CAPTURING THE MAGIC

THE 5TH AVENUE EASTER DAY PARADE
October 16, 2025
CAPTURING THE MAGIC

The New York City 5th Avenue Easter Day Parade is always a highlight for most photographers. It sometimes feels like there are more photographers than participants! This past year offered up some truly amazing opportunities for great images. One particular lady caught my eye as she was completely monochromatic, providing a stunning, focused subject amidst the vibrant chaos.

 

A Photographer's Dream

 

I strongly encourage you to attend next year. It’s a fantastic venue to learn and practice people's portraits and to quickly gain confidence in engaging with strangers. The atmosphere is unique: almost everyone there is dressed up, in a festive mood, and actively wants their picture taken. They are more than happy to pose, making it an ideal, low-pressure environment for refining your approach, composition, and interpersonal skills.

If you are looking to build your portfolio with unique, character-driven images, or just want to overcome the fear of asking people for a portrait, this parade is an unmissable annual event.

See you there next year!

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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