Connecting

Here’s a collection of pictures about railways—tracks stretching into the horizon, bustling platforms, quiet rural stations, and trains in motion. They capture the rhythm and character of travel by rail, from the timeless charm of vintage trains to the sleek lines of modern high-speed rail. A glimpse into the journeys and stories along the tracks.

Waiting for Train
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Waiting for Train

Captured various people waiting for trains in Tokyo, specifically in Shinjuku and Akihabara. Why, you ask? Turns out there’s a demand for these kinds of shots on Shutterstock! It’s interesting how everyday moments, like commuters standing by the platform, can be turned into stock photo gold. Sometimes the ordinary is what people are looking for.

Station Agent
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Station Agent

The 56mm f/1.2 APD has become a permanent fixture on my X-T2—it’s just that good! Incredible sharpness, dreamy bokeh, and perfect for portraits or anything with a shallow depth of field. On another note, The Station Agent was the first movie I saw with Peter Dinklage, long before his Game of Thrones fame. Such a…

Shinjuku Station
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Shinjuku Station

Few shots from Shinjuku Station with my 90mm lens. Captured a few shots at Shinjuku Station with my 90mm lens. The sharpness and creamy bokeh made it perfect for isolating details in the bustling crowd and picking out moments of calm amidst the chaos. Shinjuku’s energy and the lens’s performance made for some great urban…

Boarding Train
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Boarding Train

I’m really happy with the bokeh and colors of the XF 35mm f/2. It’s much lighter than the f/1.4 and focuses significantly faster—perfect for quick shots and everyday use. The weather resistance is an added bonus too. If you’re on the fence, I’d say make the switch—you won’t regret it!

XF 16mm f/1.4
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XF 16mm f/1.4

With all my Canon gear sold, I needed a new wide-angle lens for my Fuji setup. After a lot of back-and-forth, I narrowed it down to three options: the XF 10-22mm f/4, XF 14mm f/2.8, and XF 16mm f/1.4. In the end, weather sealing and the large aperture of the 16mm f/1.4 won me over,…

Nigh Train
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Nigh Train

Took the X-T2 out to capture the Yamanote Line at night, and I’m impressed. The wide dynamic range of the Sony sensor provides so much flexibility for post-processing, especially in handling shadows and highlights from the city lights. The details and tones it retains in low light are fantastic. Me like, indeed!

XT2 in Shinjuku
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XT2 in Shinjuku

Testing out the different focus modes, including face tracking, in Shinjuku during commuting time was a real eye-opener. The fast-moving crowd and ever-changing scenes were a perfect challenge, and the camera handled it well. Face tracking was especially impressive, locking onto subjects even in the chaos. A great spot to push the camera to its…

Subway
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Subway

In the subway with my Sigma ART 35mm f/1.4—a lens that never disappoints. The wide aperture handles the low light beautifully, creating sharp, detailed shots with creamy bokeh. Even in such a mundane setting, it makes every frame look cinematic and polished. Always a pleasure to shoot with this gem!

Platforms Ghosts
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Platforms Ghosts

Having fun on JR platforms with an ND filter mounted on the GX-85, turning people and trains into ghostly figures. The long exposures blur the bustling movement into ethereal streaks, creating an almost surreal scene. It’s a fascinating way to capture the energy of Tokyo while revealing a hidden, dreamlike layer to its everyday chaos.

Waiting for Train
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Waiting for Train

Another round of subway platform shots, this time with a touch of motion blur to capture the dynamic energy of the scene. Trains streak past, passengers blur into motion, and the stillness of the platform contrasts beautifully with the rush of the moment. Always fascinating to play with light and movement underground!

JR Platform
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JR Platform

A JR railway platform at night in Tokyo, captured in black and white, transforms into a scene of quiet intensity. The interplay of light and shadow accentuates the architectural lines, while the glow of distant trains and platform signs adds a touch of urban drama. Passengers, blurred in motion or standing still, take on a…

Akihabara Station
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Akihabara Station

On my way to Yodobashi Camera, I couldn’t resist grabbing a few more platform shots. The movement, the colors, and the endless flow of commuters always make Tokyo’s train stations an endless source of inspiration. A quick detour with my camera before diving into the gadget paradise!

Old School
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Old School

Phone, book, or newspaper—it doesn’t really matter when you’re on your own, does it? Each one is just a way to pass the time and escape into your own little world. But when you’re with someone at a café or restaurant, it’s a whole different story. That’s when the screen goes down, and the conversation…

Kurobe Gorge Railway
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Kurobe Gorge Railway

The Kurobe Gorge Railway is a marvel of engineering and a gateway to one of Japan’s most picturesque natural wonders. Initially built to transport materials for the Kurobe Dam, it now offers visitors an extraordinary experience, winding through the dramatic landscapes of the Kurobe Gorge. The railway stretches 20 kilometers from Unazuki Station to Keyakidaira…

Platform Motion
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Platform Motion

Yes, I know—another one—but I just can’t resist: more platform motion blur! There’s something endlessly fascinating about capturing the dynamic flow of trains against the stillness of the platform. The streaks of light and color add an energy that never gets old. It’s a shot I’ll probably keep revisiting.

Train Girl
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Train Girl

Yes, that’s right—another platform shot! There’s just something timeless about the symmetry, the lines leading into the distance, and the energy of the trains pulling in and out. With the right lens and aperture, every shot feels fresh, even if it’s the same scene. It’s hard to resist!

Chinese High Speed Train
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Chinese High Speed Train

The first-class cabin on the high-speed train between Nanjing and Shanghai offers spacious seats and a smooth ride, but the experience falls short in one glaring area—cleanliness. The seats, while comfortable, could use a serious refresh; visible stains and worn upholstery detract from the premium feel you’d expect. It’s a shame because the journey itself…