Trackside with Erik and Mike, Vol. 14: August 23, 2004

[Anonymous]

I voted for Erik's. Mike's photo was a bit dark.

[kuschi]

I went for Eric's picutre because it is unusual to see a frontal view photo. Normally you see the standard right/ left front view on pictures. That brings me to Mike's pictures, it is too dark in my eyes (or monitor), I miss the details on the tracks and body

[railman]

Eric's is the winner today...the rarity of the shot, interesting framing, and background are what sets it apart from a normal-looking WC shot.

[Anonymous]

I actually preferred Erik's braoder view shot from earlier in the article, if only minus the pickup truck. There are so many engine and train pictures published, that I appreciate photos of the trackside tableu and shots that say railroading is more than just the machine in the front.

That said, the engineer (or is it the conductor?) in the cab really made Erik's shot. I think Mike caught the scene and environment very well in his shot, at the loss of detail in the train itself. I appreciate his attempts at using on-camera tools to enhance his photographs. It gives results you just can't get manipulating effects on the computer.

[mandelswamp]

While I liked both photos, Erik's shot is too nose on and thus does not allow the viewer to really see much of the whole train. Mike's shot gives you all of the leading engines and a glimpse at some of the freight cars framed in a pretty blue sky and great greenery. So Mike wins my vote but loses Erik's cash.

[Anonymous]

I voted for Erik this week. I really liked Mike's photo, but it is the typical 3 unit train shot from a nice angle. Erik's is just different both in the photo's content but the way the photo was taken. Sort of 'up in your face'.

[Anonymous]

I went with Mike this week even though the photo was a bit dark. Maybe I could adjust my monitor differently. Would have like a bit more light on the trucks and loco front. Mike maybe you could increase your exposure one stop to compensate for the filter (polarizer) factor?[8D]

[Anonymous]

I voted for Erik's photo. Mike's is excellent, but there really isn't anything that unique about it. Erik's photo, on the other hand, is very unique and is something that you don't see every day. It's a photo that really stands out to you. It looks like the SD45 is going to come right out of the picture towards you. Running long-hood forward is also something that makes this photo special and attention-grabbing.

[ReimanTrainfan]

Voted for Mike again this week. The great colors especially the deep blue of the sky in comparison to Erik. Keep up the good work!

[Anonymous]

This time it was a very hard decision. But I like Mikes photo a little more. I like how he got a shot of all three locomotives and the color/shade. Eriks was good also, I like how you can see the engineer.

[Anonymous]

Not that I am not a fan of in your face shots but I didnt care for the fact that it was long hood first, If it had been facing the right way I don't know if I would have voted diffrent. So this week Mike's shot gets my vote (I'll pass though for digital cam in every bag, I'll keep the old 35mm Slide for now).

Oh and on last weeks shot where if i remeber right Erik said he was giving up on artsy shots, I really enjoy them.

-Justin Franz

[trainmanj]

I liked Mike's photo much better, side shot of all WC power. The other photo is to close and you don't get a good view of the engine. Erik should go with the scanner, it makes for more educated guesses.

[Anonymous]

I liked both photos but for different reasons. Eric's had both an unusual subject and angle - you don't see SD's running long hood forward - even my local short line runs in sets of 2-3 with the first and last loco short hood forward. The angle on the shot is interesting, but I would have prefered a more angled shot that included more of the side of the unit. Since it was already on a curve, this could have been acomplished by waiting a few seconds later and catching more of a 3/4 view.

Now for Mike's entry. The composition is nice, the subject is nice, but it lacks something. Maybe it is just another pretty picture one where the sky is just too blue and the grass too green. That is why I voted for Eric

[brilondon]

Both Photos were really good, but I like the fact that the train was coming long hood first was a unique feature that is not seen much these days on trains.

[wmiller263]

SD45,Long hood forward,leaning into a curve,works for me.[:D]