Abandoned rail 2

[tbob]

This may give a better sense of abandonment then the first, the weeds between the tracks make it obvious the track is not in use.

The first A lesson learned (for the five hundreth time)

I went back yesterday, without the clouds the image is too bland. Something I will bear in mind for future shots.

[Mike Buckley]

Considering the limitations of the clouds in this second scene, you wisely chose to tell a very different story. Both images work really well for me for very different reasons.

[John 2]

I love this Trevor, including the slight tilt on the rails which to me adds a nice dynamic. Another clue to the abandonment is the lack of shine on the top of the rails. Missed your original which I also like. The trouble with this forum is that it is so healthy that posts move so fast that you don't always catch them if all you look at is the Latest Threads. Must do better.

[Donald]

Just commented on Facebook, saying, "Aahh. Now these are getting really serious. That brush etc growing up at the side of and between the tracks - wonderful.

What about applying a red filter in post processing (do you have that option?). That will darken up the blue of the sky and could have an even greater dramatic effect."

[tbob]

Considering the limitations of the clouds in this second scene, you wisely chose to tell a very different story. Both images work really well for me for very different reasons.

Interesting to me that the sky has to be an integral part of the image. A flat blue sky and the image is deadly dull.

[Mike Buckley]

Interesting to me that the sky has to be an integral part of the image.

The sky doesn't have to be included in the image, much less an integral part of the image. However, once you decided to include it in both images, you did a really great job of creating two different images that made such excellent use of the sky that was available at the time.

[tbob]

I love this Trevor, including the slight tilt on the rails which to me adds a nice dynamic. Another clue to the abandonment is the lack of shine on the top of the rails.

The slight tilt was something I tried to avoid! But the wide angle lens and the fact I am slightly off to the right means I cannot avoid it. When I tried to level the rails and ties the whole scene became weirdly skewed. However I am content now for the very reason you pointed out. Seems to work well. May be a lesson inadvertently learned!

[tbob]

Just commented on Facebook, saying, "Aahh. Now these are getting really serious. That brush etc growing up at the side of and between the tracks - wonderful.

What about applying a red filter in post processing (do you have that option?). That will darken up the blue of the sky and could have an even greater dramatic effect."

I will revisit this and fiddle with the red filter, thanks Donald

[Mike Buckley]

I think it's very possible that avoiding the slight tilt would have required relaying the track. Doing so would have been something you would have remembered the rest of your life but I'm not at all sure would have resulted in a better photo.

[tbob]

The sky doesn't have to be included in the image, much less an integral part of the image. However, once you decided to include it in both images, you did a really great job of creating two different images that made such excellent use of the sky that was available at the time.

Thanks Mike I am still trying different compositions. Seems I need something more than the rails for the image to work

This one has a blue sky. Opinions? I need the weed (no nasty comments please!) so cannot cut the sky down.

[Mike Buckley]

I like the improved detail of the rocks in the shadow of the rail but overall this image doesn't move me as much as either of the other two images. If you could darken the sky using Donald's idea of converting using a red filter, doing so might separate the important weed from the sky better.

I would love an explanation of what the "W" indicates.

[bnnrcn]

I like the first one Trevor and I really wonder how Donald's suggestion about red filter works with the image because it is a lesson for me too.I would very much like to see your edit

[Scouse]

First shot is great Trev and the lesson learnt is so apt.

[tbob]

I would love an explanation of what the "W" indicates.

The W is a notice to the engineer to sound the whistle/horn. Just around the corner is a level crossing. The engineer would not see it until they were almost on it.

[tbob]

Binnur These are the two versions with the amendments (or close) suggested by Donald and Mike. I adjusted the blue filter as well to darken the sky as the red filter darkened the stones a bit too for my taste much by itself

There is some banding in the sky on the first, probably something that is fixable with time and effort

[Shadowman]

Trevor,

There's just enough clouds in the image to add interest, but I suspect that the clouds aren't really what you want the viewers eyes drawn towards, more what's on the horizon or what could be there. A bit more work on the different aspects might make for a more interesting composition.

[Scouse]

I know critique is strictly subjective, everyone sees what he wants to see.
So without trying to offend anyone I really like Trevor's idea here.
The bleakness of an abandoned railroad with weeds growing through the tracks, the big cloud streaked sky just a memory of what the railroad once was in forgotten history. The picture tells a story.


The first and last are winners.

[Donald]

I'm booking my flight now. What a location. I'm sure I could happily spend a week shooting in and around that rail track.

[tbob]

Trevor,

There's just enough clouds in the image to add interest, but I suspect that the clouds aren't really what you want the viewers eyes drawn towards, more what's on the horizon or what could be there. A bit more work on the different aspects might make for a more interesting composition.

Over the last several years I have found that a cloudless sky just doesn't work well with prairie scenes, the old buildings and now the abandoned railway. Perhaps it's just me but I find the composition a lot more appealing.

[tbob]

I know critique is strictly subjective, everyone sees what he wants to see.
So without trying to offend anyone I really like Trevor's idea here.
The bleakness of an abandoned railroad with weeds growing through the tracks, the big cloud streaked sky just a memory of what the railroad once was in forgotten history. The picture tells a story.


The first and last are winners.

Not going to offend me; this is exactly what I am going for with these.