Your Chicago 'L' photo could be the cover of my new book: Tracks of the Chicago L
PHOTO COVER CONTEST: Tracks of the Chicago L
I'm looking for the best photograph to potentially become the cover of my upcoming book, Tracks of the Chicago L.
I'm inviting photographers, transit enthusiasts, and anyone who has captured a great Chicago L photograph to submit their best shot.
I'm especially interested in photographs featuring trains, tracks, stations, signals, interlockings, bridges, or interesting Chicago surroundings. Golden hour, sunrise or sunset, autumn, winter, snow, rain, dramatic weather, or unique perspectives are especially welcome. Photos from any season will be considered if the image stands out.
The winner will receive:
• A free copy of Tracks of the Chicago L
• Full photographic credit in the book
• Credit in related promotional material
• A link to the photographer's preferred social media, website, portfolio, or other page.
• The photographer retains copyright ownership of the submitted photograph.
Simple rules:
• You must own the copyright to the photograph you submit.
• The train or trains shown in the photograph must be in active passenger service. Photographs featuring CTA revenue equipment such as the 2600-series, 3200-series, 5000-series, or 7000-series are eligible. Photographs primarily featuring retired, preserved, work, or out-of-service equipment are not eligible.
• Photographs must be taken from lawful, non-restricted locations, unless you have explicit permission or authorization to be in the area. No trespassing or unauthorized access to CTA property, railroad property, tracks, tunnels, construction areas, or other restricted areas.
• Drone photographs must comply with all applicable FAA, state, and local laws and airspace requirements.
• Multiple photographs may be submitted.
• AI-generated images are not eligible.
• Normal photographic editing is permitted, including cropping, exposure, contrast, and color adjustments.
• The winning photograph may be cropped or adjusted as necessary to fit the book cover design.
By submitting a photograph, you confirm that you have the right to grant permission for the photograph to be considered for publication.
Submission deadline: October 15, 2026 (11:59 PM, Pacific Time)
To enter, email your photograph to: calcagnomaps@gmail.com
Subject line: Tracks of the Chicago L Cover Photo Contest
Please include your name and, if desired, your Instagram, website, portfolio, or other preferred link for photo credit.
Please submit the highest resolution version available. If your photograph is selected, I will request the original high-resolution file.
I'm looking forward to seeing what Chicago L photographers have captured. The winning photograph could become the face of Tracks of the Chicago L.
