Photographer captures South American railway lines

International Desk: A French photographer has captured remarkable images of scenic rail routes hidden in the depths of South America.

Jean-Marc Frybourg, 56 years old, is in the pharmaceutical industry. However, his passion for photography has always led him to spend time travelling the world, capturing his favourite railways.

Jean-Marc, who lives in Paris, explains: “I started taking photos when I was a boy. I have always taken photographs. I began ‘learning’ photography and using serious cameras in 1972 when I was 11 or 12 years old.”

He says he began to take photographs of trains because he liked model railways. “I wanted to travel and see the trains. Since then, I have always preferred taking pictures of trains.”

Once the photographer felt he had mastered his technique, he started to expand his interests. He explored a multitude of other styles of photography, including portraits, landscapes, nude shots, wild animals and many others.

“When I was about 20 years old, I worked as a photography instructor/coach at a mountain hiking safari in the French Alps.

“I am also fascinated by planes, I am thinking about doing some photography of airports and aeroplanes.”

He explains that his favourite rail routes to photograph include steam locomotive trains, particularly when they are in action. The photographer even ventured to China and Mongolia to visit the biggest steam shows on Earth.

He also enjoys photographing ‘old electronic’ locomotives such as electric engines that were built before 1960.

“Mountain railroading is another favourite, particularly railroads of the Andes and in general, railroads which have spectacular scenery. The most spectacular and scenic lines I have seen were the Ferronor and Potrerillos lines in Chile and the Ferrocarril Central Andino and La Oroya lines in Peru.” He also recommends the Toquepala line in Peru for breathtaking views.

While most of the photographer’s favourite routes are buried in the rugged mountains of South America, Jean-Marc insists that Switzerland also offers stunning rail routes: “I have to include Switzerland. I have always been and will forever return to Switzerland. This country is a rail fan’s paradise!”