Bruce Gilden is an American photographer known for his gritty, black-and-white street photography. Born in 1946 in Brooklyn, New York, Gilden developed an interest in photography at a young age. He studied sociology at Penn State University and then went on to earn a master's degree in social work from Columbia University.
Gilden began his career as a freelance photographer for the New York Daily News in the 1970s. His work quickly gained recognition for its raw and honest portrayal of everyday life on the streets of New York City. He has since become one of the most influential street photographers of all time, with his work appearing in publications such as The New Yorker, Time Magazine, and National Geographic.
In addition to his street photography, Gilden has also worked extensively with portraiture and documentary photography. His portraits often feature close-up shots of people’s faces that capture their unique personalities and emotions. His documentary projects have taken him around the world to places such as Haiti, Japan, and Russia.
Gilden’s photographs have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City and the International Center of Photography (ICP) in Tokyo. He has also published several books including A Beautiful Catastrophe (2006), Face (2008), and Goin' Home (2012).
Throughout his career, Gilden has remained committed to capturing life on the streets with honesty and integrity. His photographs are a testament to his passion for documenting everyday moments that often go unnoticed by others.