It’s a long way from the streets of Wokingham to those in New York City, but that’s the journey that one former local newspaper photographer has made.
Phil Penman – who worked for our predecessor, The Wokingham Times, during the mid-1990s – is now the subject of a solo exhibition that’s taking place at Harrods in London until November 24.
The show, presented by Leica, focuses on Penman’s distinctive street photography – work that also lead to a best-selling first book last year.
“I have nothing but great memories of my time at The Wokingham Times,” said Phil.
“The lessons I learned have stayed with me until this day.”
“The beauty of each day was that you never knew what you were going to shoot next. One day you could start the day photographing a local politician and next it could be photographing a couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.”
In addition to winning awards, Penman has also been named as one of the 52 most influential street photographers.
What did he learn in Wokingham that prepared him for his career?
“The biggest thing is treating everyone in the manner you would want to be treated yourself,” he said.
“I was introduced to all walks of life and everyone had a story to tell.”
Penman’s street photography has earned a worldwide following, but how much of what he captures is down to luck?
He said: “In life, luck is just putting yourself in a position to catch a break. You don’t get lucky by staying in bed.
“You have to be in it to win it.
“To make it in photography today you have to work harder than ever.
“I have definitely had some luck, but I put myself in the position in the first place.
“I guess the moral is you are going to take knock after knock. Most will just give up.
“It’s those who keep getting up after taking the knock and rejection and continuing on, who will succeed.”
Phil was on the scene to capture the aftermath of September 11, 2001’s terrorist attacks, and more recently his haunting images of the deserted streets of New York City have been used around the world.
For someone who’s not seen his recent work, what can they expect from his exhibition at Harrods?
He said: “Not everything needs to have a political message or champion a cause.
“Sometimes it’s just about showing life and appreciating this wonderful world we are blessed to live in.”
Phil has one message for anyone considering a future career as a photographer.
“Never take no for an answer,” he said.
“Just because one person is not willing to take a chance on you does not mean another won’t.
“If you believe in your work, nothing is impossible.”
By Andrew Batt
