It takes 5 days, 4 time zones, 3400 miles across 11 states to travel from San Francisco to New York by train. 52 hours, 2 time zones, 2200 miles across 7 states from Chicago to Seattle. 2 days, 1500 miles, 3 time zones, across 4 states to travel from Dallas to Los Angeles.
The long hours, the tracks, the movement, the sound, the romanticism of the train ride gives a particular intimacy with the American landscape and its ‘edges’. Being in motion, yet being still. Taking it slow. Exploring “America’s backyard” aboard the Sunset Limited, the Empire builder or aboard the California Zephyr. Getting to see this huge country and meet the fantastic people that make it.
Who takes the train? Why and where to? How a train trip is different from a road trip?
This photography project explores the idea of “slow travel” and the theme of frontier as a limit between people, spaces and time and as a quest for new territories.
“Across America by train” won the 8th annual PDN EXPOSURE photography award.
Life on the train & People
Who take the train ? Why and where to ?
The dining car is the train social life’s heart. For each meal, passengers are assigned a random seat by the dining car attendant and get to share a booth with other passengers. Countless faces, stories, and amazing – sometimes weird- people.
