Daring to Look: The unique street photography of Penelope James

In today’s episode, Dallas-based fundraiser and street photographer Penny James shared the story of her creative evolution since she first picked up a camera in 2016. With a passion for capturing the spontaneous ballet of urban life, she has become a unique voice in the world of street photography.

Her photographic journey began with a personal connection to her camera and a desire to document the world around her. The turning point came during expeditions to the streets of London and Paris, where she honed her skills and developed her own visual language.

Penny’s work goes beyond mere observation; it’s an extension of her emotional landscape. She revealed the deep emotional investment she pours into her website, a curated digital gallery of her innermost expressions. The authenticity of her work is not just a philosophy; it’s the cornerstone of her approach to art.

In a surprising twist of fate, her interest in clouds inspired a unique self-portrait project during the pandemic. This project resulted in a fusion of surrealistic cloud photographs with evocative self-portraits. Penny’s work during this period reflects a dreamlike atmosphere that has resonated with her audience.

Navigating the ambiguities of the creative process, James spoke candidly about the exhilaration and hurdles she has encountered. From the painful process of self-editing to the connections made while capturing the lives of strangers, her journey has been as much about personal growth as it is about artistic expression.

Despite the challenges of curating photographs for exhibitions and her website Penny’s dedication to visual storytelling remains strong. When reviewing Penny’s website in preparation for her interview we were most impressed by the intention she put into image selection and sequencing of the photos in each gallery. She said is was a painful process that has really paid off. We review countless websites each year and Penny’s is by far one of the best we’ve seen in years. Please don’t miss it.

Penny’s story serves as an inspiration to all aspiring street photographers and a reminder of the possibilities that await around the next corner.

Chapter Summary

07:05 Travel and Street Photography Inspiration
Penny discusses her solo travel experiences to London and Paris, highlighting how being alone with her camera in new places inspired her street photography work.

11:05 Authenticity in Art and Connection
The conversation delves into Penny’s approach to art and self-expression, emphasizing the importance of being genuine in connecting with others through creative work.

17:10 Website Design and Creative Expression
Penny’s intentional and creative use of her website to showcase her photography, discussing the impact of thoughtful presentation in visual storytelling.

24:00 Pandemic-Inspired Self-Portrait Series
Discover how the pandemic sparked a burst of creativity and freedom leading to a unique self-portrait series by the artist.

41:09 Artistic Selections and Editing Process
Delve into the Penny’s process of selecting and editing photographs for her website, showcasing intentional curation and critical evaluation.

46:06 Fleeting Scenes and Insignificant Significance
Explore the artist’s perspective on capturing fleeting moments and the profound significance found in seemingly insignificant interactions with strangers.

51:14 Authenticity and Connection in Photography
Reflect on the power of authenticity and connection in photography, resonating with shared experiences and a sense of community among artists.

Links from the show

• Penny’s Website
• Instagram