GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL

NEW YORK CITY
October 14, 2025
GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL

Every year, typically for a precious week in mid-October , a magnificent event occurs: the setting sun aligns perfectly with the eastern-facing windows of Grand Central Terminal's main concourse. This phenomenon, which I eagerly anticipate, bathes the entire hall in a dramatic, incandescent glow, transforming the vast space into a temporary, golden cathedral.

 

It offers an unparalleled opportunity for photographers to capture a truly iconic image of this architectural masterpiece. 

 

The window of opportunity is incredibly brief, often lasting only 30 minutes or less, making the event a thrilling, high-stakes challenge. The critical factor, of course, is the weather; a single overcast day means months of waiting for the sun's position to realign.

 

I was determined to make the most of this year's alignment. Here is one of my latest efforts, where I experimented with slower shutter speed techniques. The goal was to contrast the timeless, monumental granite architecture with the hurried blur of commuters, allowing the flow of human movement to become a ghost-like abstraction within the enduring golden light. I hope the results capture the ephemeral magic of that moment.

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

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