Say Less, with Dr. Greg Gulbransen

08/29/2024Link0

In today’s podcast, we’ll be talking with Long Island-based pediatrician and self-taught photographer Dr. Greg Gulbransen, whose newly released book Say Less documents the three years Gulbransen spent embedded with Malik, the paralyzed leader of a Crips’ set in the Bronx.

Above photograph © Dr. Greg Gulbransen

Gulbransen details his journey from wildlife and fashion photography to documenting the lives of at-risk members of the Bikes Up Guns Down club to his most recent (and most daunting) project: photographing members of a violent street gang.

Gulbransen also touches on his years-long campaign to require auto makers to install rear-view cameras in all American-made cars, a personal crusade born of the tragic car accident involving his infant son.

Guest: Dr. Greg Gulbransen

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Broken glass windows in the lobby of the Mitchel Houses.
Broken glass windows in the lobby of the Mitchel Houses.
Malik maneuvres his wheelchair in the narrow hallway of his apartment.
Malik maneuvres his wheelchair in the narrow hallway of his apartment.
Malik and his wheelchair in his bedroom at the Mitchel Houses.
Malik and his wheelchair in his bedroom at the Mitchel Houses.
Malik’s mother Eyanna has always been his primary caregiver.
Malik’s mother Eyanna has always been his primary caregiver.
Phat Boy carries Malik down four flights of stairs.
Phat Boy carries Malik down four flights of stairs.
Malik shoots some hoops from his wheelchair. Typically, his only exercise is a daily pushup regime in bed.
Malik shoots some hoops from his wheelchair. Typically, his only exercise is a daily pushup regime in bed.
Reef assists Malik outside on the street.
Reef assists Malik outside on the street.
Reverend Tinnie James preaches to Malik.
Reverend Tinnie James preaches to Malik.
“Every day, I hope and pray that I am alive in the next five years,” says Malik.
“Every day, I hope and pray that I am alive in the next five years,” says Malik.
Makeshift memorial for Jay Holla, Malik’s friend and Mitchell Houses’ resident.
Makeshift memorial for Jay Holla, Malik’s friend and Mitchell Houses’ resident.
Nighttime view of the Mitchel Houses in New York’s South Bronx.
Nighttime view of the Mitchel Houses in New York’s South Bronx.
Greg Gulbransen self-portrait.
Greg Gulbransen self-portrait.
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Broken glass windows in the lobby of the Mitchel Houses.
Malik maneuvres his wheelchair in the narrow hallway of his apartment.
Malik and his wheelchair in his bedroom at the Mitchel Houses.
Malik’s mother Eyanna has always been his primary caregiver.
Phat Boy carries Malik down four flights of stairs.
Malik shoots some hoops from his wheelchair. Typically, his only exercise is a daily pushup regime in bed.
Reef assists Malik outside on the street.
Reverend Tinnie James preaches to Malik.
“Every day, I hope and pray that I am alive in the next five years,” says Malik.
Makeshift memorial for Jay Holla, Malik’s friend and Mitchell Houses’ resident.
Nighttime view of the Mitchel Houses in New York’s South Bronx.
Greg Gulbransen self-portrait.

Episode Timeline:

  • 3:45: Dr. Greg’s early medical training in the Bronx, and his experiences photographing at-risk kids from the Bikes Up Guns Down bike club.
  • 13:26: The start of Dr. Greg’s 3-year project photographing Malik, a gunshot victim and paralyzed leader of a Bronx Crips’ set.
  • 14:55: The complex relationship between Dr. Greg, Malik and his mother, which allowed him to operate in such a potentially dangerous environment. 
  • 19:23: Christmas with Malik and his family.
  • 30:57: Dr. Greg talks best practices for administering Narcan, using informants to keep himself safe, and helping Malik stay out of prison.
  • 44:48: Episode Break
  • 45:46: Working with former LIFE magazine Editor in Chief Bill Shapiro to edit and plan his photo book.
  • 49:22:Obtaining two sets of releases from Malik and other set members for all photos and text to appear in the book.
  • 51:40: Dr. Greg discusses his copious notes while embedded, and details about capturing candid photos of set members and other neighborhood subjects.
  • 54:50: Dr. Greg’s traumatic yet successful campaign requiring the auto industry to install of rear-view cameras in all American cars.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Greg Gulbransen is a Long Island-based pediatric doctor, who has been making photographs since 2014. Following a tragic car accident involving his son in 2002, Gulbransen successfully campaigned to get the auto industry to install rear-view cameras in American cars. As a result, all new cars in the US must have rear-view cameras, leading to an immeasurable impact on the lives of Americans.

After starting out with wildlife pictures and editorial fashion work, Gulbransen transitioned to documenting the lives of unique individuals with interesting stories in an aim to preserve their legacies through photography. This work is often informed by a drive to highlight issues impacting American society, with a focus on young people.

Over the course of three years, Gulbransen photographed Malik, a set leader of the violent street gang, the Crips. In 2018, Malik was shot and paralyzed by a bullet from a rival gang. As a result, his world now centers around the small Bronx apartment where he’s cared for by family and fellow gang members. This project was recently released by Gost Books as the monograph Say Less, Gulbransen’s first book. 

Stay Connected:

Dr. Greg Gulbransen’s Website: https://www.gulbransenphoto.com/

Dr. Greg Gulbransen’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greggulbransenpeds

Word on the Street YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@superwariobro

Dr. Greg Gulbransen’s book Say Less: https://gostbooks.com/en-us/products/say-less

Host: Allan Weitz

Senior Creative Producer: Jill Waterman

Technical Producer: Mike Weinstein

Executive Producer: Richard Stevens

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