“Street” | September Showcase

August 20 - September 20, 2026

Juror: Phil Penman, Award-Winning Street Photographer

Leica photographers’ love of street photography is front and center with 799 entries to the competition. Phil Penman, the British-born New York-based photographer who has dedicated 25+ years documenting the ever-changing scene of New York City's streets, selected his top three entries.

Penman’s signature style and dedication have earned him awards and global recognization, including being named one of “52 Most Influential Street Photographers” alongside industry legends, Henri Cartier-Bresson and Sebastião Salgado. Below are Penman’s top selections.

"It's less about the photography, and more about who you will meet and what you will see. The camera just makes it possible. It gives you the shot, but the street gives you the story."

- Phil Pennan

First Prize

“Fast Drop Off” by Steven Dente

"This is NOT the Uber Comfort ride I signed up for! Hands down, this photo deserves the top prize for most deserving winner. Look at the expressions on their faces—the absolute shock, confusion, and panic as everyone tries to figure out what on earth just went wrong in that car is pure gold!" - Phil Penman

Second Prize

“The City Exhale” by Jean-Marie Detcher 

“You cannot help but wonder what he just read or saw that made his mind blow like this. Could the price of hot dogs really have gone up that much? It is an amusing, exceptionally well-put-together image with a fantastic tonal range in the editing.” - Phil Penman

Third Prize

“A Well Suited Companion” by Pam Perkins

"The lady found her perfect partner! Although he is headless, he is wearing a fantastic suit. Well-spotted street scene, and I really like the storytelling in this image." — Phil Penman

Short List Selections