lety

    I was entertained and I am interested in seeing more. I also at times felt like I was listening to a mad man, but there were definitely some good points.

  • @julian123411
    @julian123411 Před 8 lety

    Awesome concept and video!!

  • @mid20s
    @mid20s Před 4 lety

    Nothing is better than an Italian New Yorker teaching me photography .!

  • @satyansharma1166
    @satyansharma1166 Před 5 lety

    Thanks a lot for tips.

  • @kyto5125
    @kyto5125 Před 2 lety

    he talks about street photography as if one has full control of position or telling strangers where to stand and what to do and it makes me want to try to challenge myself to do the impossible.

  • @mollywatch
    @mollywatch Před 9 lety +1

    I love these. *More* please. May I suggest John Currin as your next artist.............

  • @Cruiser203
    @Cruiser203 Před 9 lety +8

    flag in the background explains everything

  • @J0s3ho0dlum
    @J0s3ho0dlum Před 9 lety

    The one where the little boy hung himself, wheres that from? You can see it a couple times towards the end in the bottom left hand corner.

  • @afterwindz
    @afterwindz Před 6 lety

    i love the ending scene, hahahaa

  • @onurnuraydin3279
    @onurnuraydin3279 Před 4 lety

    god of street photography. Love you man.

  • @skatinbakin
    @skatinbakin Před 9 lety

    Keep these coming

  • @Bassma10
    @Bassma10 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Link of the full video?