A once in a lifetime shot
“ Usually trains stop when they are on fire . This one kept going .”
Timothy Hairston
perfect picture
“ After years and decades of photographic trains , trains , and more trains , being in the right place at precisely at the right time can have amazing results ,” Hairston said .
He added , “ Railroad photography is a subset that I find extremely fascinating and very challenging in every possible way . Trains are very inspiring and they tend to bring out a unique sense of magical wonder in any train lover .”
Hairston said that he has not found a train that he didn ’ t want to photograph , and every time he goes to the tracks , he is excited and feels joy in getting to be there .
“ Photographing trains is a high part of my life journey , it ’ s at present one of the most compassionate hobbies that one can have ,” he said . “ For me , each and every train picture is worth showing off . This allows people of all ages to have a say in what they think is a good train picture or a not so good train picture .”
Hairston added , “ Even at 65 years old plus my passion and my magnificent love for trains will never end . What started as a hobby has turned into a lifelong passion . For me , trains are big , bold , and beautiful . It takes time and patience to photograph great , high quality trains pictures , winter , spring , summer , and fall .” moments ,” he said . “ I thought it was just fascinating , and as time went by , I thought I was doing a great thing because at the same time I ’ m preserving history .”
Hairston explained that he has been contacted by several people about his photos because he may have photos of people ’ s loved ones from when they worked on the railroads .
“ People approach me for photos of family members working on the railroads and trains because a lot of times the person has passed , and I might have a photo that those family members have never seen ,” Hairston said .
Hairston said that a lot of times , it ’ s extremely possible he does have those photos of the people ’ s family member as he averages 28,000 to 32,000 photos a year .
In 2022 , he took over 37,000 photos with a majority of them being of trains .
Hairston said that he has learned so much over the years taking pictures of trains .
“ I ’ ve been able to create wonderful and spectacular memories for all four seasons of the year , and being mesmerized by trains is all about being in the right place at the right time ,” Hairston said .
According to Hairston , it can be difficult to get the
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