My Project is about Train Runners.
I started a new job that required me to commute by train. People say that one door opens when another door closes. For me the new door that opened led me to an interesting photography series.
From the very first train ride, I noticed that there is at least one person each morning who arrives late to the platform and who runs like mad to board the train before the doors close. As a street photographer, I loved this photo opportunity. The train runners did not have time to stop and tell me “don’t take my photograph!” Moreover, I was able to work the scene, experiment with different angles and settings, shoot under different weather conditions, and use my camera several times a week.
In this article I share some of my favorite train runner photographs. This was my first photograph of a train runner and it’s my favorite. The runner’s legs are in an odd and eye catching position, she is struggling to hold on to her purse, she is ignoring me, and the people behind her are turning around to watch her run which brings the attention of the photo viewer back to the runner.
Trains do not discriminate. Anyone qualifies to be a train runner. It’s a very diverse sport! Train runners of any age, gender, and ethnicity can be found on the platform where I get off. The next few photos are interesting to me because the subjects look like they’re competing in a race to the finish.
The next four train runners are guys who are running solo. I love their expressions, focus, commitment, and how each one is floating above ground in mid-step.
I will conclude my article in the same way that I started – a photo of a solo lady running to board the train before the doors close. This lady, unlike the one in the first photo, is running in high heels, a dress, wearing a necklace, and graciously carrying her purse. This train runner has style!
I am a relatively new photographer who likes to experiment and take unusual photos. I tend to focus on street photography and hunt for that special moment before it happens. I try to use my photography to show life from a different point of view. We often live our waking hours without paying attention to our surroundings. Taking street photography has helped me pay more attention to my surroundings, to appreciate life around me, and to see things that I would have otherwise missed. My photography has helped me live more in the moment.
I will continue taking daily photos of train runners for a few more months then decide whether it’s worth continuing. I have embarked on other photography series to keep me busy. I hope to share those series in a future submission.
