I’ve been photographing in railroad yards since I first picked up a camera. The forms are primarily linear and round and there’s an abundance of materials. Steel objects and metal surfaces are particularly appealing because they are highly reflective—resulting in contrast, texture and deep shadows. And these are ideal for maximizing the full tonal range of black and white film. Images on a computer screen can only approximate the “silvery” quality that’s evident in photographic prints. When photographs with this quality are lit well, as they are in many museums, there’s nothing like it.

Be like a train; go in the rain, go in the sun, go in the storm, go in the dark tunnels! Be like a train; concentrate on your road and go with no hesitation!

Mehmet Murat Ildan