Photography does more than capture a moment. It tells a story. It connects us to the past, to people, places, and feelings. Photography is an art form that inspires, interprets, and celebrates.
The Amherst Railway Society (ARS) is fortunate to have talented photographers that are willing to share their work, and help others develop their skills.
Amherst’s Photography Special Interest Group (SIG) is dedicated to taking railroad photographs – trains, depots, abandoned rail lines, model railroads – all things railroad. Our goal is to gather safely to take railroad photographs, learn from each other, and share our work.
We meet periodically, both online and in-person, to plan group photo outings, share technique, and enjoy each other’s company.
News & Events
Rail Heritage Photography Weekend
On May 6 & 7, 2023, the Cass Scenic Railroad will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a special Rail Heritage Photography Weekend. Attendees will have an opportunity to record photos and video at various locations along the Cass Scenic Railroad and Greenbrier River lines.
The event will feature Cass Scenic locomotives pulling vintage freight trains. A night photo session will be included.
The event is limited to 70 attendees.
Tickets are on sale from the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad. The cost is $350 per person; taxes and fees are not included. To register for the event, or for more information, visit the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley website.
The Art of Railroad Photography
At the November meeting of the Amherst Railway Society, Dee Matyas presented an in-depth look at the beautiful world of railroad photography.
Often considered a gritty business, Dee uses color, contrast, and lighting to capture railroads from a different perspective.
To view the presentation, click here.
Photo Event – Valley Railroad Steam Excursion
What a day – beautiful weather, great lighting, and a double-headed steam train. How can you beat that?
In October, Amherst’s Photography Special Interest Group (SIG) sponsored a photo-chase of the Valley Railroad’s double-headed steam excursion in Connecticut. Event coordinator Kaylee Zheng planned a slower paced chase route that avoided rail-fan congestion and made for a fun, relaxing day.
At Essex, the SIG photographers had great access to the train, and were able to photograph it from many angles.
Photo: Matt Betzner
Additional photos available here
Continuity & Change: The Lure of North American Railroads
A new book from the Center for Railroad Photography & Art
Railroads and photography came of age together in the nineteenth century and matured together in the twenty-first. Drawing on the traditions of both photojournalism and commercial photography, the book covers a wide range of topics including: railroads and nature, pathways of commerce, passenger railroading, heritage activities, workers, international connections, and continent-crossing networks.
The 384-page book includes 230 photographs and eleven essays, and makes a compelling case that the union of photography and railroads endures from generation to generation.
Two photos by Amherst’s Dee Matyas are included in this book.
The book is $65, plus $9 shipping, and can be ordered here.
Member Galleries
A curated collection
Jennifer Al-Beik
Shelburne Night Shoot
October, 2021
Phil Johnson
A curated collection
Phil Johnson
A curated collection
Isaiah Manuel
A curated collection
Dee Matyas
A curated collection
Gary D. Munsey, Sr.
A curated collection
Doug Scott
A curated collection
Kaylee Zheng
Contact Us
If you have questions, or would like additional information about the Amherst Railway Society’s Railroad Photography Special Interest Group, please fill out the form below.
This is a vibrant, growing group of railroad photographers – at all skill levels.