Tracking the Light looks at Pennsylvania Station, New York—five photos.

On June 25, 2015, I made these photographs at New York’s Penn Station. This is Amtrak’s busiest station, and a terminal for Long Island Railroad and NJ Transit suburban trains.

Once it was one of the world’s most elegant railway terminals, built in a style inspired by the Roman baths of Caracalla; but today Penn Station is mostly functional, with little in the way of elegance to inspire the traveler.

However, good and interesting photographs should not rely on great architecture as a crutch to draw the eye of the viewer, right?

Welcome to New York!
Welcome to New York!
Just the tracks.
Tracks, wires, iron girders and fluorescent light.
A large black & white photo may remind passengers of the age of elegance. Yes, Virginia, we are standing in the same place.
A large black & white photo may remind passengers of the age of elegance. Yes, Virginia, we are standing in the same place.
On the plus side, all trains are running to schedule. Really!
On the plus side, all Amtrak trains were running to schedule. Really!
Penn Station allows direct connections between various railway services. Onward to the Long Island Railroad!
Penn Station allows direct connections between various railway services. Onward to the Long Island Railroad!

Photos exposed with a Panasonic Lumix LX7 digital camera.

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One comment on “Tracking the Light looks at Pennsylvania Station, New York—five photos.

  1. Tom Warger on said:

    Haven’t been there for about 5 years. Is the train board still that wonderful electro-mechanical device, or has it been replaced by an LED? I always liked the sound of the letters flipping over as the sign updated. The sound prompted everyone to stop and look up for the new information. As I recall the machine was (is) from an Italian company–a real masterpiece from where passenger trains are not buried in the basement.

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