Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jay Farrell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jay, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

It’s a hard call— though Route 66 Roadscapes has been my most meaningful project to date. What makes it so special is that it unfolded naturally—I didn’t set out to create a book. I explored Route 66 over the course of several years, one stretch at a time, drawn to its vintage signage, weathered buildings, and the quiet magic of forgotten places. It wasn’t until my last two or three trips that the idea of a book started taking shape.

Even then, I wasn’t chasing a checklist or a polished tourist experience. I was chasing light—those fleeting moments where a scene reveals itself just right—and stories that surfaced through personal experience. On some of those later trips, my girlfriend Robin joined me, which added another layer of meaning and memory to the journey.

The final result is a carefully curated collection of photographs with vivid color and texture, paired with short stories and a touch of history for context. It’s not a textbook, and it’s not meant to be. I write in a hangout style—something casual and personal—so readers feel like they’re riding along with me, seeing what I see, and hearing a few road stories along the way.

Though the book is complete, I know I’ll always return to Route 66. The road keeps changing, and so do I. That’s part of the magic.

I’m proud that Route 66 Roadscapes became a luxury hardcover coffee table book. It’s meant to be held, flipped through slowly, and enjoyed—page by page—with bold colors and quality that reflect the heart I put into it.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Jay Farrell, a Nashville, Tennessee-based fine art photographer and author. For over two decades, I’ve been captivated by exploring the abandoned and forgotten, seeking out subjects that hold a unique beauty for my lens. Early on, I often brought models to these locations, but over time, I grew to appreciate the simplicity and storytelling power of the places themselves.

In 2018, I became a first-time published author with Fonthill Media, showcasing collections of abandoned treasures from specific regions. As these forgotten places took me farther from home, my travels expanded, ultimately leading to multiple journeys along historic Route 66. Two years and several trips later, I’m proud to have released my first self-published hardcover coffee table book, Route 66 Roadscapes: Stories Through the Lens.

What sets me apart is that I don’t over-plan or script things out rigidly. I let the stories unfold naturally, much like my photography. I write in a way that feels like a conversation—casual, engaging, and sometimes with a touch of dry humor. If I find myself getting too stiff or overthinking, I know it’s time to step away and reset.

Another quirk is that I tend to write in bursts. Some of my best ideas come when I’m not at the keyboard—whether I’m out on the road, standing in front of a forgotten relic with my camera, or just reflecting on past travels. I might go days without writing, then suddenly knock out several pages when the inspiration strikes. It’s all about rhythm, not routine, and that approach works for me.

Over time, I’ve evolved as both an author and a photographer. I’ve learned that making better books often comes down to what you leave out. It’s about raising the standard—only using the images and words that truly serve the vision. With Route 66 Roadscapes, every photo and caption was carefully chosen to evoke something real.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

On my third Route 66 journey from Oklahoma into Kansas and Missouri, my girlfriend joined. One of the stops was a former site of three motel / motor court cabins—now skeletal remains. I backtracked to photograph one of the cabins at night, using long exposure / light painting technique. I loved the photograph, but kept wondering how it would look if I illuminated all three cabins—at the time I did not have enough RGB panels. I ordered more and returned to Oklahoma for the photograph I envisioned—on a 25 degree night.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Support your scene—or watch it die.

Too often, artists are expected to create for the love of it, while everyone else along the chain profits. That model doesn’t sustain a creative community. If we want art, music, photography, film—anything meaningful—to thrive, then we have to value it. That means buying the book instead of just liking the post. Showing up to the exhibit. Paying fair rates for work. Sharing the spotlight, not just using someone else’s talent to build your brand.

And honestly, we need to stop taking advantage of creatives who don’t understand business yet. Many artists start out just wanting to make something honest and beautiful, but they get undervalued, underpaid, and overwhelmed. Mentorship and transparency are key—because when artists are empowered to understand contracts, pricing, licensing, and how to advocate for themselves, they create stronger work and a stronger community.

If you want local art and independent voices to survive, you can’t just consume passively. You have to participate. That’s how a scene stays alive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jayfarrellauthor.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/jayfarrellauthor
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/jayfarrellauthor
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/jayfarrellphotography615

Image Credits

Dave Koz shot the image of me. The others are mine of course