British-born, New York–based, Phil Penman has been photographing the streets of the city for more than three decades — from the morning of September 11, 2001, to the quiet corners of a metropolis in constant motion. He is the author of the book “New York Street Diaries” (teNeues).
I would say I never really had a mission. It was more just a job in the beginning. I’m not an academic — in fact, I’m dyslexic. It was something I was able to turn into a profession. I love what I do, so it does make life easier.
Having been in this ever-changing industry of photography for the past 32 years, it became about surviving and being able to pivot and adapt whilst many around me were and are losing their jobs.
I wanted to be able to stay in the business I have known since I was 15 years old, and I cannot really imagine a life where I don’t do it. I have been truly blessed that I get to do what I love.
I find it grounds me in my life, especially when you photograph people who have it less fortunate than you do. Sometimes photography is like a shot of adrenaline.
Photography has introduced me to people and places I never would have met or visited. In 2024 alone it has taken me to Tokyo, Paris, Germany, Australia, Switzerland.
It’s one of the most telling arts. You can tell a lot about a person, as you are quite literally putting yourself out there into the world and showing people who you are and how you see the world.
I try to bring as honest a portrayal of the world as I interpret it. Warts and all.
That is for the viewer to decide. I can only do me — and why would you want to copy another individual?
Art is one’s personal expression.
I love what I do, and I hope that it comes out in my work. Although it’s a very hard industry to make it in, it’s also one of the most fulfilling.
Something that makes people stop and think, or draw inspiration from. Nothing is as rewarding as someone telling you “it inspired me”.
These days I largely get inspiration from art, cinema and fashion. I have found photography and photographers can, I’m afraid to say, be very toxic and put each other down. It’s important to draw inspiration from all walks of life and try to surround yourself with positivity.
Now, what makes a good photograph? That is a hard one, because sometimes you just know it’s good, and sometimes it takes years for the eyes to evolve — or your life experiences change how you see things in a picture.
You may have subliminally captured something but took years to see it.
I just put my heart and soul into my work. I learnt years ago that some people might love your work and others don’t. It’s what makes us all individuals.
For me, I would say it’s a form of art and personal expression.
I try to think outside the box and not copy others. I can be influenced by someone else’s work, but it’s important to note that we are all influenced by everything we see. It’s just a question of how much we choose to take from it.
We can also be influenced by people in a bad way, one that actually hurts your work.
This is something I am constantly working on. When I feel my work is getting boring, I try to think of new ways to make it interesting for me and me alone.
I have to enjoy what I do — otherwise others will be able to see it as well.
Right now it’s getting back to projects for myself. Since 2015 I have largely been focused on helping others by teaching, which I thoroughly enjoy, but it can take a personal toll on your own work.
I have had to try to learn to take a breath and find time for more of my own projects.
On the streets I have to be alone. I have to lose myself on the streets and be fully immersed.
As for producing books and my business, it’s 100 percent a team effort. I have been lucky enough to work with some truly talented individuals who can tell me what’s good and what’s not.
It’s important to have people in your life who are not just YES people. Keeps you humble.
It would have to be my book “New York Street Diaries”. I was very proud of how this one came out. I worked with a great designer, Anja “The Letterist”, who designed the book, Lou Proud as curator, and all the people at teNeues, who did exactly what they said they would do and produced a beautiful quality book.
I would say my breakthrough work that got me out into the world was my work from New York City capturing the World Trade Center attacks.
It has been an emotional roller coaster over the past 23 years since it happened, but I’m glad I was there that day to capture history playing out before my eyes.