THE ELUSIVE SHOT AT THE CONNAUGHT

LONDON
October 13, 2025
THE ELUSIVE SHOT AT THE CONNAUGHT

The Elusive Shot at The Connaught

 

If you've ever been outside the Connaught hotel in Mayfair, London, you know the drill. For a brief second, a burst of steam kicks out of the water pool in the main courtyard where all the luxury cars park.

It makes for a great photo—a genuinely striking shot—but it lasts only a few seconds. The challenge is trying to perfectly time a person walking past in front of the rising vapor. It sounds simple, but trust me, it's not.

The steam only releases every 15 minutes, so if you miss the window, you have a long wait and a lot of hoping that a pedestrian's pace will align with the fountain's schedule. I call it great fishing practice; it certainly teaches you patience!

About the author

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

Add a comment