Welcome to this edition of [Book spotlight]. Today, we uncover the layers of 'New York Street Diaries,' by Phil Penman (published by teNeues Verlag). We'd love to read your comments below about these insights and ideas behind the artist's work.

"New York Street Diaries" unfolds as a vivid chronicle of New York City during its most solitary moments, captured amidst the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic and the tranquility of a snowstorm. Phil Penman, with over two decades of experience photographing the streets of New York, shifts his lens from the celebrity world to the raw, quiet streets of the city he loves. This work is a departure from his first book, "Street," diving into a more emotional and edgy portrayal of New York's spirit during times of crisis, reflecting on the city's resilience and the personal toll of documenting such unprecedented times.

Inspiration Behind "New York Street Diaries": What inspired you to create "New York Street Diaries," and how does it differ from your previous work, including your first book, "Street"?

New York Street Diaries was born from what was going on in world events. After having lived through 9/11,  I never would have anticipated another major crisis. This time on a much larger world scale. When Covid 19 struck New York the project was born. 

This time it was just very different. After 9/11 you could smell the death around you from the smoke clouds above the city. 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.

My first book “Street” was a body of work from a 10 year period covering my old life as a celebrity photographer, and the people and places I love that make NYC such a great place for street photography.

In contrast New York Street Diaries was a much more edgy. It took a much more emotional toll on me. It’s very sad to hear that fellow New Yorkers were dieing  around you, and the city you love, boarded up, and being ripped apart by people looking to steal and cause damage to fellow New Yorkers businesses. It was not just the flagship brands but also the mom and pop stores. 

I tried hard to document and give people an accurate portrayal of what life was really was like during this time. 

Capturing New York's Quiet Moments: Your book shows New York City in rare moments of calm and tranquility, especially during the snowstorm and the COVID-19 lockdown. Can you share more about the experience of capturing the city in such unprecedented times?

It was both a photographers dream and also a photographers nightmare. I had always wanted to document the empty streets of nyc.  Before I would go out on New Years day looking for these moments. Now, it was everyday and only the people I had to talk with were the people living on the streets. It was also very sad seeing the newly homeless.  I hoped that it was not a sign of things to come.

Technique and Approach: You've been documenting New York's streets for over two decades. How has your technique and approach to street photography evolved over the years, especially when capturing intimate moments of city life?

I think as we mature and learn more we adapt and change. I know when I was young in my 20’s I was pretty naive and had a lot to learn. These days I find myself constantly trying to learn more from the people I meet and am intrigued about what they do and there life story. As they say “You don’t learn anything by talking”

I know I still have a lot to learn in photography but am enjoying the process.

Choice of Black-and-White Photography: Your work is known for its impactful black-and-white imagery. Can you discuss your decision to use black-and-white photography for capturing the essence of New York City in this book?

We had a very hard task with the book. We had about 16 images that were in color but due to the way we had them curated in the book and how print presses work it was just not possible to do. We had a story we wanted to show and changing the order was not possible.  We decided to just cut the color images and because they only made up a small portion of the book it did not make sense to keep them. 

I am however happier with how the result of a black and white only book came out. I have always wanted to do one , so this was my chance.

Emotional and Historical Significance: Having documented significant events like the September 11 attacks and the pandemic lockdown, how do you see "New York Street Diaries" contributing to the historical and emotional narrative of the city?

I sincerely hope that the world never has to go through this again. It’s devastating for the families who lost loved ones. 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.

Challenges and Rewards: What were some of the challenges you faced while working on this book, and what has been the most rewarding aspect of its completion and reception?

I am genuinely shocked by the reception the book has received. I was informed after only a few short months that we were already going to be printing the 2nd edition. This is extremely rare especially as the book had not even been out a year. It launched as the number 1 street photography book in the world on amazon .

I thank the support of the loyal people who check out my work daily on social media and through my website for this. I am truly humbled and thank everyone for all the support.

Impact of the Pandemic on Your Work: How has the pandemic, both as a subject of your photography and as a global event, influenced your perspective as a photographer?

When I was submitting my work for the US Library of Congress it dawned on me that it’s not the nice abstract and pretty silhouette shots that will go down in history. Don’t get me wrong I love to do them but the image has to have more than that. It has to make you feel something! You are trying to capture history being made in a fraction of a second and then archived for all eternity. I now try to think “What is it that people are going to remember 20 years from now? Will cellphones or cars even be around in 30 years? These are the questions I have to ask myself.

Influences and Inspirations: You were named among the "52 Most Influential Street Photographers" alongside legends like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Diane Arbus. How have these photographers influenced your work, and who else has inspired you?

Salgado would be my biggest influence. I respect both the work and the manner in which it’s done. Behind every great photographer is also a great life partner, so I believe his wife Leila would also have to be an inspiration because of this. I know that I would not be where I am today without my wife Karen. A lot of photographers such as Arnold Newman, Elliot Erwitt, Ruth Orkin and to many others to mention have also influenced me. I would also have to say the likes of cinematographer Roger Deakins and artists like Pollack and Mondrian have also played a part of who I am today.

Advice for Aspiring Street Photographers: With your extensive experience teaching workshops for Leica Akademie, what advice would you give to aspiring street photographers looking to capture the essence of urban life?

First off, just enjoy the journey. As photographers we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to photograph great images. This is not always possible and sometimes life events at home get in the way or stress clouds us. Just remember its not forever and next week you might take the best image of your life!

Future Projects and Directions: Looking ahead, are there any new projects or directions you are particularly excited about exploring in your photography?

In all fairness I am actually looking to do some more color work. I have always had to do it for work and I think that was why I was so drawn to black and white. It was a way for me to escape work. Now I am starting to work on creating a look for my color work. So watch this space !

To discover more about the captivating journey through the streets of New York as seen in "New York Street Diaries," you can find and purchase the book here (Amazon).

Phil Penman (Website, Instagram), a British photographer now residing in New York, has captured the city's dynamic streets for over two decades. His distinguished career includes capturing significant figures and events for top publications and his poignant 9/11 images, which have been recognized and preserved by notable channels and the 9/11 Memorial Museum. His pandemic lockdown work is part of the U.S. Library of Congress collection, standing alongside iconic documentarians. Penman's work has been exhibited globally and he educates through Leica Akademie workshops. He's celebrated among influential street photographers and his books, "Street" and "New York Street Diaries," have received critical acclaim, with the latter becoming a bestseller on Amazon.