The Secret Life of Trains is a documentary photography project by Chris Wait. As a documentary and street photographer, Chris is fascinated by the lives of ordinary people as they navigate the different micro-communities, cultures and environments that make up everyday life.

His approach is to observe and capture life as it unfolds — honestly and without romanticising it — seeking moments that reveal the raw human essence of a place and its people.

In The Secret Life of Trains, Chris explores the people who rely on trains as a fundamental part of their daily lives. For many, trains are more than simply a means of transportation. They are places where significant amounts of time are spent travelling between home and work, and where countless human experiences unfold: encounters, relationships, routines, moments of solitude, tension, humour and unexpected connection.

The project is now evolving beyond still photography into a documentary series that explores the people, stories and environments surrounding the train journey. Through this expanded format, Chris aims to create a deeper portrait of the world that exists on and around the railway — a world that is often overlooked, yet forms an essential part of everyday life for millions of people.