For more than 22 years, David Schwartz has chased Route 66 — over 40 trips, waiting for the right light and that neon glow.

This spring, eight of his photos will become the official USPS Route 66 Centennial stamp series (plus a ninth on the pane). One stamp per state, from Chicago to LA.

The USPS discovered him the old-fashioned way: a Google search and a phone call.

The stamps drop in May. In the meantime, Schwartz is opening his Lakewood studio and offering limited edition prints from the series.

I had the chance to drive Route 66 back in the day and it carries a nostalgic beauty every American should experience. It’s pretty special that one of the people capturing it lives right here on the Westside.

Visit picsonroute66.com for studio dates and prints.

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