Route 66, often called "America’s Main Street," is more than just a highway—it’s a journey through the heart of American history, culture, and nostalgia. Stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, this iconic road has inspired countless travelers, artists, and photographers. For fine art photographer Jon Wendell, Route 66 is a muse that offers endless opportunities to capture the essence of Americana. Through his lens, Jon brings to life the timeless moments of this legendary route, transforming them into stunning works of art. We’ll explore the fine art of Route 66 photography, delve into popular techniques for capturing its unique charm, and take a closer look at three iconic locations: Winslow, AZ; Hackberry, AZ; and Nelson Ghost Town in Nevada.

The Allure of Route 66 Fine Art Photography

Route 66 is a photographer’s dream, offering a diverse array of subjects—from vintage diners and neon signs to vast desert landscapes and ghost towns. What makes Route 66 fine art photography so captivating is its ability to evoke emotion and tell stories. Whether you’re a collector, a Route 66 enthusiast, or someone looking to bring a piece of Americana into your home, Jon’s fine art photography offers a unique way to connect with this historic highway.

Iconic Route 66 Locations for Fine Art Photography

1. Winslow, AZ: A Corner of Americana

• Background: Winslow, Arizona, is perhaps best known for its mention in the Eagles’ song "Take It Easy," which immortalized the town with the line, "Standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona." Today, the "Standin' on the Corner" mural and statue are must-see landmarks for Route 66 travelers.
• Photographic Appeal: Winslow offers a mix of small-town charm and Route 66 nostalgia. The mural, vintage buildings, and nearby Petrified Forest National Park provide diverse subjects for photographers.
• Techniques to Try:
  • Use the golden hour to capture the mural and statue in soft, warm light.
  • Experiment with black-and-white photography to highlight the textures of the old brick buildings and the contrast between the statue and the street.
  • Incorporate leading lines, such as the road or nearby railway tracks, to draw attention to the town’s historic center.

Standing on the Corner - Limited Edition

2. Hackberry, AZ: A Desert Time Capsule

• Background: Hackberry, Arizona, is home to the Hackberry General Store, a quintessential Route 66 stop. This rustic store, filled with vintage memorabilia, sits amidst the stark beauty of the Arizona desert.
• Photographic Appeal: The General Store’s weathered facade, surrounded by classic cars and old gas pumps, offers a perfect blend of nostalgia and desert ruggedness. The expansive desert backdrop adds to the sense of isolation and timelessness.
• Techniques to Try:
  • Use a wide-angle lens to capture the store against the vast desert landscape.
  • Experiment with long exposure at dusk to capture the glow of the store’s neon signs against the darkening sky.
  • Focus on details, such as rusted car parts or faded signs, to tell the story of Route 66’s heyday.

Refueling - Limited Edition

3. Nelson Ghost Town, NV: A Hauntingly Beautiful Relic

• Background: Just off Route 66, Nelson Ghost Town in Nevada is a preserved mining town that offers a glimpse into the Wild West. Abandoned buildings, rusted machinery, and vintage cars make it a surreal and photogenic location.
• Photographic Appeal: Nelson’s eerie, abandoned structures and desert surroundings create a haunting atmosphere that’s perfect for fine art photography. The town’s isolation adds to its mystique.
• Techniques to Try:
  • Black-and-white photography works exceptionally well here, emphasizing the town’s ghostly vibe and the textures of decay.
  • Use the rule of thirds to compose shots that balance the abandoned buildings with the surrounding desert.
  • Capture the town during the golden hour to add warmth to the otherwise stark environment.

Forgotten - Limited Edition

Photography Techniques for Capturing Route 66

Photographing Route 66 requires a blend of technical skill and creative vision. Here are some popular techniques that can help you capture stunning images along this iconic route:

1. Golden Hour Magic

• The golden hour—just after sunrise or before sunset—provides soft, warm light that enhances the colors and textures of Route 66’s landscapes and landmarks. This is especially effective for capturing the vibrant hues of neon signs or the rugged beauty of the desert.

Tip: Plan your shoots around these times to take advantage of the natural light. For example, the early morning light in Winslow, AZ, can cast a beautiful glow on the famous "Standin' on the Corner" mural.

2. Black and White for Timeless Appeal

• Black-and-white photography is a powerful way to emphasize contrast, texture, and emotion. It’s particularly effective for capturing the nostalgic feel of Route 66’s vintage motels, abandoned gas stations, and weathered signage.

Tip: Use black-and-white to highlight the stark beauty of ghost towns like Nelson, NV, where the absence of color can evoke a sense of history and mystery.

3. Long Exposure for Dynamic Shots

• Long exposure techniques can add a sense of movement and drama to your photos. This is ideal for capturing the blur of passing cars on the highway or the soft flow of clouds over a desert landscape.

Tip: Try using long exposure at night to capture the light trails of vehicles passing by iconic Route 66 landmarks, such as the Hackberry General Store.

4. Composition: Leading Lines and Rule of Thirds

• Route 66 itself is a natural leading line, guiding the viewer’s eye through the frame. Use this to your advantage by positioning the road as a central element in your composition.
• The rule of thirds can help create balanced, visually appealing images. Place key subjects—like a vintage car or a roadside sign—off-center to add interest.

Tip: When photographing in Winslow, use the road or railway tracks to lead the viewer’s eye toward the town’s historic buildings.

5. Wide-Angle for Expansive Views

• A wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the vastness of the landscapes along Route 66, especially in the desert regions of Arizona and Nevada.

Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to photograph the sprawling desert around Hackberry, AZ, emphasizing the isolation and beauty of the location.

These techniques are just a starting point. The key to great Route 66 fine art photography is to experiment and find ways to tell your own visual story.

Bringing Route 66 into Your Home

Route 66 fine art photography is more than just a visual record of a historic road—it’s a way to preserve and celebrate the spirit of Americana. Whether you’re drawn to the nostalgic charm of Winslow, the rugged beauty of Hackberry, or the haunting allure of Nelson Ghost Town, Jon Wendell’s photography captures the essence of these places in a way that resonates with art lovers, collectors, and Route 66 enthusiasts alike.

Explore Route 66 Through Fine Art Photography

If you’re inspired by the stories and images of Route 66, consider bringing a piece of this American icon into your collection. Jon Wendell’s Route 66 fine art photography offers a unique way to connect with the history, culture, and beauty of the road. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece for your living room or a gift for a fellow Route 66 enthusiast, his prints are a timeless addition to any space.

Visit jonwendellfineart.com to explore his Route 66 collection and discover the perfect print to celebrate America’s Main Street.