A Tribute to Jim Wrinn and the Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway Photo Story

Remembering Jim Wrinn: A Tribute and a Story Untold

In late December 2020, while I was living in North Carolina, I heard from Jim Wrinn, who was the editor of Trains Magazine at the time. Jim was more than just an editor to me. He was a close friend, a mentor, and one of my biggest supporters. He believed in my work even when I had doubts, and he was always quick to offer advice or encouragement, whether I asked for it or not.

Me photographing Jim in 2015 during a N&W J611 photo charter after the steam locomotive’s completed restoration. (Photo by T.J. Mahan)

Jim reached out with a special project idea. He wanted me to document a short-line railroad somewhere in North Carolina and tell the story of what a typical day looks like for a train crew. It was a unique chance to capture the life behind the scenes on a railroad that often goes unnoticed but plays a critical role in the industry.

I contacted several short-line railroads in the state. Jennifer White, President of the Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway, responded and gave me complete access to ride along with their train crews. Over two days, I spent time on board with the crews and followed their routes by vehicle to capture the landscape the railroad passes through.

Jim asked me to write a short piece to go with the photos he planned to publish. He hoped to run the story in early 2022. Sadly, Jim passed away in March 2022, and with his passing, the story did not move forward. This was the last project I had the honor of working on with Jim before he passed, which makes finally sharing this photo project even more special to me. I have reached out to the new editors at Trains Magazine about publishing the photos, but they were unsure of where Jim intended to take the story, so it has been passed over.

Today I want to share that piece here as a tribute to Jim. He believed in me and supported my work throughout my career. Whether it was career advice or trusting me with big projects like the Norfolk & Western J611 restoration coverage, Jim was always there. I hope this post honors him and also highlights the hardworking crews of the Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway.

A Day with the Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway

The Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway is North Carolina’s largest short-line railroad. It runs tracks between Charlotte and Star, where it splits with one line heading toward Raleigh through Gulf, and the other going to Pinehurst and ending in Aberdeen. The railroad even passes through the famous Pinehurst Golf Course, which was the site of the 2024 U.S. Open.

The railroad’s headquarters is in Candor, North Carolina. This is where train crews begin their 12-hour shifts. The ACWR connects with two major Class 1 railroads, Norfolk Southern and CSX, which helps move freight through the region.

Crew members start their day by filling out paperwork and getting the necessary permissions for the routes they will run. Their work can vary from moving empty freight cars to connection points for Norfolk Southern or CSX, switching local industries, or operating unit trains that cross the line daily.

Depending on the job, crews operate locomotives painted in ACWR’s distinctive purple and green colors. Unit trains might be powered by engines from CSX or Norfolk Southern, depending on where they came from.

Crews work 12-hour shifts in a schedule of five days on and two days off. Both day and night shifts run daily. Riding with the crew, you quickly notice how the track has a roller coaster-like feel, with rises and dips that keep the crew alert.

ACWR runs about 20 locomotives, mostly wide-nosed GP40-2s and SD40-3s. The crews usually operate the SD40-3s. Even though it is a short-line, the Aberdeen Carolina & Western runs like a major railroad and its crews work with the heart and dedication that shows.

Remembering Jim Wrinn

Jim was always willing to listen to my ideas, whether they were about railroading or something else. He gave me advice on my career, sometimes before I even asked for it. Some of my favorite memories with Jim come from the Trains Magazine events we attended together, especially helping him finish the live coverage of the Norfolk & Western J611 restoration. I can still hear his voice and laugh when we talked.

Jim Wrinn photographed in 2015 doing a livestream for Trains Magazine.

Losing Jim was a huge personal and professional loss. Finally sharing the last images from the last project we worked on together in this post is my way of honoring the friendship we had and the trust he placed in my work.

- Ben.

10 Lessons I Learned Taking a TEMPORARY Break from Photography to Working at Walmart (Without Losing My Clients)

I Took a Temporary break from Photography: 10 Lessons I learned from The 3 Months I worked at Walmart

“Sometimes, stepping away is the only way to see clearly.”

This is a story about burnout, rediscovery, and a hell of a wake-up call. It’s also a bit of a love letter to my family, my town, and the career I almost walked away from entirely.

This post might make or break my business. But I’ve always believed in being real and honest, and today I need to share this. Because sometimes life throws a storm at you—literally—and it forces you to reassess everything.

“3 months. 90 shifts. One giant shift in mindset.”

Why I Left NASCAR and What Changed

Some of you knew, but for the most part, I kept it quiet: I worked at Walmart for three months as a Digital Grocery Shopper. Only my close friends or those who needed to know my schedule were aware.

It wasn’t some grand fall from grace. It was survival. After Hurricane Helene hit, even though our home was spared serious damage (besides a flooded basement), I wasn’t. Emotionally, mentally—it shook me. I had flown out that same morning to shoot a NASCAR race in Kansas, ignoring every gut feeling that screamed at me not to go. I took a longer route through Wytheville instead of my normal drive through Boone, NC—thankfully, because the usual roads were wiped out.

I remember sitting at the gate, watching the plane shake in the wind, scrolling Facebook, and seeing Boone underwater. My stomach dropped. Montanna was already texting me, she was scared as trees fell around our home and the wind roared. She begged me to come back. I didn’t listen. I got on that plane.

By the time I landed, and as I walking walking off the plane I was on the phone with Montanna as she was telling me that Damascus was being evacuated. She and the kids were packing up. I watched a video she sent—my kids scared, her voice shaking—and I knew. I was done. Done putting my job before my family. Done missing the signs. Done traveling full-time for work.

I texted my boss and said I was going home.

That flight back was the hardest of my life. I had chosen my career over my family’s safety. Even if no one could predict the storm’s impact, I knew. My gut knew. And from that moment on, I promised myself things were going to change.

I finished out the NASCAR season and told my bosses I was done. People said I was crazy. Maybe I was. But I’d never been more certain.

Since then, I’ve been choosing the assignments that work for me and my family. I’ve fallen back in love with photography. I’m home every night. I see my wife and kids every weekend. I’m present. And that dark cloud I carried around for years? It’s starting to lift.

But starting over was tough. I didn’t have a local portfolio outside of racing. I didn’t have local clients. So I took a job that paid the bills and gave me time to rebuild.

That job was Walmart. I should also note that I do not work at Walmart any longer and am back to offering my photography services full-time.

And over three months, I learned more than I ever expected—not just about retail, but about myself, my business, and what truly matters.

So here it is:

10 Things I Learned from Working at Walmart (That I’m Bringing Into My Photography Business)

1. The 4am Club is real.
Waking up every day at 4am to be at work by 5 taught me just how much I can get done before most people even hit snooze. Productivity skyrockets when you own your mornings.

2. People just want to feel heard.
I dealt with a lot of frustrated customers. But you’d be surprised what a smile, calm tone, and a little empathy can do. It’s the same in photography—how you treat people matters.

3. Walking + podcasts = creative gold.
Walking close to eight miles a day with audiobooks and podcasts gave my brain time to wander, imagine, and plan. I came home buzzing with ideas for my business. That quiet movement time is powerful.

4. Coworkers shape your experience.
Whether you’re in NASCAR or picking frozen pizzas, your team can make or break a job. I made real friends at Walmart—people I still hang out with today.

5. Leadership matters.
Good bosses lead with empathy and encouragement. Bad ones lead with fear. Walmart reminded me how much leadership style impacts morale—and I carry that into how I collaborate now.

6. There’s always more going on behind the scenes.
The OGP (Online Grocery Pickup) system is a beast. Fast-paced, detailed, and team-driven. It reminded me how, in photography too, people only see the end result—but the behind-the-scenes work matters deeply.

7. I was ashamed. Then I wasn’t.
I felt embarrassed at first. From photographing NASCAR to picking groceries? But I did what I had to do for my family and my future. And I gained an even deeper respect for retail workers—hardworking people who don’t get nearly the credit they deserve.

8. Show up and give a damn.
I took pride in my work, even if it wasn’t glamorous. And guess what? People noticed. Same goes for photography: if you care, it shows. Your attitude always leaves a mark.

9. Wear solid shoes. Seriously.
I walked miles daily—thank God for my Hokas. But here’s the metaphor: proper shoes = being prepared. In business, preparation helps you go the distance. Know your gear, know your client, and show up ready.

10. There is no such thing as starting over. You’re just building differently.
Working at Walmart didn’t erase my past. It added to it. I didn’t “start over.” I redirected. I learned what I’m made of, what I value, and how much I love what I do. And now, I’m building something more sustainable, more fulfilling—and more me—than I ever had before.

This year has been humbling. But it’s also been healing. I found my fire again. I reconnected with why I picked up a camera in the first place. And most importantly, I found my why—my family, my community, my joy.

To anyone out there navigating a career shift, burnout, or the hard choice between “what pays the bills” and “what fills your soul”—you’re not alone.

You just might find your clarity on the grocery aisle like I did.

—

Thanks for reading. If this resonated with you, I’d love to hear your story—or answer any questions about what this transition has been like. Feel free to blast me an email or message me on the various social media platforms that I am on. Also, just to restate, I not longer work at Walmart and am offering my photography services full-time again.

- Sincerly, Ben Earp

Two Dogs, One Child and one more on the way?! (Photo How-To)

Our Baby Announcement – A Photographer’s Take

A couple of months ago, my wife, Montanna, and I shared the exciting news that we’re expecting a little boy in March! Naturally, as a photographer, I knew I had to announce our baby in a creative way through photography.

After brainstorming, Montanna and I decided on a unique approach—we would include a letter board, my stepson, Remi, and, for the fun challenge, our two dogs all in one image! Sounds like a recipe for chaos, right? It had the potential to turn into a meltdown with two runaway dogs.

Spoiler alert: There were no meltdowns, and the dogs did better than expected! In fact, I pulled off the entire shot in under 10 minutes. To create the final image, I actually combined three separate photos. I’ll share the original final image first, followed by the three unedited, straight-out-of-camera frames that made it possible.

Enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at how we created our special baby announcement!