Show us your railway pictures ... 3

CN 781 @ Sainte-Madeleine by Mathieu Tremblay, on Flickr

SLT-A77V, Sony 16-50, 24 mm, f/8.0, ISO 400, 1/1600

AudioDoc wrote: Lovely, Mathieu! Tell about where this is and how you made this capture. I like the composition with choppy water in foreground, setting sun and a couple solitary trees behind the train. I think other (non train) photographers don't really understand the process (and sometimes pain) involved in getting photos like this. Waiting in the cold and wind and hoping you get lucky with timing -- all the elements have to come together. Train, setting sun and other elements. At least here in Utah, sometimes you wait hours before a train passes.

Thank you sir! It is rare that I spend time waiting trackside for something to show up. I'm not THAT patient. I'll wait for hours if I know something is coming, but uncertainty is painful. A railfan's best tool is the radio scanner. That's how I learned about the existence of the train in the above picture.

This time of year, there are some great opportunities for morning rising sun shots on my way to work. I usually go for the morning VIA Rail/commuter train rush on the Montreal South Shore -- easy catches that run on schedules. Sometimes, the CN will run a freight train right through the bustling traffic (they own the track, after all). Of course, there is always a bit of luck involved, as freight trains do not run on a schedule (although there are semi-reliable "patterns"). For a great railroad shot, you need the right mix of location/composition, rail trafic and weather/lighting conditions.

One of the things railphotogs enjoy is chasing. Basically, you'll be following a train along its route, stopping at several photo spots along the way. This requires planning, terrain scouting/observations, knowledge of railroad operations and trafic trends. Certain spots work better in the morning for a eastbound train, while other spots are great for that late afternoon "glint" shot. The Internet makes this easier, but it is always interesting. I use SunCalc.net a lot -- awesome tool.

That sums it up, somewhat. I've been thinking of writing up a "day in the life of a railfan" article for people who are outside of the circle...

AudioDoc wrote: A77? New camera? If so congratulations! How do you like compared with you A65? Regards, Kelly

The A77 is awesome. It is replacing my trusty A33. Now I have consistent IQ with both bodies. The dual wheels and joystick are great. I'm still getting used to it, of course. The above photo is one of the first I've taken with it.

Here's another one of the same session:


CN 781 @ Sainte-Madeleine by Mathieu Tremblay, on Flickr

Sony A77V, Sony 16-50, 35 mm, f/8.0, ISO 400, 1/640

Edited by magicman841 - 03 December 2012 at 03:16

Bravo, Mathieu! Very insightful and a very precise description of a day in the life of us "railphotogs"! "For a great railroad shot, you need the right mix of location/composition, rail traffic and weather/lighting conditions". I think you summed it up very nicely. So much work, time skill, pain, patience and lots of luck go into making a great rail photo. I can see it and appreciate it in your photographs, Mathieu! I've been there!    I am looking forward to your your article, "day in the life of a railfan". And more brilliant photos posted here and hopefully in Trains Magazine too!

Congrats again on the new camera and of course, on the fine photographs too!

Regards,

Kelly

My First published photo, Trains Magazine, January 2013 Issue

Sorry -- can't resist sharing! This is just a nice accomplishment for me!
Regards,
Kelly

AudioDoc wrote: ... Sorry -- can't resist sharing! This is just a nice accomplishment for me! Regards, Kelly

Don't be sorry Kelly, be proud.
Peter

Our Welsh Highland train pauses at Pont Croesor station, the distinctive peak of Cnicht towers above it.



Merddyn Emrys, raring to go.

Hi Dieke,

The photo is not showing up. However, I am able to visit your Jalbum. Very nice photos.

Regards,

Kelly

Never mind. I can see it now.


Edited by AudioDoc - 13 December 2012 at 22:52