As a photographer who has traveled many of America's backroads and hidden corners, rich in patina and character, I was destined to cross paths with Route 66, the Mother Road. My fascination with this historic journey lies in its nostalgic value. Stretching 2,448 miles through eight states, the highway offers a diverse array of scenery. From the plains of Illinois and the Ozark Mountains of Missouri to the desert terrain of the Southwest, it's a treasure trove of unique roadside photographic opportunities. The vintage neon signs, classic and antique automobiles, and the skeletal remains of what's been left behind serve as my favorite subjects to capture.
The great American road trip offers a freedom and inspiration for me, as a traveling photographer to document the world through my lens. After my first Route 66 photography journey, I knew that I was forever changed and the historic road would be a permanent part of my life. Traveling Route 66 (sometimes out of sequence), backtracking to get that one specific photograph that I pictured in my mind, and returning to certain destinations on more than one occasion has been the beginning of my never-ending journey of America's most iconic highway.
Before the days of interstate highway systems, two-lane highways such as Route 66 were the life blood for travelers in days past. Old-time gas / service stations, cafes, motels and other amenities kept American travelers rolling. After Route 66 was decommissioned in 1985, the spirit and history are alive and well in certain cities and towns along the route--while in other areas, only desolate stretches of lonely highway and roadside ruins exist today.
The photos in this book are handpicked from my personal collection--the nostalgic, the abandoned and forgotten, the colorful, the texture-filled. The vision I had with this title was to inspire readers with my eye-- to bring each one along on my journey, feeling each experience alongside me. Perfect for the inner explorer, nomad, and adventurer in every reader.
