Select photos from my collection are now available for sale at ImageKind.

My passion for place drives my photographic interests. I'm interested in all that makes a particular area unique and worth visiting, starting with the place's history. But not history solely in terms of political and business leaders of a century ago and the grand buildings and monuments they left behind. I enjoy these, but generally they have already been well documented in terms of photography and research. I'm more excited about the sort of things that a historical preservation committee would be likely to ignore, but that any local would instantly recognize, like a unique service station building, a rusting neon sign from the 1930s for a dive bar, or even a popular sandwich from a cafe that they have been serving up for the last 40 years.

My subjects aren't limited to cultural artifacts, however. I also like to get out and hike and photograph the natural wonders that each region has to offer. Living in Northern California has been a real blessing in that regard, with the dramatic beauty of the northern coast and the Sierra Nevada, and the more subtle and serene charms of the foothills and Central Valley.

I recently moved from Sacramento to Napa, and am excited to explore new areas and dive into much greater depth in exploring areas I have visited all too briefly before. I never know what it's going to be, but I always know that I'm going to run into something that excites and that I wish to share with everyone else who takes the time to look at my photographs.

E-mail: tom [at] tomspaulding [dot] net

Photos of Tom Spaulding (47)

  • 20120302_a1645 by Tom Spaulding
  • I'd trade all my tomorrows for one single yesterday by Tom Spaulding
  • The Truth Comes Out by David Gallagher
  • 20111001_3701 by Tom Spaulding
  • 20110804_1149 by Tom Spaulding
  • 20101210 Me @ Andre's by Tom Spaulding
  • 20101030_0062 by Tom Spaulding
  • 20100819 Self Portrait by Tom Spaulding
  • 20100625 Tom the Bull Rider by Tom Spaulding
  • 20100530 A Portrait of the Artist by Tom Spaulding
  • 20100516 Saturday Night! by Tom Spaulding
  • 20100314 Two-Fisting It by Tom Spaulding
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Tom Spaulding's favorite photos from other Flickr members (3,881)

  • under the pier 2 by spauldingtj
  • Pope Valley Blacksmith Shop by ElizB
  • Under Repair by Josh Sommers
  • The Good Ole Days Return by BigSkyKatie
  • Club 50 Cafe, Lincoln Highway, north of Ely, NV by brianbutko
  • Time Tunnel by Jef Poskanzer
  • Trautwein's Red Goose Shoes Vintage Neon Sign in St. Louis, MO_IMG_7360 by Wampa-One
  • LIQUORS by Dennis Dixson
  • Shanghai Low, San Luis Obispo, CA by richardgin.org
  • STATE by Dennis Dixson
  • Donut Drive-In by Michael R. Allen
  • Wow by Thomas Hawk
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Contacts (390)

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Galleries (6)

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Testimonials (6)

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    Jeremy Brooks says:

    "Tom has one of the best collections of neon signs that I have come across. Not only are the photos beautiful, he has taken the time to do research on them and give us some history. A modern urban historian!"

    20th July, 2009

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    Thomas Hawk says:

    "Tom Spaulding is an inspiration to all who would shoot the beautiful world of yesteryear. He has one of the finest collections of neon signs on Flickr or anywhere for that matter. More than just the signs though, Tom researches. He generously shares with the world what he learns and what he finds. I find it a treat to see each new part of yesterday's world that he continuously brings us week in and week out. Thanks Tom."

    15th November, 2008

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    MousseFromSacto says:

    "I have no idea how he does it, but being a non-native Californian, Tom definitely outdoes many others when it comes to his knowledge of the region, its history, and best places to grab a burger. The sheer amount of images he contributes ensures that California's (and Sacramento's especially) changing landscape is fully documented in images. His passion for it shows the moment you meet him on one of his frequent photowalks."

    22nd August, 2008

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    illtakeyourphoto! says:

    "Sacramento and Central California are lucky to have an urban archeologist like Tom as a resident. He finds the hidden treasures that time has passed up. Not only photographing and keeping an archive, but actually taking time to research subjects.

    Even at times like now where I find myself too busy to check out flickr, I at least make time for photos from tspauld!"

    24th March, 2007

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    Carrie Taylor says:

    "Tom's photos are inspiring and interesting. With camera in hand, he documents the details of life masterfully. His sets are well thought out and colorful. From his neon sign photos to his cheeseburger shots, he displays plenty of cool images to stimulate the senses."

    5th December, 2006

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    Basuraman (Dan) says:

    "Looking at tspauld's sign pictures has inspired me to go out a "just shoot." What tspauld does takes effort, time and thought. All of these make me want to shoot more. Thank you."

    18th October, 2006

Name:
Tom Spaulding
Joined:
June 2005
Currently:
Napa, CA, US
I am:
Male and Taken
Website:
My blog: The NorCal Explorer