PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT: John Benner

Along the same vein as Travis Dewitz, John Benner captures truly compelling and inspiring photographs of modern railroads in action, complete with a sense of drama which “puts you there.” Here is John’s description of his passion from his web site at JohnBenner.com:

I strive to make photographs which convey a sense of place, in terms of atmosphere as much as physical representation.  The former Santa Fe territory across the southwest is a special place to me, and I try to relate the dramatic elements that make it fascinating.  This site is intended to exhibit a few selected images drawn from my work, both digital and legacy film images.  

It was John’s work that inspired me to go back out to BNSF’s Seligman Sub last April and try my hand at capturing the “drama and atmosphere” that John’s work conveys. I love his low light pieces shown below:

Image © Copyright 2011 by John Benner

Image © Copyright 2011 by John Benner

Image © Copyright 2011 by John Benner

Stellar work John and thanks for sharing your talent and work with us all.

BNSF Unveils a New Site for "Friends"

Friends of BNSF
BNSF’s latest web offering for the community at large.

A few days ago BNSF unveiled a new web offering called “Friends of BNSF.”

According to John Ambler, BNSF vice president, Corporate Relations, 

“Friends of BNSF will allow us to keep the community informed about issues that are important to freight rail transportation and its role in the U.S. economy. Rail fans, freight rail advocates, members of communities in which BNSF operates, and of course our employees and retirees are all welcome at Friends of BNSF.”

The website, which is free to join, will contain material from BNSF’s extensive historical archives — historical photos and videos, authentic maps and documents, and classic brochures and advertisements.

Friends of BNSF will be updated with new content regularly and members can elect to receive e-mail notifications when new content is posted in their selected areas of interest.

BNSF’s Arizona Fact Sheet
An example of some of the content available.

Members will be able to view special news articles and videos, explore a one-of-a-kind resource library packed with company information, download exclusive wallpaper, ringtones and a screensaver.

BONUS: The first 10,000 new members who complete their profile including mailing address will receive a free 2012 BNSF calendar, which displays a collection of spectacular photos of BNSF trains taken by BNSF employees.

I have joined the site and I have found the content interesting and informative. My only gripe, thusfar, is that the opportunity to have one of your photos chosen for the calendar is open to employees only! :-(