A Weekend with Phil Penman in Zürich

Walking Familiar Streets with New Eyes

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to take part in a photography master class with the renowned street photographer Phil Penman. It was a great experience and a rare chance to learn from him in a very practical and hands-on way.

We spent our days walking through the streets of Zürich - places I know well and pass through regularly. Still, seeing them through Phil’s eyes changed a lot for me. He showed us how to observe more carefully and notice small moments that are easy to miss. Light, shadows, and especially timing suddenly became much more important.

Phil in Zurich

What made the weekend especially valuable was watching Phil work in real time. Seeing how he anticipates moments, how quickly and decisively he reacts when they appear, and how he constantly moves to find the best possible composition was a master class in itself. He strongly focused on composition and often reminded us that great images rarely come from standing still. His message was clear and memorable: “Don’t be lazy.” If you want the right frame, you have to move, change angles, and work the scene.

Phil’s feedback was direct, practical, and clearly shaped by many years of experience. While he did talk about camera settings and lens choices when needed, the main focus was always on intent, storytelling, and trusting your instincts. The camera was a tool—the image and its meaning came first.

Beyond technique, Phil shared many insights about mindset. He spoke about always being ready, because a moment will most likely never happen again. He explained how to approach a scene and how to stay curious, even in places you think you already know well. What stood out to me was how kind, open, and approachable he is. Despite his reputation and experience, he is the opposite of arrogant—always willing to help, encourage, and share honestly.

Spending a weekend learning from Phil was motivating, inspiring, and grounding. It was a strong reminder that even in the most familiar places, there are still countless stories waiting to be seen.

About Phil Penman

Phil Penman is a British-born street photographer based in New York. He is best known for his powerful black-and-white images of city life. Before focusing on street photography, he worked in different areas of photography, starting out as a press photographer. This background has clearly influenced his work, which often feels intense, dynamic, and full of energy. Phil’s work has been shown in exhibitions around the world, and he regularly teaches workshops and master classes.