Trackside with Erik and Mike, Vol. 21: December 6, 2004

Posted by FThunder11

on Tue, Dec 7 2004 7:37 AM

I liked the UP rain photo, I think it had more life

Kevin Farlow Colorado Springs

Posted by Anonymous

on Tue, Dec 7 2004 7:44 AM

Mike and Erik,

How about some comments on increased noise with increased ISO? How do you deal with it? How do you minimize it? I liked both shots but the rain drops in the headlight sold me this time.

Posted by Anonymous

on Tue, Dec 7 2004 8:14 AM

Mike gets my vote. I just like the illusion of "cutting" through the falling rain that the headlight creates. In my opinion, a very good shot. A tough choice, but I went with Mike's photo.

Posted by trainboy81

on Tue, Dec 7 2004 8:32 AM

Sorry Mike................

Posted by ReimanTrainfan

on Tue, Dec 7 2004 8:37 AM

Great Photos again this week guys. But I had to vote for Mike......The rain falling through the headlight, reminded me of snow, and added to the shot. I felt that Erik's shot was just too dark, and I did not like the light beam through the shot either....

Whoever said you cannot buy happiness forgot about puppies!

Posted by jjlamkin

on Tue, Dec 7 2004 8:43 AM

Erik & Mike, GREAT shots. I had to go with Mike's shot again. This was a tough one, Erik's looks cool, the loco with snow all over the front, the only thing that was distracting was the "tracer" line running behind the loco. Mike's looks cool, the lighting effects are kind of eerie. I am also partial to UP, I have a relative who is an engineer on the UP.

Posted by Anonymous

on Tue, Dec 7 2004 8:48 AM

I chose Mike's photo for it's effects. The headlights and rain look almost animated, as if they were added digitally, but as you follow the train to the left you see the reality of the train come into view. The ambiant lighting brings out good detail and provides just enough light to see the rest of the train.
Erik's photo was very good, too, with the light of the approaching train illuminating the front of the holed-up unit, but I felt the single light streak took away from the effect. Had there been more lights on the passing unit the picture would have been more dramatic.
It was a tough decision!

Posted by Anonymous

on Tue, Dec 7 2004 8:54 AM

WOW . . . Thanks guys, both great shots!

Posted by PRRK4s1361

on Tue, Dec 7 2004 8:55 AM

You guys are really making things tough...both are really awesome. But the more train I see the better so I went with Mike. But I have to admit that Eric's is a VERY close second. The effects are great except the single streak across the picture. If the engineer had left the headlight on the second streak probably would have made a big difference; but of course, we must be considerate of our fellow workers. I'm sure you wouldn't want a bright headlight into your face. Great work.

Posted by Anonymous

on Tue, Dec 7 2004 9:19 AM

Wow! What a tough choice. Well, let me break it down:

Mike's photo: ex-SP UP patched engine, fading light, headlights illuminating the rain falling.
Erik's photo: ex-SF engine in Warbonnet paint, darkness, cool effect, snow.....and, what decided it for me (and I don't think it has been mentioned) a star (look straight up from the nose.)

Great shots guys. If I ever get my Digital Rebel, you are making it so I will actually attempt some night shots and hopefully have some successes. Thanks!

Posted by Anonymous

on Tue, Dec 7 2004 9:32 AM

Both pictures were wonderful this month. I had to give the edge to Mike. His photo encompasses the 'romantic' notions surrounding train movement that is so captivating to those of us who love to watch a passing flurry. I would have loved to have been there to hear its roar as well. Outstanding job, wait, I think I can hear it!

Posted by kwboehm

on Tue, Dec 7 2004 9:41 AM

I really loved Bergie's shot. The headlight from the approaching train gave it a very nice effect. And thanks, you also answered a question I was about to ask regarding your cameras and night photography.

Posted by mandelswamp

on Tue, Dec 7 2004 9:44 AM

In my opinion, the contest was not very close. Erik's picture is okay but I thought the streak from the southbound locomotive's back walkway was a negative. If the other locomotive was in the shot too, then the source of the streak would be understood but as presented, its a mystery without Erik having to explain it. Mike's picture captured the railroad in action with the locomotive's lights piercing the rain and a good view of not just the locomotives but also some of the train's consist. Mike won my vote this time.

Posted by cherokee woman

on Tue, Dec 7 2004 9:49 AM

Both Mike's and Erik's photos were great, but I voted for Erik's shot. It was
really neat.

cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."

Posted by Anonymous

on Tue, Dec 7 2004 9:55 AM

Bravo Eric! The results from your Night Photo session is awesome! Night photography was one thing I enjoyed expirementing with a long time ago, but I hardly ever try it anymore. It seems to be getting harder to find willing subjects where it's safe to set up a tripod and shoot away for a while.

Alan Quigley