Stunning Portraits Unveil New York’s Softer Side During Lockdown
Photographer Phil Penman’s lens, like a time machine, transports us through the raw and remarkable moments of New York City during the pandemic. His black-and-white masterpieces, featured in the newly released book “New York Street Diaries,” reveal a serene and tranquil Big Apple that emerged amidst chaos.
Penman, a seasoned professional with over three decades behind the camera, has previously captured iconic figures such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, and Bill Gates. But his latest endeavor was about documenting a city in the midst of a profound transformation.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Penman felt the urgency to preserve history. Just as he had been present on September 11, 2001, to witness the harrowing events, he recognized the importance of bearing witness once again.
“The Covid-19 pandemic was no different,” Penman recounted. “I knew that we were going through a life-changing event. For me, my life as it was, started and ended on September 11th. I feel for a lot of us, it was the same during COVID 19.”
Each day, Penman roamed the city from dawn till dusk, capturing the streets as they transformed. The usual hustle and bustle gave way to a quieter New York, where seagulls replaced the constant traffic noise, and ambulance sirens were the soundtrack of the day.
The pandemic laid bare the city’s homeless population. No longer asking for money, they simply sought masks and food as restaurants shuttered, eliminating their usual sources of sustenance.
One chance encounter brought Penman face-to-face with an unexpected connection – a man wearing a jacket emblazoned with “F**k Everything.” Turns out, they both hailed from the same English county of Dorset, a remarkable coincidence amidst the chaos of a pandemic.
Penman’s efforts have resonated with people around the world who have acquired his book, as it serves as a time capsule of a unique period in history.
The images within the book paint a vivid picture of New York’s resilience and character. From the Statue of Liberty watching over a sleeping man on the Staten Island Ferry to an elderly woman donning a festive mask on Halloween night, Penman’s lens captures the essence of the city.
In these photos, we see the Empire State Building soaring above the city, a shirtless man wearing a tribal headpiece, masked pedestrians passing street murals, and locals braving blustery conditions. We witness the spirit of Halloween, snowstorms, and the quietude of empty streets.
Phil Penman’s “New York Street Diaries” offers us a glimpse into the softer side of New York, a testament to the city’s resilience during challenging times.