Editor's Notebook Archives - Page 4 of 10 - The Trackside Photographer

Posted on February 4, 2021February 4, 2021 by admin

Editor’s Notebook

On the Rewards of Losing One’s Way

An unplanned venture down a dirt road in the rain and fog.

In this era of smartphones and GPS, it is not as easy to get lost as it used to be. Gone are the days of stopping to ask directions, and puzzling over a tattered gas station road map. With a full tank of gas and no place pressing to be, getting lost can be an exciting pleasure, a gateway to discovery. In a sense, being lost is the essence of adventure.

When I set out with the camera, I usually have a plan, but my best intentions are easily de-railed by an interesting side road, or an arrow on a weed-overgrown roadside sign pointing to the unknown. Following my nose, I am soon happily lost.

We discover new things not on a well-worn path leading to a known destination, but by being lost. Being lost in the landscape is a way to be lost in time, and who knows what there is to discover around the next bend.

Of course, the smartphone in your pocket relieves the anxiety of not being able to find the way back at the end of the day, but sometimes I think maybe I would be happy just to stay lost.

Posted on January 7, 2021January 14, 2021 by admin

Editor’s Notebook

On Books

Over the next several months, I want to talk about books. I have some thoughts about photo books in general, and also wish to share with you some favorite books that have inspired my own photography. Books are the perfect showcase for photography.

David Plowden has spend decades photographing the vanishing remnants of America’s rich past with a poet’s eye. Although Plowden is perhaps best know for his railroad photography, he has published over twenty books on everything from bridges, to barns, to tugboats; things that were once a familiar part of the American landscape. Published in 2007, Vanishing Point: Fifty Years of Photography is a perfect summation of his life’s work and is a highly recommended introduction to Plowden’s vision.

Posted on July 22, 2020July 23, 2020 by admin

Editor’s Notebook

Bob Hughes, shortly after hiring on the New Haven in 1968

The Passing of a Trackside Friend

Bob Hughes, who has been an active supporter and contributor to The Trackside Photographer from the very beginning, passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2020, after a long illness.

When I launched the site in March, 2016, I published the first article and sent out an email to about seventy writers and photographers explaining the purpose of The Trackside Photographer and asking for submissions. Bob replied that same day: “Count me in!” he said, and we published the first piece by Bob, “Built to Last,” on March 24. Thirteen more excellent stories followed, and he turned in his last article, “A Lifetime Love of Trains” on August 22, 2019.

Bob became interested in the railroad while attending college and hanging around the Maine Central’s Waterville yard (see A Maine Central Education). He later worked on the New Haven (Best Job in the World) for nine years before embarking on a career in magazine printing and production.

Unfortunately, I never had the pleasure of meeing Bob in person, but we emailed often and talked on the phone from time to time. His support and enthusiasm for The Trackside Photographer was a tremendous encouragement to me, and I counted Bob as a treasured friend. I know that there are many within the railroad community who will mourn this loss. He will be missed.

Edd Fuller, Editor

Posted on April 30, 2020May 7, 2020 by admin

Editor’s Notebook

Hopper’s Places

When I was working on the video “Hopper and the Railroad,” I ordered Hopper’s Places, by Gail Levin. The book did not come until earlier this week, too late to reference for the video but it is worth a mention if you are interested in Hopper’s work.

Posted on December 24, 2019December 24, 2019 by admin

Editor’s Notebook

Merry Christmas!

I hope that everyone has a joyful holiday and a safe and prosperous New Year. And, as always, thanks for reading The Trackside Photographer. Your interest and support keeps us going, along with the generosity of the photographers and writers who share their work with us each week. Thanks to everyone for a great 2019!

Projects

While we all love to get that one “killer” photograph, extended projects can be a great way to grow as a photographer. Projects can take many forms based on a subject, a theme, a person or place. Projects can be built around technical constraints, or photographing a single subject at different times of the day, or in different seasons. Some projects may be completed in a very short time, some may take months or years, and some projects are ongoing.

Join us this Thursday, December 26th, as we present the culmination of a year-long project by photographer Matthew Malkiewicz. Working within self-imposed constraints, Matthew found the freedom to grow creatively. The results is an inspiring story of discovery, and a gallery of outstanding photographs. Don’t miss it!

Edd Fuller, Editor

Posted on October 31, 2019November 7, 2019 by admin

Editor’s Notebook

Out with the old, in with the new

We don’t talk much about cameras and gear here on The Trackside Photographer. There are several reasons for this, not the least of which is that the internet is awash with reviews and opinions on any type of photographic equipment one can imagine. And the needs of railroad photographers are not highly specialized: we have published work made with everything from large format view cameras to smart phones.