Photographed in Tucumcari, New Mexico, this image features the iconic Blue Swallow Motel, one of the most beloved landmarks along Route 66. Built in 1939, the motel remains a living piece of American history — its pink stucco walls, turquoise trim, and neon swallow still welcoming travelers with the promise of “100% Refrigerated Air.”
In this composition, a vintage car rests beneath the sign, completing the classic roadside tableau that has come to define the highway’s golden age. The quietness of the scene contrasts with the road’s once-bustling energy — a glimpse into both past and persistence.
Created using the wet plate collodion process, the photograph captures the texture of paint, metal, and desert light with unmatched depth. Each plate’s unique imperfections mirror the patina and endurance of the place itself.
Part of the NomadType Route 66 series, Blue Swallow Motel stands as a tribute to the heart of the open road — a reminder that beauty and history still live in the small places that time forgot.
Photographed in Tucumcari, New Mexico, this image features the iconic Blue Swallow Motel, one of the most beloved landmarks along Route 66. Built in 1939, the motel remains a living piece of American history — its pink stucco walls, turquoise trim, and neon swallow still welcoming travelers with the promise of “100% Refrigerated Air.”
In this composition, a vintage car rests beneath the sign, completing the classic roadside tableau that has come to define the highway’s golden age. The quietness of the scene contrasts with the road’s once-bustling energy — a glimpse into both past and persistence.
Created using the wet plate collodion process, the photograph captures the texture of paint, metal, and desert light with unmatched depth. Each plate’s unique imperfections mirror the patina and endurance of the place itself.
Part of the NomadType Route 66 series, Blue Swallow Motel stands as a tribute to the heart of the open road — a reminder that beauty and history still live in the small places that time forgot.
