LEICA X PHIL PENMAN: Mexico City
This intensive two-day workshop with Phil Penman offers an in-depth immersion in contemporary street photography, with a focus on visual narrative, anticipation, dynamic composition, and critical editing.
Internationally recognized for his powerful urban photography and for having documented life on the streets of New York for over 25 years, including historical events such as 9/11, Phil Penman is a key figure in contemporary street photography. His work is part of institutional collections, has been published in some of the world's leading media outlets, and is studied as an example of visual coherence, authorship, and commitment to reality.
On this occasion, Phil will bring his way of seeing and working to the streets of Mexico City, using the city as a living stage to explore the relationship between urban space, light, rhythm, and human presence. Mexico City thus becomes a photographic laboratory where his method is applied: observing attentively, anticipating the scene, and reacting instinctively yet consciously to what happens in front of the camera.
The workshop has a decidedly practical focus, combining extensive outdoor photography sessions with structured blocks of editing and review in the classroom. Each morning will be dedicated to street photography, while the afternoon sessions will focus on editing, sequencing, and group critique, learning to transform individual images into solid, coherent, and personal visual narratives.
This workshop revolves around decision-making, timing, and authorship, and is designed to help participants develop their own approach to street photography, supported by constant practice, reflection, and direct feedback from one of the most influential photographers in the genre.
Objectives
- Develop a strong narrative approach to street photography
- Improve anticipation and timing skills
- Strengthen composition in complex urban environments
- Work confidently with natural light
- Edit and select images with narrative intent
- Build visual coherence within a body of work
- Understand and articulate aesthetic choices
- Receive in-depth feedback on individual work
Who is this for?
Amateur or professional photographers, photography students, visual storytellers, and photojournalists interested in street photography and urban narratives.
Basic photography knowledge is required to participate in this course.
Full Programme:
Saturday, September 12, 2026
08:00 - 12:00 — Street Photography Practical Session
- Photographing in real urban environments
- Observation, anticipation, and timing control
- Dynamic composition on the street
- Working with light and shadows
- On-location guidance and support
12:00 - 14:00 — Lunch Break
14:00 - 17:00 — Classroom and Editing Session
- Street Photography Editing Workflow
- Image Selection and Refinement
- Sequencing and Visual Storytelling
- Group Discussion and Personalized Instructor Feedback
Sunday, September 13, 2026
08:00 - 12:00 — Street Photography Practical Session
- Application of concepts covered the previous day
- Refining personal approach
- Exploring new visual challenges
- Individual on-location support
12:00 - 14:00 — Lunch Break
14:00 - 17:00 — Final Editing, Review, and Closing
- Final image editing
- Presentation and analysis of completed work
- Discussion on style, coherence, and authorship
- Final feedback and workshop closing