I'm a train, I'm a train, I'm a chicka train

[Donald]

Anyone remember that song from the (?) 1960s/70s?

I was reminded of it last week when travelling on the volunteer-run Strathspey Steam Railway. A wonderful experience that re-kindled so many childhood memories that had been long forgotten.

The Admin Manager of the Railway has asked if they can use this one in promotional material. That will be my donation to the railway.

Comments welcome.

Getting the steam with detail and not blown, was the big challenge. My answer to getting it right was to go their one day and use the 10-15 seconds that you get with the train in view as a trial run. I got it totally wrong and the steam was completely blown. But I then learned for when I went back a couple of days later and, I think, got it right.


40D, 24-70mm f/2.8L @ 34mm. ISO800. 1/500s@f5.6

[Mike Buckley]

Beautiful image, Donald. You definitely nailed the detail in the steam. I also like that you included the fence, as the context seems more interesting with it than without it.

[Donald]

Thank you, Mike. And in particular for your comment re the fence.

I worked hard on the composition and the fence being as it is, is very deliberate.

I got into location about 40 minutes before the train was due at that place. That was to get the composition right. I knew, from 2 days earlier, the fence was there and I knew I wanted to use it.

It was raining. I had a Storm Jacket cover on the camera, so it was okay. But I had forgotten to take a waterproof jacket. So I spent 40 minutes setting up the composition that I wanted and standing waiting ... getting soaked.

But, for me, it was worth it and, perversely, makes photography great fun.

[Polar01]

What we will not do for the shot, very, very nice image.

Cheers:

Allan

[Digital]

Donald, very nice image.



Bruce

[chauncey]

Your patience was rewarded with a very nice picture.

That will be my donation to the railway

A very considerate gesture. Congratulations!

[Wavelength]

A perfect image for National archive; really well done

[John 2]

Nice image Donald. At least in the rain, contrast levels were manageable and you have got the highlights and shadows just right. Full marks for persevering in the weather. It was worth it.

[Brownbear]

Beautiful image... Amazing detail, focus and clarity.

[FootLoose]

Great image, Donald, you did nail the steam.

[rpcrowe]

Neat image and great spot from which to shoot. IMO, trains are always more interesting/exciting when photographed rounding a curve...

[Shadowman]

Very nice, timeless image.

[dulceza]

So the fence inclusion was deliberate, but how about the mechanic poking his head through the window ? Nice comp, well executed, congratulations !
Dora

[Loose Canon]

Congratulations Donald! Beautiful image and no wonder the RR wants it.

I recently hiked to 12,000 ft in the raining cold to shoot a waterfall!

The things we do to get to release a shutter, but sometimes it just about doing it.

Hope for a payoff, and whether or not we get the shot it was never for lack of trying!

Beautiful image Donald!

[Donald]

Thank you for the comments.

Neat image and great spot from which to shoot. IMO, trains are always more interesting/exciting when photographed rounding a curve...

Richard - I agree. Gives the shot more interest I think. For this shot, I am standing down from a small bridge that crosses over the track and across which you drive to get to the little station at the end of the line. I spotted the location when we were driving over that bridge a couple of days beforehand and immediately saw it as a very possible location for a shot.

So the fence inclusion was deliberate, but how about the mechanic poking his head through the window

Dora - I'd like to claim the credit for having set it all up, but the the decision of the mechanic to stick his head out as they rounded the curve was my bonus for the day.

... but sometimes it just about doing it.!

That is so true and something a lot of us, including me, need to sign up to a lot more.

[Dave Humphries]

How did I miss this thread? - ah the date - I was 'indisposed' about then!

Very nice shot Donald.

I also really liked the 2' 20" 'view from above' video on the site's home page (direct YouTube link, in case they remove it) - it really gives an idea of the location and some unique perspectives of your locomotive.

Cheers,