The Real Terminator
For Mike
About three years ago now, I really began to look at railroad photography differently, as more of a creative outlet than a documentation of what I see, as I did for many, many years before that. The group of photographers that shoots railroads creatively is a relatively small bunch, but that makes it easier to meet new people, and find inspiration from others.
One of the first that I followed on here was Mike Hurley, a rail enthusiast from the United Kingdom who also had a huge love of American railroading. I was immediately blown away by what he could do with a camera - I had never thought anyone could create such art that involved railroads, but he did it. Countless nights were spent going through his photos on here, again and again, wondering "just how did he do that?" I was extremely fortunate enough to almost instantly get a follow back from him as soon as I followed him, and as I began challenging myself more and more to be creative, he was always quick to comment on my uploads with loads of encouraging compliments, and a genuine interest in the subjects I chose to cover. We also bonded heavily over our mutual love of the dark and moody scenes and, of course, guitar.
Today, I found out that Mike had lost a long battle with depression in May. My heart aches, and to say I'm saddened would be a terrible understatement. I only wish I had known much sooner, soon enough so that I could have told him how much his words meant to me, how much his work inspired me, and how much I owed him for being the one that transformed this hobby into so much more to me.
One thing I repeatedly promised Mike was, on his next trip to the United States, I would give him a tour of this railroad - the South Shore, and I can already imagine his enthusiasm seeing even just a photo of these four geeps on a loaded coal train.
This is for you, buddy.
Rest in peace, Mike. Thank you for making me the photographer I am today.
For Mike
About three years ago now, I really began to look at railroad photography differently, as more of a creative outlet than a documentation of what I see, as I did for many, many years before that. The group of photographers that shoots railroads creatively is a relatively small bunch, but that makes it easier to meet new people, and find inspiration from others.
One of the first that I followed on here was Mike Hurley, a rail enthusiast from the United Kingdom who also had a huge love of American railroading. I was immediately blown away by what he could do with a camera - I had never thought anyone could create such art that involved railroads, but he did it. Countless nights were spent going through his photos on here, again and again, wondering "just how did he do that?" I was extremely fortunate enough to almost instantly get a follow back from him as soon as I followed him, and as I began challenging myself more and more to be creative, he was always quick to comment on my uploads with loads of encouraging compliments, and a genuine interest in the subjects I chose to cover. We also bonded heavily over our mutual love of the dark and moody scenes and, of course, guitar.
Today, I found out that Mike had lost a long battle with depression in May. My heart aches, and to say I'm saddened would be a terrible understatement. I only wish I had known much sooner, soon enough so that I could have told him how much his words meant to me, how much his work inspired me, and how much I owed him for being the one that transformed this hobby into so much more to me.
One thing I repeatedly promised Mike was, on his next trip to the United States, I would give him a tour of this railroad - the South Shore, and I can already imagine his enthusiasm seeing even just a photo of these four geeps on a loaded coal train.
This is for you, buddy.
Rest in peace, Mike. Thank you for making me the photographer I am today.