THE MAN FROM PARIS

STREET ENCOUNTERS

September 20, 2025

One of my favorite images is this one, taken in Paris. I was sitting in a cafe when this gentleman walked past me, all dressed up and looking like he had just come out of a time machine. I dropped everything, ran out of the cafe, and, doing my best, asked him in French if I could take his picture. The man kindly obliged, and it's still one of my favorite portraits today.

Phil Penman

UK-born, NY-based photographer Phil Penman has documented the rapid flux of New York City's streets for over 25 years. With clients ranging from People Magazine to The Daily Telegraph, he has photographed celebrated living legends, including Jennifer Lopez and Bill Gates, and captured historical moments such as the September 11th Terrorist Attacks. Penman's distinctive style, versatility, and dedication to his craft has won him prestigious awards and exhibitions, including the Leica Fotografie international Picture Prize and distinction as one of the "52 Most Influential Street Photographers" alongside industry legends, Henri Cartier-Bresson and Sebastião Salgado

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