On this episode of The Life of Phys Podcast, I’m joined by Phil Penman,a British-born, New York–based photographer who has documented the streets of New York City for more than 25 years.

Phil has built an extraordinary career as a news and magazine photographer, with his work appearing in major outlets such as The Guardian, The Independent, and The New York Review of Books. His photography blends street life, culture, and history, capturing both the vibrancy of everyday people and the gravity of world events.

One of the defining moments of his career came on September 11, 2001, when Phil documented the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. His powerful reportage has been featured on NBC’s Today Show, the BBC, the History Channel, and Al Jazeera, and his images are preserved in the archives of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

In this episode, Phil shares:

• His journey as a street photographer in New York City

• How he built a career shooting for top international publications

• The story behind his 9/11 reportage and its enduring impact

• What it means to document a city through decades of change

• Insights from working with both public figures and everyday New Yorkers

  
  

This is a moving and insightful conversation with Phil Penman, offering a rare perspective on street photography, history, and resilience through art.

Visit Phil:

Instagram: @philpenman

Threads: @philpenman

Web: www.philpenman.com

Phil's Book:

NEW YORK STREET DIARIES

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Music: C-Trox Kyrie Irving (Instrumental) 

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