David Goodyear's approach to railway photography has always been to capture the context of the railway within the landscape in which it finds itself. The railway train itself embraces each scene, providing the soul and atmosphere where it may dominate or be dominated by the landscape in which it is portrayed, alongside the special manner through which it expresses its very character. The landscape expresses the train as much as the train expresses the landscape.
The magnificence and splendour of a railway viaduct such as that at St. Germans or Brunel's engineering masterpiece of the Royal Albert Bridge makes a statement of the railway within the location it is placed. The train crossing the viaduct finds itself enveloped by the architecture of the viaduct and yet characterises the very function for which the viaduct was built. Steam locomotives always bring a very special sense of mood and movement to a railway landscape, but a modern train can equally also contribute its own soul to the landscape in which the railway participates. Diesel and electric trains contribute their own appeal and character, such as through an eye-catching livery which conveys a sense of stage-appearance on a scene where the aesthetic of the passing train is expressed alongside the location or architecture embracing it.
Inspirational scenery, big skies and brooding hills or a patchwork of colour in springtime fields can help instil a sense of admiration for beauty in nature through which the train passes. Equally expressive are sunlight and shadows, as also the quality of light through the different seasons, each contributing to the essence of each location. The author lives in an area with access to many such awe-inspiring vistas to explore within Devon and Cornwall. Join him as he explore a series of journeys setting out from the south west towards the north and east, each reflecting his own journey directions.
AUTHOR: David Goodyear was educated in West Lancashire, and studied for his Religious Studies degree at Lancaster University. He completed his PGCE at Hull University. David has been Secondary school teacher throughout his career, with responsibilities for leading a Religious Studies department and also as coordinator for able, gifted and talented students. His teaching has often involved presentations to students using images to illustrate theoretical concepts within Religion and Philosophy.
David has been long term fixtures secretary for Plymouth Railway Circle. His regular contact with professional railway photographers has helped to develop and refine such interest and accompanying photographic skills. In retirement he fulfils roles as guard on the South Devon Railway and as PCC member and Safeguarding officer at his local church.
