Phil Penman Photography

11/04/2026

Proud to share my latest interview with Hot Mirror Magazine. Click the link below to read the article

https://hotmirror-magazine.com/articles/phil-penman-a-life-in-photographs

The British-born, New York-based photographer Phil Penman has dedicated over 25 years documenting the ever-changing scene of New York City’s streets.

11/04/2026

A special thank you to Leica Singapore for hosting such an incredible workshop and for exhibiting my body of work, Street Scenes. The show is currently on display at the Leica Gallery Singapore from August 19 through November 18.

10/30/2026

Looking Over Us

I took this photo back during the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when the news seemed to carry nothing but heartbreak, and we were constantly hearing about thousands of lives being lost every week, the weight of it all was overwhelming. Everyone was carrying an invisible burden.

That’s when I saw this man on the ferry. He looked so tired, his face covered by a mask, sitting quietly in thought as the boat moved across the harbor. But as I looked closer, I saw the Statue of Liberty rising just above his shoulder. In that moment, she almost seemed to be looking down on him—watching over him, and all of us.

Right then, a feeling of quiet certainty came over me: we were going to be okay. Sometimes, what you are personally feeling and hoping for has a way of showing itself in the work you create.

Hope can find you in the most quiet, unexpected moments.

Reflections COVID19 StreetPhotography HumanSpirit Resilience BehindTheLens NYC

10/14/2026

A few favorite locations in New York

Copyright Phil Penman
Sign up for latest updates and upcoming Street Photography workshops here
https://www.philpenman.com/mailing-list/

Print available at WWW.PHILPENMAN.COM
Images taken with Leica Cameras

“MADE BY A HUMAN”

10/03/2026

For those of you who asked for more color !

Copyright Phil Penman
Sign up for latest updates and upcoming Street Photography workshops here
https://www.philpenman.com/mailing-list/

Print available at WWW.PHILPENMAN.COM
Images taken with Leica Cameras

“MADE BY A HUMAN”

09/25/2026

Join and I on March 21st-25th 2027 in Tokyo for a five day immersive workshop experience set in one of the most iconic cities on earth for photography. Link below to register

https://www.irysphotos.com/tokyoworkshop

Tokyo is a place Alan and I know very well after years of experience shooting there. This is the first time to work with us both and see our perspectives simultaneously as we have never hosted a workshop together before. Availability is limited so the group remains small enough for plenty of individual time with both of us.

Hope to see you there for a workshop I am very excited for.

09/24/2026

Proud to be featured in this new video from Leica Camera

Photography captures far more than just a moment in time. Every ima...

09/21/2026

A small selection of images taken this past weekend during a street photography workshop in New York City. Many thanks to all of you who attended

Copyright Phil Penman
Sign up for latest updates and upcoming Street Photography workshops here
https://www.philpenman.com/mailing-list/

Print available at WWW.PHILPENMAN.COM
Images taken with Leica Cameras

“MADE BY A HUMAN”

09/17/2026

Get right behind someone carrying an umbrella, pin your focus on the back of that canopy, and start moving. That umbrella cuts through the clutter, giving you a clean, bold center for your shot while the rain catches the backlight from streetlamps and store signs.

On the ground, wet asphalt acts like a giant mirror. It pulls in all the amber streetlights and red taillights, giving you heavy contrast and rich reflections without needing to stage a thing. Open up your aperture, set your shutter speed to match their walking pace, and let the background blur out.

The trick is staying right in their wake. They don’t know you’re there, which keeps the frame looking completely natural and unposed. It’s just a raw, honest slice of street photography—black umbrella, wet pavement, and the texture of a rainy night..

09/14/2026

Mexico City’s dynamic energy and exceptional light provided an incredible backdrop for our recent Leica Akademie workshop.

Thank you to all the participants who joined me on the ground. Your dedication to the craft, sharp eyes, and eagerness to push creative boundaries made for an incredibly inspiring few days. It is always a privilege to collaborate with such a passionate group of visual storytellers within the Leica community.

For those currently in Mexico City, my exhibition remains on view. It has been an honor sharing this body of work with the local arts community, and I am grateful for the overwhelming support and thoughtful conversations at the gallery so far.

My sincere thanks to the team at Leica and the gallery staff for making both the workshop and exhibition possible.

Until the next destination, keep observing and capturing the world around you.