BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT: Provincial Supertramp

provincialsupertramp.blogspot.comI was contacted by “Provincial Supertramp” due to my work as a rail advocate and a rail-centric blogger. In her email she detailed her intention of traversing America by train and disclosed her desire to blog about her travels, trials, and tribulations - but that’s not all.

Provincial Supertramp, a twenty-something female from Sacramento, California, and a self-professed rail enthusiast, hopes to help change the perception of rail travel in the process. Not only will this blog appeal to anyone interested in railroads and the state of train travel in America, but Provincial Supertramp is one of those “artsy” writers that have a unique blend of perspective, insight, and honesty. 

According to the first post on her blog she will make a difference:

“How could we, as a nation, have forgotten so quickly something so glorious as all that? 110 years after the first train ran in the United States and the railroad catalyzed the country’s industrialization, modern commerce, vast geographic expansion, and the development of our national identity, our modern railway system appears to have been sidelined by an American obsession with the speed, control, and cutting edge technology of automobiles and jet airplanes. While we relied almost solely on railroads for intercity travel and freight until the 1920s, and they played an important role in all of our most crucial moments in history, in the past 60 years trains have rapidly lost their place of honor amongst American modes of transit. Seeing this travesty, I have taken it upon myself to endeavor to single handedly restore the honor and glory to this historic institution.”

Wow, that is a lofty, and noble, cause. I wish her the best of luck. As someone who firmly shares her opinions regarding the value and worth of rail travel, I support her. As such, I encourage you check out her blog and travel with her as she “sees America,” both visually and socially, from the best vantage point possible - on a train. “All aboard!”

PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT: Travis Dewitz

Although I have never met fellow railroad photographer and blogger, Travis Dewitz, I feel like I know him because we share the same passion - railroad photography.  I have read his blog and reviewed his work for some time now and I have come away feeling inspired and astounded with his ability to capture the beauty and drama of railroads.

What I like in particular about Travis’ work is his eye - his ability to frame a photo. It has given me cause to question my framing of the scene with each shot now. Through his photos I have learned that the train does not necessarily need to be the most prominent element in the shot.

I have linked a few of Travis’ shots to wet your appetite.  I highly recommend that check out his blog at http://extremerailroadphotography.blogspot.com/ and take a look at his amazing photographs.

Great job Travis!  Keep it up! 

Dewitz Photography - Travis Dewitz.

Dewitz Photography - Travis Dewitz.

Dewitz Photography - Travis Dewitz.

Northwest Railfans Do Well in Southern California

I enjoy viewing the railfan and rail photographers’ sites that abound on the internet.  I enjoy seeing other parts of the country that I rarely, if at all, get to visit and to “see” the style that each photographer has.  It is also a tremendous source of inspiration and education for me which is one of the reasons why I created ChasingSteel.com myself in hopes of doing the same for others.

One site I have followed regularly, is Dogcaught.com and it has recently undergone a face-lift and it looks great. The site’s creator and designer is Aaron Hockley while Steve Eshom and Adron Hall complete the list of contributors.  These bloggers and photographers are based in the northwest and are talented photographers.  

In particular, Steve Eshom recently  posted 2 blog entries about a recent trip the guys took along BNSF’s Needles Subdivision, one of my favorite haunts.  Their trip was cursed, or blessed, with stormy weather at various times which presented some challenging photo requirements.  As you can see from his posts, the result is spectacular.  The guys made the best of it and captured some real gems.

The site is definitely worth a bookmark and Steve’s recap of their Needles trip is relevant to many of us Socal fans and photographers.  Stop by and give them a shout.

dogcaught: a railroad blog