Something besides the train

[E.M. Bell]

My main focus (pun intended) of photography has always been railroads. Over the years I have tried to develop a style that would put the subject in its "natural" surroundings..ie..include more than just the train in the frame. Sometimes you have to be creative to do this, and some times you just get lucky.

Back in May A group of us went out to shoot a couple of special passenger trains that ran to Louisville Ky for the KY derby. They ran over a line that did not offer itself to good sun angles or much "exciting" scenery. We came upon a farm outside of Shelbyville Ky that would offer a decent, well lit side view of the train as it passed. While the rest of the group went for a standard side shot from a hill with nothing but a cornfield in the forground, I chose a low angle with a big ol dead tree and barn. I didnt get the shots everyone else got, but I was pleased with the result...

http://jreb.org/v-web/gallery/albums/derby06/rjcderbysville050606.sized.jpg

http://jreb.org/v-web/gallery/albums/derby06/rjcbarn050606.sized.jpg

[E.M. Bell]

another favorite that goes with this thread. Taken near Corbin Ky.

http://jreb.org/v-web/gallery/albums/album29/csxn288csx92corbin050904.sized.jpg

[tellysurv]

Great work as usual Mr. Bell.

[Ballen Photo]

My main focus (pun intended) of photography has always been railroads. Over the years I have tried to develop a style that would put the subject in its "natural" surroundings..ie..include more than just the train in the frame. Well, I think You succeeded admirably with all three of these image's. My favorite being #3 (1st in second post.) :D
-Bruce

[2005GLI]

Great shots, love the tunnel motors.

[PhotosGuy]

Very nice! (You couldn't reach that hanging branch in the 1st one?) :D

[Woolburr]

#1 is a super concept for that shot. Well done.

[E.M. Bell]

Very nice! (You couldn't reach that hanging branch in the 1st one?) :D

Thanks for all the comments guys. That tree limb caused some serious exploration of angles to keep it out of the way..and I was about 3 or 4 inches to short to do anything about it!

[J T]

I think the first shot is a good perspective. I'd be quite happy with that location if it was all I had to work with. Just enough leaves on the trees to create some color, but not enough to impede the view of the first passenger car. Nice timing.

[E.M. Bell]

It appears these engines are ex-SP SD40T-2's.

RJC has a several of those SD40-2T's. Most came from the DRGW, and a couple from the SP.

[rckaine]

Over the years I have tried to develop a style that would put the subject in its "natural" surroundings..ie..include more than just the train in the frame. Sometimes you have to be creative to do this, and some times you just get lucky.

IMO... I respect the idea of taking in the entire surroundings in composing a shot and you get something different than the guy next to you but it also depends on what you are after in your shot. For me I like to record the train, the locomotives and the type of cars on the train. For locating the shot I try for a signal or mile post or someother object that can place the train.

I do think you made your point in style for your shots.

Kaine

[twisted pixels]

I think the way you have captured these images is great.
They are really pleasant photos to look at.
Well done.