Nigel Capelle
Lifelong Railway Enthusiast
My interest in railways and railway photography spans more than sixty years. Alongside raising a family and spending 42 years working in the information technology sector, photography has been a constant source of enjoyment and creative focus. What began as childhood curiosity gradually developed into a long-standing interest in documenting the railway, the places it passes through and the people connected with it.
I grew up in Macclesfield, where my fascination with trains first began. My father worked in Manchester and travelled there each day by train. During school holidays I would often accompany him into the city and spend the day train spotting at stations around Manchester. Those early visits left a lasting impression. Watching the constant movement of trains, passengers and railway staff sparked an enthusiasm that would stay with me throughout my life.
A defining moment came on 7 January 1967. On that day, while The Monkees were climbing the charts with I’m a Believer, I made my first trip to Crewe by bus from Macclesfield. What I saw there transformed my view of the railway. Compared with the modest diesel multiple units that worked the North Staffordshire line near home, Crewe was a completely different world. The variety of locomotives, the constant movement of trains and the sheer scale of activity were unforgettable. I returned the following two Saturdays, unable to resist the attraction.
From that point on, train spotting and shed visits became a regular part of my teenage weekends. I joined the Buckley Wells Railway Enthusiasts and was also a founder member of the Northern Counties Transport Society. Within the society I served as Membership Secretary and coach navigator on organised shed bashing trips.
Photography soon became the natural extension of this interest. Rather than simply recording locomotives, I became increasingly interested in capturing the wider scene around them. The landscape, the setting and the changing light all contribute to the character of a railway photograph. Over time my approach developed into one that looks beyond the train itself and considers the environment and atmosphere of the location.
Much of the work happens on location. Each outing involves careful planning: identifying suitable vantage points, checking train running information and keeping a close eye on the weather. Urban locations can require quick reactions and careful composition as trains pass through busy stations and complex surroundings. In contrast, rural settings often reward patience, with the opportunity to wait for the right combination of light, landscape and traction.
Light is often the most important factor in producing a successful photograph. Early mornings and late evenings can transform an otherwise ordinary location, adding depth and atmosphere to the scene. Waiting for the right moment when a train enters the frame at precisely the right time is part of the challenge and satisfaction of railway photography. Where possible, I also enjoy including small elements of human activity such as passengers on platforms or railway staff at work, adding context and a sense of everyday life.
The second stage of the process takes place back home in what I often refer to as the digital darkroom. After each outing I review the images from the day, selecting those with the strongest composition and potential. Careful editing allows the photograph to be refined while remaining true to the original scene. Adjusting light, colour and contrast helps ensure that the final image reflects the atmosphere and conditions experienced on location.
Throughout all of this, my professional career ran alongside my photographic interests, working in the information technology sector during a period of rapid technological change. In many ways the skills required in that profession complemented my approach to photography. Attention to detail, technical understanding and a structured way of working translated well into photographic practice, particularly as digital technology became central to image capture and processing.
In 2015 I joined 1Z10, a collective of railway photographers brought together by a shared enthusiasm for the railway and the images it inspires. Being part of this group has added another dimension to my enjoyment of the hobby. Regular outings, online discussions and friendly competitions provide opportunities to share ideas, learn from others and continue improving.
Looking back over six decades, railway photography has remained a constant and rewarding part of my life. It has provided opportunities to travel, observe and record the changing railway landscape while also connecting with a wider community of enthusiasts. Each photograph represents a small moment in time, capturing the railway as it continues to evolve while remaining an enduring part of the British landscape.
