Being a rail photographer as of recently, capturing rail content has been somewhat a hobby and capturing ‘that’ moment, which may not be a perfect shot but it something that represents history and that’s it. I don’t expect the perfect lighting or anything, but it’s ideal to make do with the scene that you want to compose. Time isn’t infinite, we are slowly seeing progress and change in the making.
As of 2021, I’ve managed to get featured on blogs, rail magazines (in Victoria, Australia and the United Kingdom). Sure I’m proud of all of those moments and I’ve never regretted those times, some great memories meeting some great friends down the way (and some which were questionable).
I’m gonna be straight up honest, I don’t even say my work is ‘exactly’ great, rather I’m still learning photography as a medium.
Looking back at the cameras, the true workhorse and the tool that we take for granted. I’ve owned two EOS DSLR cameras in my time with one on the lease (700D) during my early days as a rail photographer and have also been privileged to use an EOS R for a short period of time.
I can announce that there are intentions to get an EOS R5 or R7/8 (if it’s announced) at some point which is a bit of time off, but its a tool. Nothing lifechanging at this moment to really rush for it.
to date, some statistics and a future roadmap:
- 934.543 (432,051 lost in a hard drive crash in 2019) photos have been taken on either the 700D/70D/80D/EOS R respectively since mid-2016.
- 4 Cover Shots, 18 Prints, 1000 followers over three social media mediums.
- Two cameras, with a third on the way within the next two-three years with a new lenses lineup as DSLR, becomes less and lesser supported, the need to transition to mirrorless is evident (ultimately replacing the 70D and 80D outright).
It’s also something of interest, my store will come live at some point. Limited prints are expected (up to 10) for some. I’m trying to make it somewhat exclusive to cover some of the camera cost.
It’s also worth mentioning that my book that was planned for Winter 2020 is actually going to be completed! It’s due in Summer 2022… hopefully this time.
Please send an email to maxthumrailway@icloud.com for more info and express your interest. I’m predicting that print sector will be live by end of October and the book will follow.
To those entering this hobby, just enjoy it. The majority of us are about the trains, not so much about the photos. We just want to get on with the times before some of the things will change. — Max Thum 2021.