
Gene Bowker
The light at the end of the tunnel is probably a train.
Occupation: I have a day job that pays the bills, and Photography which spends the money.
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Birthday: 05/08/1971
His ProfilesRankThis is the rank of 'Gene Bowker' out of all Google+ Profiles.: 1,271 (GenderRankFor the gender 'Men'.: 709)
His ProfilesRankThis is the rank of 'Gene Bowker' out of all Google+ Profiles. in United States: 434 (GenderRankFor the gender 'Men'.: 265)
Followers: 47,909
Following: 0
Added to CircleCount.com: 09/28/2011That's the date, where Gene Bowker has been indexed by CircleCount.com.
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Gene Bowker was in following circles
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Latest postings

2013-05-21 13:22:45 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 36 +1s)
Mobile Pipeline
Shared for #TransportTuesday curated by +Gene Bowker +Michael Earley +Joe Paul +Annie Irving


2013-05-19 21:57:56 (9 comments, 0 reshares, 53 +1s)
The rain came down...
I guess I slept through the worst of the rain this morning in Atlanta. From the weather channel, we really got pounded with up to 6" of the wet stuff.
I drove across from Atlanta to Columbia this afternoon via Athens (Home of UGA) and the backroads of GA and SC. Found a new coke sign and got a couple of snapshots even though it was cloudy and yucky.
This week I'll be in my old office here training my replacement. In the evenings I'll be working at the "old house" finalizing some sorting to get most of it ready to go into storage when the movers come next week. As much as I've enjoyed my time in South Carolina, it really does NOT feel like home anymore.
I won't be around much on G+ for the next couple of weeks as I finish up the move, work, etc... but I'll be back soon, hopefully with some new ph... more »

2013-05-17 19:23:34 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 18 +1s)
The Original Mast Store in Valle Crucis, North Carolina is home to tons of #Americana as well as a pretty good selection of products you'd expect in a general store.
Located near the Blue Ridge Parkway and Boone, North Carolina the store offers plenty of photo subjects both inside and out.

2013-05-17 19:04:05 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 13 +1s)
The latest Kickstarter project I'm in on.
No connection to the photographer, it just caught my eye.


2013-05-17 18:06:36 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 11 +1s)
Endangered Species Day
Zoo Atlanta's mission: "We envision a world in which humankind values, protects and preserves the diversity of species on Earth."
Here's a great resource on what you can do to help from +Endangered Species Coalition : http://www.stopextinction.org/10athome.html
#ESDay is a hashtag on Google+ to spread awareness. May 17 is Endangered Species Day.
#EndangeredSpeciesDay

2013-05-17 17:34:05 (16 comments, 2 reshares, 5 +1s)
Top 1000 most followed active
photographers sharing content on G+
Circle One: A to J
This is the first of two circles, I'll share the second circle this weekend so that they're not so on top of each other. The circles have been divided alphabetically to help give more exposure to people with fewer followers.
Please plus, comment and share. This circle has no requirements for future participation but your support and encouragement is appreciated.
It has been two weeks since I announced my intent to update my circle of the 500 most followed photographers on G+. I decided to do things a bit differently this time and so I'll share the top 1000. To build the circles and the list I enlisted the aid of +Bill Wood +Gemma Costa +Jen Baptist +Kat Scan and +Margaret Tompkins. They built circles and vetted p... more »


2013-05-16 16:17:50 (12 comments, 0 reshares, 77 +1s)
Picked Silver up at the Ford Dealership this morning. Looks good as new and better than when I got her last year.
I'm sure she is ready to head off on another adventure soon.


2013-05-14 17:16:51 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 5 +1s)
Queen Mary 2 Cruise Liner is coming to Dun Laoghaire #DunLaoghaire #QM2
The impressive Cunard Line 'flagship' all of 151,400 tonnes, is due to anchor offshore of Dun Laoghaire Harbour on Thursday morning, at around 07.00hrs.She has a 2,600 passenger capacity and a crew of 1,200.
The image shows the grand size of the Queen Mary 2 Cruise Liner compared to an airbus A380, the Titanic and Liberty Hall.
Some other interesting facts:
• QM2 cost approx. 659million euros to build
• QM2 is 147 feet longer than the Eiffel Tower is tall (984 ft.)
• QM2 is only 117 feet shorter than the Empire State Building is tall (1248 ft.)
• QM2 is as long as 41 double-decker London buses (31 ½ ft. each)
• QM2's whistle is audible for 10 miles
(Afloat article http://afloat.i... more »

2013-05-14 12:29:09 (12 comments, 0 reshares, 38 +1s)
when transport goes wrong
It's #TransportTuesday +TransportTuesday hosted by the team of +Michael Earley +Annie Irving and myself +Gene Bowker
As always we're waiting to see your transportation shots from around the world.
No, this is not a model railroad even as clean as the cars look. It was a derailment on the Pocahontas Division of the +Norfolk Southern Corp back in the summer of 2011. No one was hurt, the cars were rerailed and life went on.
Even when our lives seem a little "off-track" the right thing can come along to get us back on track. I know that is the case in my life at least...
Have a great one,
Gene

2013-05-13 18:54:03 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 20 +1s)
These towers are seriously amazing!
131/365 +G+ 365 Project
#petronastwintowers #kualalumpur #malaysia


2013-05-13 18:14:20 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 6 +1s)
Have you ever wanted to meet a sea otter? Now you can! Starting May 20, go behind the scenes and enjoy an exclusive encounter with one of Georgia Aquarium's energetic and playful sea otters! This all new program is now on sale, so reserve your spot today! http://bit.ly/100WhU2

2013-05-13 12:37:04 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 17 +1s)
You can go back
Swamped with work and life right now will be here as I can.
Change can be difficult but I can attest that even the most "difficult" changes can be worth it in the end, if you have a goal worth obtaining.

2013-05-11 17:00:51 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)
Canon Flash Question
I am going to be taking photos at an indoor/outdoor party out of state. I need to get a second flash as I am not sure of how the lighting will be where I am taking the photos.
My current gear: Canon 60D and a Canon Speedlite 430 EX II
I was looking at getting the Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT and using it on camera (or off) to trigger my 430 EX II so that I can use two flashes at once. I know the 600 is overkill for my non-professional camera but I thought that if I ever upgrade my camera body then I won't have to purchase a new flash.
Question: Are the 600 and 430 compatible? My 60D triggers the 430 by using the flash. Will the camera also be able to trigger the 600? Will the 600 then trigger the 430. I can't find a conclusive answer anywhere. Sorry if this is basic but I'm frustrated because my event is coming up early n... more »


2013-05-11 16:54:10 (2 comments, 2 reshares, 22 +1s)
We’re more than business trips and family visits. Learn why trains matter at National Train Day. Find an event near you! http://ow.ly/kGRoQ


2013-05-11 13:05:43 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 6 +1s)
They must of named it for me :)
+Song of the South #americana


2013-05-10 18:12:09 (5 comments, 1 reshares, 71 +1s)
They must of named it for me :)
+Song of the South #americana

2013-05-10 02:37:21 (11 comments, 0 reshares, 23 +1s)
Someone special recommended this album :) I like track six ;)


2013-05-09 22:03:11 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 8 +1s)
The Southern Railway bridge over old US1 in Aiken, South Carolina.
+Song of the South #Railroads


2013-05-09 12:27:22 (16 comments, 0 reshares, 145 +1s)
Thanks for the memories
Thanks again to everyone who sent me birthday wishes, commented on the posts, and/or shared something for me.
I'm trying to start working my way through all the posts to thank each of you for your part in making yesterday the best birthday I can remember.
It is so amazing to read the comments and posts and realize that I have touched others lives in ways I never knew. I'm honored to have such wonderful friends.
Now, back to the day job with the all day meetings. <sigh>
From the bottom of my heart,
Gene


2013-05-06 12:16:24 (12 comments, 0 reshares, 84 +1s)
Sitting here at the crossroads
I sit at the crossroads. There is no going straight ahead, only a fork in the road. Either move ahead, or fall further behind. Make a new future, or live in my past.
A new beginning does not have to wait for some "life changing" event or circumstance, but can be just a choice to start in a new direction. Taking a small first step towards something.
Sitting here... hands on the wheel... looking both ways.. making the choice.. rolling towards the future.
Gene Bowker 5/6/71


2013-05-09 23:04:51 (14 comments, 8 reshares, 119 +1s)
layers of cake, cooked in the earth
This is from the same day I took photos of the NKP765 steam train in West Virginia.
This was a brand new cut through the hills where US52 is being straightened out across the hills in August 2012.
I was amazed at the layering, and how the heat had cooked the stones during their forming. It's easy to see the coal in various layers which led to much of the region being mined in the past 100+ years.
For #ScienceSunday +ScienceSunday
#Roadtrip #WV #RustedRailImages


2013-05-05 13:39:04 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 8 +1s)
The Evidence Remained
reminders of a good evening was sitting on the fence post, but obviously had spent some time laying around on the ground before. I took a photo of the evidence before returning the bottle to weeds to avoid being in the other shots of the tree and house in the background.
#Photosquared +PhotoSquared by Gene Bowker (Celebrating photography in the 1:1 aspect)


2013-05-05 13:39:51 (15 comments, 2 reshares, 104 +1s)
The Evidence Remained
reminders of a good evening was sitting on the fence post, but obviously had spent some time laying around on the ground. I took a photo of the bottle before returning it to weeds to avoid being in the other shots of the tree and house in the background.
#Photosquared +PhotoSquared by Gene Bowker (Celebrating photography in the 1:1 aspect)


2013-05-05 22:53:02 (15 comments, 2 reshares, 106 +1s)
Once I got to know her she showed me her flaws
the same building on a rural backroad, taken a few minutes later in fading light showing the condition of the roof, swaying, and slow return to the earth.
I'm not sure yet what the building was, but it appears to maybe of had a porch. It is a little setback for a general store, but it might of been a home, plantation store or even a school or church over its lifetime.
There are an interesting combination of shutters and pane windows on it still today.
#Songofthesouth +Song of the South


2013-05-05 09:59:06 (4 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)
Somewhere in South Carolina
Along a back road in South Carolina, Summer 2012.
A bit of rural decay for +Song of the South #songofthesouth curated by +Patrice Christian
#Canon #G1X


2013-05-05 09:57:41 (13 comments, 2 reshares, 108 +1s)
Somewhere in South Carolina
Along a back road in South Carolina, Summer 2012.
A bit of rural decay for +Song of the South #songofthesouth curated by +Patrice Christian
#Canon #G1X


2013-05-04 21:26:37 (16 comments, 1 reshares, 90 +1s)
Storm Edge
approaching storm over the Gulf on a Summer Afternoon.
the wind picks up, thunder rolls, and you wait for the afternoon dose of liquid sunshine.
#Beach #Florida #rustedrailimages


2013-05-04 21:16:14 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 14 +1s)
Thinking a beach trip sounds good right now
Walking on the shore as the sun slips behind the clouds in a colorful sunset.
#Florida #beachlife #beachtime #sunset


2013-05-04 18:11:55 (11 comments, 3 reshares, 99 +1s)
Thinking a beach trip sounds good right now
Walking on the shore as the sun slips behind the clouds in a colorful sunset.
#Florida #beachlife #beachtime #sunset

2013-05-04 18:08:01 (3 comments, 2 reshares, 19 +1s)
Back in the day, you could go anywhere from Roanoke


2013-05-04 14:12:13 (9 comments, 2 reshares, 78 +1s)
Chessie Memories
One of my favorite railroads was the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) which became officially the Chessie System before merging into the CSX almost 30 years ago.
The Chessie was a favorite of mine because of their advertising which featured a little cat named Chessie which somehow rode the passenger trains, sometime accompanied by her husband (a WWII hero), and her little kittens. The advertising was some of the most popular of the "Golden Age of Railroading" and are still sought-out collectibles.
Even now you can still see cars with the Chessie System logo on them roaming the rails of the Southeast.
About the photo
I took this before I got my first DSLR in Hamlet, North Carolina. Processing today was in #Nikcollection Silver Efex using some selective coloration.
For #photosquared +PhotoSquared

2013-05-04 01:50:50 (20 comments, 0 reshares, 27 +1s)
Waiting for the real storms to start, but this might help me get to sleep sooner.
Supposed to be a rainy weekend here in SC.
Who else likes thunderstorms?
I think there is a word for people addicted to rain and storms?


2013-05-03 12:07:59 (29 comments, 3 reshares, 110 +1s)
Dark Morning
I heard a train whistle somewhere off in the distance and it reminded me of another morning and another train.
Life is like that. We get reminded of events in our past by smells, sights, or even sounds. Sometimes the memories triggered are good, sometimes not so good. Either way, the past does shape our present and future, but it does not have to CONTROL our present and future. Unlike a train which is locked on course by its rails, we have the ability to "change track" and go in a way which will lead to a better life.
Change is never easy, can be painful, but in the end can make all the difference in the world.
Change your world in some way this weekend.
About the train
On a dark foggy morning in November 2010, CSX 496 leads an empty coal train north from Florida through Folkston, Georgia.
On a... more »


2013-05-02 20:22:03 (9 comments, 2 reshares, 66 +1s)
Steaming Along
#photosquared +PhotoSquared
#Rustedrailimages http://bit.ly/10vhlNT


2013-05-02 20:17:23 (31 comments, 6 reshares, 214 +1s)
Steaming Along
#photosquared +PhotoSquared
#Rustedrailimages http://bit.ly/10vhlNT


2013-05-01 12:07:16 (5 comments, 1 reshares, 10 +1s)
#TransportTuesday *Curator's Wrap-up for 4/30/2013*
+TransportTuesday had a great bunch of submissions this week coming in from around the world. #TransportTuesday was trending much of the day which is always nice to see.
As usual, I'm taking the time to share a few shots which I really enjoyed from this weeks submissions.
1) +Sam Rider (See below) Sam brings a lot of WWII reenactment shots to TransportTuesday including this great one below. I told Sam it reminded me so much of the OWI "Rosie the Riveter" shots which became so famous during that era.
2) +Shelly Gunderson https://plus.google.com/u/0/105731881257142821581/posts/4ArVbU2XWsN
Shelly's processing of the Galloping Goose made this one even more special.
3) +Tara Chavez https://plus.google.com/u/0/118209762617061765947/posts/E8rGVYRdmBeproved that transportation doesn... more »

2013-05-01 11:57:28 (9 comments, 4 reshares, 23 +1s)
#HappyBirthdayAmtrak
In Transportation History, +Amtrak was born today on 5/1/1971. We week later I came into the world. Too this day I tell my mom that I was born a week too late. However, I've always felt a "kinship" to Amtrak ever since my first ride from San Diego to LA in 1976.
Amtrak provides rail passenger service in the US including the Accela service in the Northeast Corridor and long-distance service on many routes.
May 11, 2013 Amtrak will celebrate National Train Day 2013. Around the country many towns will be having railroad based activities that Day and several major cities will have displays of Amtrak equipment.
Find a place to celebrate at http://www.nationaltrainday.com/s/

2013-04-30 18:26:00 (6 comments, 0 reshares, 20 +1s)
A #transporttuesday quote from my friend Mark #Twain
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts.

2013-04-30 18:11:45 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 12 +1s)
The railroad of life revisited
Today's #blog post for #transporttuesday
#life #writing

2013-04-30 13:43:20 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 6 +1s)
Don't forget to check out the #transporttuesday +TransportTuesday community for all forms of transport.
Great place to share those "non-train" transport photos you might have lying around =)

2013-04-30 12:33:31 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 7 +1s)
If you have never checked out the Library of Congress archives you are missing out.
These are some classic shots from Jack Delano and many others showing life in the US back in the 1930's and 1940's.
Some of my favorites include Delano's visit to the ATSF shots in Ft. Madison, Iowa
Check them out when you get a chance.
NOT MY PHOTO

2013-04-30 12:30:00 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)
Sam Rider's cool #transporttuesday shot today https://plus.google.com/u/0/118118473977375948709/posts/PwULGT2VQjw
made me think of this classic from Alfred Palmer in the LOC collection.


2013-04-30 11:56:23 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 24 +1s)
On Track
+TransportTuesday is on track for another week of great photography of transportation from around the world. It's always fun to see what our loyal contributors come up with each week. Don't forget, I'll pick a few of them to reshare on Wednesday as my "Curator Picks"
Behind the Shot
This is an older shot from the mountains of West Virginia near Welch. I'd like to say that I drove miles on twisty back-roads to get to this location, but it is actually behind the local +Walmart
The +Norfolk Southern Corp tracks loop around the store then exit West through this portal, one of the many tunnels on the Pocahontas Division of the Ex-Norfolk and Western mainline which was built to service the many mines which once lined this section of the mountains, but are now mostly long gone.
These engines are actually in re... more »


2013-04-30 11:55:47 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 10 +1s)
On Track
+TransportTuesday is on track for another week of great photography of transportation from around the world. It's always fun to see what our loyal contributors come up with each week. Don't forget, I'll pick a few of them to reshare on Wednesday as my "Curator Picks"
Behind the Shot
This is an older shot from the mountains of West Virginia near Welch. I'd like to say that I drove miles on twisty back-roads to get to this location, but it is actually behind the local +Walmart
The +Norfolk Southern Corp tracks loop around the store then exit West through this portal, one of the many tunnels on the Pocahontas Division of the Ex-Norfolk and Western mainline which was built to service the many mines which once lined this section of the mountains, but are now mostly long gone.
These engines are actually in re... more »

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