Passing Train

Photograph Story | Passing Train

In 2012, I traveled to my favorite part of the country for peak fall foliage. One of my favorite days during this particular visit was taking the fall photo train ride from Durango to Silverton. The views were breathtaking the entire trip up and back.

Stopping on our way to Silverton and pulling off the track, allowing the next train to pass, provided an excellent opportunity to photograph two steam engine trains side-by-side. The train on the left is parked, waiting for the photographers. The train on the right is filled with people enjoying a beautiful fall day in the San Juan Mountains.

Admittedly, I was a bit nervous to sit on the ground, so close to a passing train. The conductor of my train made sure we were far enough away from the passing train to avoid a close call. That said, we were still close enough to feel a strong breeze, and movement of the ground beneath us, as the train rolled by.

The series of photographs leading up to this capture are some of my favorite images. I loved having the opportunity to get off the train and capture perspectives that are otherwise unavailable on standard train rides.