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Ever since I started to get interested in photography I have always enjoyed photographing railroad tracks and train trestles. I have never had a great affinity for trains or trestles or anything to do with the railroads at all (outside of photography that is). I am simply attracted to the symmetry and potential that railroad tracks and train trestles provide as a basis for creative photography.
I also enjoy the complete solitude that photographing train tracks offers. No one bothers you when you are out there walking the rails in search of a great photo. It’s quiet and free of people. On the rare occasion I do see someone walking the tracks it’s a quick hello as they pass by and that’s all.
Train tracks are tailor made for “vanishing point” photos. The use of wide angle lenses on a full frame camera can produce some eye popping images when shooting tracks. The above posted photo I recently took entitled “Quiet Strength” is a case in point.
The following are just a small sample of some of my train track and trestle photos.
Destiny.
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The textures offered are quite remarkable in many case as noted in this photo titled “Hardware“.
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This image titled “Follow your dreams” demonstrates a different vantage point for a vanishing point photo and the final small curve around the bend where the tracks disappear adds a little mystery and intrigue to the shot.
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Even shots such as “Under the Tracks” can make for some interesting points of view as seen here.
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My answer to the title of the post “Why you should photograph railroad tracks” is a very simple one when all is said and done. It’s fun.
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Wonderful track images Tom…while we do indeed have two sets of tracks that run through Merced here, I don’t think any have the surrounding beauty that yours do…all the trees etc are nonexistant near our tracks and it’s mostly urban and roads running parrallel to them….Might have to try some of this sometime…go out further from Merced to find an area like the above…sadly there are no trestles aroud here…that seems to be an east coast thing…
Well you are elevating train track photos to art, with these shots. Very beautiful work.
Bob Towery’s last blog post..Art of Apollo
Great post Mr. Kaszuba! My jaws literally hit the floor when I saw your “Quiet Strength” post on the FM forum and it looks awesome here on your blog as well
The complexity of the curves yet the simple symmetry. Interesting to hear the back story as well…. as to how peaceful and calming the place can be. Great examples as well! Looks like it’s time for me to go railroad hunting too! 
Keep up the great blog!
Eric Kim’s last blog post..Circular Thoughts
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