Trains & Tracks- Photography
Trains & Tracks- Photography
When I am up late at night, the distant sounds of trains traveling across the countryside drift on the evening air. The metal clanging of the wheels and the tracks always makes me smile.
I have a long-time love affair with trains, and traveling recently brought me to the Indiana and Louisville Railroad (read more here). I am researching for a story idea and felt drawn to these cars, imagining life riding the rails…
***IMPORTANT: Most places prohibit trespassing, for legal reasons. Zoom lenses are critical (and were used here). It is ILLEGAL to do photography sessions on train tracks (like many senior pictures sessions).For SAFETY reasons. I urge you to gain permission before photographing places of ruin. The floors, walls and ceilings might be unstable. There could be dangerous chemicals, depending on the facility. You might not be alone, and in danger.
The railroad ran just a hundred yards, or so, from our house. I couldn’t wait to get big enough to walk two more houses up to watch it pass. Waving to the engineer and the conductor was the limelight. By the time I was a young teen, the railroad tracks was the best place for friends to walk and talk. Sadly, it’s been dismantled. There’ll be no memories for future generations to ride on.
Your photos are fabulous. I can hear “Chattanooga Choo-Choo” playing in the distance.
Shelley I see so many houses very, very close to the tracks out here. I wonder do you ever get used to the sounds in the night? That is sad about the dismantle
There’s something mystical and haunting about trains. Love your photos.
I agree though I don’t know what it is…
These are great photos! Did you see anyone riding on the trains?
No, I was a late Sunday afternoon and the yard had big signs let me know cameras were watching. I had to be creative to get my shots, couldn’t get as close as I liked
Beautiful.
There is something special about trains. I’m fascinated by them. The closest railroad tracks are about 8 miles away from my house, but often when the wind comes from the right direction, especially in the winter, you can hear the sound of the trains and the whistle as the move down the track.
Wishing you well in your research and, knowing your project, look forward to the finished work!
Thank you Joan! I bet we are at least five miles, glad we can share that hauntingly beautiful sound
Christa, I love your photos… and words. I love traveling with trains but haven’t done it enough.
Our dream to go West with a train hasn’t materialized yet. Hoping it will before we are too old.
Blessings!
Katina, most of my dreams with trains are just that…dreams. But going West would be fantastic, across all the open country. Another one I think would be nice is across Canada
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