The Story of the Most Romantic Photographer in New York

Last Updated on 01/06/2025 by Chris Gampat

There are so many variations of the American Dream — but perhaps the most persistent is that of living in New York. Shows like Sex in the City, Broad City, and so many others have planted a romantic idea into someone’s head that blossomed into a rich flower upon arrival. But like so many annual flowers, they eventually die. Some, however, are perennials and come alive every year when the air brushes against the skin just right. And yet for others, the romance is evergreen. If any modern photographer has been cultivating a garden of evergreens, it would be Phil Penman. Peering into his work is the pinnacle of deep emotional therapy that allows you to fall in love with your surroundings daily.

All images by Phil Penman. Used with permission. Please follow him on Instagram and check out his workshops.

When one looks at Phil’s images, they can get lost in what’s happening. Often, you can’t even necessarily tell what era they’re from. This is because of his mix of classic black and white along with his specific frame and choosing of iconic locations. “I’m very drawn to the older iconic structures that stand the test of time,” Phil tells the Phoblographer. “Buildings that, although were built decades before, still tower above everything that has come after it.” He uses the Chrysler building as an example of a beautiful gem in the city. If you didn’t know any better, you could possibly easily mistake it for the Empire State Building.

To him, making photographs is a very personal form of artistic expression. He believes it tells people who we are—and we agree, especially because we all take images for one reason or another. It’s our motivations and intent that matter the most.

I’ve long been drawn to the great images by Steichen, Stieglitz etc and often dream about what it would be like to go back to those times armed with a camera knowing what I know now. The closest I can feel to going back in time is putting myself out in the harshest snowstorm and going to areas of the city that make me feel like I have entered a time portal. 

Phil Pearlman

Phil uses his social media quite effectively to share the romance he sees. And while he acknowledges its power, he’s also experienced enough to know that it’s not the pinnacle of photography. You can feel this energy in some of his books. As soon as you start paging through, you’ll be transported to a completely other time. The common theme: being true to himself and his work. Phil is a person who you can tell radiates good vibes, love, authenticity, and belief in what he does. He understands that numbers aren’t everything while also knowing that they’re still important. “Its tough to show certain kinds of images on Instagram,  they often get lost on the feed on a small phone screen,” he states in an article on his blog. “I typically use a good eye catching image that translates on the phone then show the other images in the carousel. “

More and more, photographers have been understanding this as they burn out with the dopamine casino that social media is. “I long for simpler times and feel an attachment for those that I often feel are ignored,” Phil tells us. “These are the people that interest me.”