A Leica Day with Phil Penman

96 Hours in Biel/Bienne

On May 29, I had the privilege of participating in an inspiring day dedicated to street photography, hosted by Leica Switzerland and guided by none other than Phil Penman - one of the most compelling street photographers of our time.

The setting was Biel/Bienne, a city rich in contrasts, where language and architecture seamlessly blend French and German influences. It was the perfect backdrop for a street photography deep dive with Phil, whose intuitive eye and storytelling through imagery have earned him international acclaim.

Walking the Streets with a Master

The day began with a photo walk through the city alongside Phil. As we wandered through Biel’s alleys, boulevards, and everyday scenes, Phil generously shared his approach to capturing the decisive moment. His ability to observe, wait, and anticipate action in the most ordinary environments is both humbling and deeply instructive. Listening to him explain how he works a scene, how he uses light and shadow, and how he connects emotionally with his subjects was a rare opportunity to understand the mindset behind truly impactful street photography.

Meeting Phil again and witnessing his process in person was undoubtedly the highlight of the day. His curiosity, humility, and razor-sharp visual instinct reminded me why his work stands out so profoundly.

Screening of "96 Hours in Biel/Bienne"

In the afternoon, we gathered at Cinema Rex for the premiere of 96 Hours in Biel/Bienne, the fantastic film by Tavi Venzin (https://youtu.be/xeXBDOW3Dyg). The documentary follows Phil's journey as he captured the essence of the city over just four days. Watching the film was both inspiring and enlightening, it showed not only the resulting images but also the quiet intensity and intention behind each frame. Phil's ability to find poetic moments in fleeting expressions and architectural patterns in the cityscape left a lasting impression.

The screening was followed by a podium discussion between Ivan Venzin of Leica Switzerland and Phil Penman. Their conversation provided valuable insight into the creative process, Leica's ongoing support for photography as an art form, and Phil’s philosophy around his craft. It was a thoughtful exchange that gave additional depth to what we had seen on the streets and on screen.

Finissage and Aftershow Celebration

The day concluded with the finissage of the exhibition 96 Hours in Biel/Bienne, showcasing Phil’s final selection of photographs taken during his 96 hours stay in Biel/Bienne in January 2025. Seeing the full body of work displayed together was a testament to his vision: raw yet refined, spontaneous yet composed. The evening wrapped with an aftershow party, a great opportunity to connect and re-connect with fellow photographers, Leica enthusiasts, and to reflect on a day filled with creativity and learning.

Thank You, Leica!

A heartfelt thank you to Leica Switzerland for making this event possible. They brought together a passionate community around a shared love for photography and offered us access to one of the finest street photographers working today. Days like these remind me why we do what we do - why we chase light, wait for moments, and strive to tell stories with our cameras.

Phil Penman's visit to Biel/Bienne left a lasting mark, not just on the city through his images, but on everyone who had the chance to walk, listen, and learn alongside him.