Amusement parks are a lively and important part of American recreation. They answer a call for excitement and thrills - higher, faster, longer, twistier!

Parks' policies generally do not allow cameras or other loose articles on their rides, making the creation of this work more challenging.

From California to New Jersey, from Texas to Illinois, these photographs are the result of numerous emotional roller coasters and countless screams. They comprise more than six years' effort to capture the tension, speed, fear and love of a popular American pastime.

This series has been shot at various Six Flags amusement parks around the country.

Click on icons to the left to go to the page of images from that Park.