In this first episode of Talking Pictures, our guests are photographer Oren Helbok, along with Ross Gochenaur, who is a working steam locomotive engineer and fireman. They share their experiences and discuss Oren’s photographs of Ross going about his work at the Strasburg Railroad.
Join us as we discuss photography, steam railroading, the daily work of a hostler, and the importance of connecting with the people and places we photograph.
Talking Pictures is a video podcast that will feature artists and photographers in a discussion of their own images, or pictures that they find inspirational or meaningful. The focus is on the images, not on the technical aspects of photography.
Edd Fuller, Editor
Thank you, Edd, for this splendid examination of what goes into the making of railroad photographs and, in this case, the crucial role played by the photographer and his subject and their friendship. Your introduction and your comments about the photos enabled Ross and Oren to speak about many of the elements that we could see and things we couldn’t see–their thoughts, the settings, facets of Ross’s labor–which added greatly to our enjoyment and appreciation of each image. I have no doubt that the qualities that make the three of you fine human beings contributed significantly to the excellence of this presentation. I am grateful to all of you for this enlightening, even moving experience.
Miriam, thank you for the kind words. I was honored to have Oren and Ross participate in the first episode of Talking Pictures and I enjoyed the opportunity to talk with them and share their talent and vision.