4 Photography Lessons From Phil Penman That Will Transform Your Street Photography Skills (And Make Every Shot Count)
Great street photography isn’t about skill—it’s about perspective.
It’s the way you see the world that transforms ordinary scenes into extraordinary images. Phil Penman, one of the most celebrated street photographers in the world, has spent decades perfecting this art on the bustling streets of New York City. By following his unique approach, you can elevate your own street photography and capture moments that truly stand out.
When I first started street photography, I made one critical mistake:
I focused too much on technical skills and not enough on how to connect with my surroundings. I spent hours tweaking settings, chasing light, and trying to mimic the work of others, only to feel disappointed with my results.
This approach left me frustrated and disconnected from the essence of street photography: capturing life as it happens.
I interviewed Phil Penman recently, and let me tell you—his insights completely changed how I see street photography.
Talking to someone with decades of experience capturing the heartbeat of New York City was eye-opening. Phil shared the lessons and techniques that have shaped his career, and now I’m excited to pass those on to you.
Here are the four biggest takeaways from our conversation that will transform the way you shoot. Let’s dive in!
1. Mastering Patience: The Secret to Timeless Shots
This simple mindset shift has completely changed the way I approach street photography.
I call it the “Waiting Game” approach—here’s how it works:
Phil reflected on the rare stillness of New York during the pandemic. He shared, “I had always wanted to document the empty streets of NYC. Before, I would go out on New Year’s Day looking for these moments. Now, it was every day.”
Instead of rushing from one location to another, find an interesting spot and let the scene come to life naturally. Whether it’s the play of shadows on a wall or the movement of people passing through, waiting allows you to capture depth and emotion. Phil’s patience in the snow-covered streets of New York resulted in some of his most evocative images.
The takeaway? Don’t chase the shot—be ready to capture it when the moment comes.
2. Blend In to Stand Out: Respecting the Rhythm of the Streets
This one mindset shift can transform how your street photography feels.
I call it “Blending In”—here’s how it works:
Phil explained how the city’s quiet rhythm during the pandemic allowed him to connect more deeply with his surroundings. “When the streets were empty during lockdown, it was both a photographer’s dream and a nightmare,” he said. Walking the streets every day, he learned to observe and move at the pace of the environment, capturing moments as they unfolded naturally.
Instead of controlling or forcing a scene, let yourself become part of it. Blending in makes your presence less disruptive and helps your photos feel more authentic. Whether it’s capturing the natural flow of a busy street or the solitary quiet of lockdown, the streets will guide you—if you let them.
Your goal is to become invisible. Move quietly, observe patiently, and let the streets lead you to their stories.
3. Turning the Everyday Into Extraordinary Photos
If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to find interesting subjects, this shift will change everything.
I call it the “Ordinary Stories” approach—here’s how it works:
Phil’s New York Street Diaries focused on capturing the city during unprecedented times. He explained, “Covid-19 was empty streets and the sounds of sirens. The only way we knew what was going on was from the death toll being announced daily on the news.” These quiet yet haunting moments painted a vivid picture of a city in crisis.
Instead of looking for dramatic or flashy scenes, Phil focused on the stillness and quiet details of New York’s empty streets. Whether it was the boarded-up mom-and-pop stores or the snow-blanketed streets during lockdown, he found beauty in documenting the reality of the pandemic.
Even something as simple as the light reflecting off a puddle or the way people pause at a crosswalk can tell a story if you look closely.
Challenge yourself to find beauty and meaning in the everyday. Even the quietest moments can tell powerful stories if you observe closely and connect emotionally with your surroundings.
4. The Long Game: Building Stories Over Time
If you want to truly grow as a photographer, this strategy will unlock your creative potential.
I call it the “Deep Dive Project” method—here’s how it works:
Phil’s work during the pandemic wasn’t a single snapshot of time but part of a larger narrative he’s been building for decades. Reflecting on the emotional weight of his work, he said, “I hope the book gives an accurate account of the time in history. The book is now in the US Library of Congress as well as some prints in the permanent collection.”
Choose a single theme or location and return to it over time. This approach helps you uncover layers of meaning and patterns you’d never notice on a single day of shooting. By committing to documenting New York’s streets over the years, Phil captured not just its resilience but its evolution through major events like 9/11 and the pandemic.
Find your project. Dedicate time to exploring a theme or location, and let the story reveal itself naturally.
Conclusion
Phil Penman’s work reminds us that street photography isn’t just about the images—it’s about preserving stories, emotions, and history for generations to come. His ability to patiently wait for the right moment, connect with the rhythm of the streets, and find beauty in the everyday has set a standard for photographers everywhere.
By applying these four lessons from Phil, you’ll not only elevate your photography but also transform the way you see the world.
The streets are waiting—what story will you tell?
"New York Street Diaries" unfolds as a vivid chronicle of New York City during its most solitary moments.