Luke Agbaimoni - Tube Mapper

Tube Mapper is a dazzling photography project conceived by Luke Agbaimoni which aims to photograph every station & stop on the London Underground. As Luke says himself on his website: "The Underground is the backbone of London and is a network of shared experiences and visual memories." I couldn't agree more. The images Luke has created since the project's inception are nothing short of mazing. His photographs celebrate in a unique way the visual stimulations most of us miss when we're travelling on the oldest underground network in the world. I managed to tear Luke away from the network long enough to answer a few quick fire questions and see just why he loves to spend so much of his time below ground.

When did you first pick up a camera?

I'm not sure really. I had film cameras as a kid, what would be considered as point and shoot camera now. I did an art degree so  I used cameras throughout. These were again mainly film as digital cameras were very much in their infancy. So I've always used cameras even though I wouldn't say I was an active photographer. 

When did your love affair with the London Underground network begin? 

Just before my first child was born. I realized that I wouldn't be able to take photos of sunrises and sunsets anymore so I decide a way to continue with my creative photography wa to take photos on my way to work and journey home. I shared these on social media and they created such a buzz. This is how the project started.

Your brilliant photographs transcend travel photography. How would you describe your style? Street photography deep underground?

I think that's a good description. It's almost street photography. Some sorts definitely are, many are not. Generally, I think of myself as an artist - so perhaps the underground is the canvas where I capture art in whatever form it takes.

Some of your photos are staged, many are taken on the fly - which do you prefer?

I don't have a preference. Each illustrate different things. 

Do the staff/drivers at TFL recognise you? Do they invite you into their hallowed canteens for a cup of tea? 

Yes, they do! I have been invited to their areas of the station and seen a few secrets behind the scenes... 

What interests you most - the trains, the people, the architecture? 

It's the combination: the interplay of all these elements. 

Is there a single photo (or collection) that you're most proud of? 

No, I always say my conversation with my photography is constantly changing. However, my symmetry collection was really fun. I'm very much enjoying my recent portrait project capturing people at their favourite stations. 

Have you got a favourite line? (Mine would be the Piccadilly - as an out-of-towner many of my tube journeys begin at Cockfosters). 

I don't have a favourite line but I do love the Bakerloo Line trains the most as they are like museums on tracks. 

I see from your website you've photographed the Glasgow Underground. Do you have your sights set on networks further afield? Maybe the NYC subway?

I would love to. If I can arrange this in a financial appropriate way I would jump at the chance.

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A massive thank you to Luke. He really is a legend.