For as long as Tom can remember, he has loved trains.  He is fascinated by the speed of them, the way the look and the adventures they provide.  Tom has ridden trains up and down the east coast on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor Acela and NJ Transit’s North Jersey Coast Line and internationally on the TGV in France.



For the last year and a half, Tom has been travelling on the Montclair-Boonton Line from Dover or Montclair State University Station to Hoboken or New York Penn Station twice a week by himself to make photographs.  This series, which has resulted in an exhibit and book has developed from those journeys.  



While on the train, Tom describes being a secret observer and photographing intuitively when the moment seems right.  He uses a digital Olympus Penn, the compact size of which allows him to be discreet and remain unnoticed. Tom enjoys watching the world whiz by, memorizing the routine of the train operator and crew as well as listening to the litany of announcements and his images capture the quiet moments of those experiences.



Upon arrival at a destination, the bustle of the terminal tells a different story; the energy and crowds inspire a chaotic mood in the photographs and Tom often has to be very careful not to get caught photographing! 



Tom's journey continues with this project and one day he hopes to include photos from trains all over the world including the Bullet Trains in Japan, the Trans Siberian Express and the Orient Express.