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

Posted by Anonymous

on Wed, Dec 8 2004 8:11 AM

This was real tough. Both pictures had a lot to offer. As I read the different comments from some of the voters it surprises me to see how many vote for the train company instead of the best photo. It seems that the better shot should determine who you vote for, not whether its a "Warbonnet" or some other favorite engine.

After going back and forth I voted for Mike. I thought the rain was special, and the angle of the train was perfect, and the dusk shot was good. But I could make just as many good points for Erik's shot as well. A tie wouldn't be bad.

Posted by LVJJJ

on Wed, Dec 8 2004 9:25 AM

RED WARBONNET, WHITE SNOW, CAN YOU SAY CHRISTMAS? LUCKY FOR ERIC (oops I mean Erik).

Posted by Anonymous

on Wed, Dec 8 2004 9:45 AM

Like everyone else, I find it harder each week to chose because of the quality of the shots. This week I go for Mike's shot. There's an eriesome effect with the rain. Erik's was good too but the single beam of light seemed isolated. Perhaps if the oncoming train was just in the shot, it may have been more dramatic? Hope you guys are being paid well for promoting the Canon. It's certainly whetting my appetite to start going digital !
Blackbird,

Posted by Anonymous

on Wed, Dec 8 2004 10:16 AM

Eric got my vote because it brought back memories of past days the rural area I grew up in, in the winter.
Both pictures are awsome!

Posted by Anonymous

on Wed, Dec 8 2004 1:24 PM

I love the dramatic lighting and feel of motion in Eric's snap.

Sincerely,
Mike Hogan
Wilkinsburg, PA

Posted by StillGrande

on Wed, Dec 8 2004 1:27 PM

Mike's shot impressed me so much I had to print it and put it up in my office (I even snuck in a printed it on the good color laser printer). A first! UP should be using that shot for their calendars.

Dewey "Facts are meaningless; you can use facts to prove anything that is even remotely true! Facts, schmacks!" - Homer Simpson "The problem is there are so many stupid people and nothing eats them."

Posted by Anonymous

on Wed, Dec 8 2004 4:23 PM

I voted for Mike's photo, I like the rain in the headlight look.

I enjoyed reading this weeks installment.....
What kind of camera's do you guys use again?

Posted by Sterling1

on Wed, Dec 8 2004 4:27 PM

As much as I like both photos, the headlights spotlighting the raindrops ahead of the UP Loco, are nice. I wi***hey BNSF left the fmr Santa Fe red and silver locos alone, the orange BNSF AC unit about did it for me, despite the the light streak . . .

"There is nothing in life that compares with running a locomotive at 80-plus mph with the windows open, the traction motors screaming, the air horns fighting the rush of incoming air to make any sound at all, automobiles on adjacent highways trying and failing to catch up with you, and the unmistakable presence of raw power. You ride with fear in the pit of your stomach knowing you do not really have control of this beast." - D.C. Battle [Trains 10/2002 issue, p74.]

Posted by Sterling1

on Wed, Dec 8 2004 4:29 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by Sterling1

As much as I like both photos, the headlights spotlighting the raindrops ahead of the UP Loco, are nice. I wi***hey BNSF left the fmr Santa Fe red and silver locos alone, the orange BNSF AC unit about did it for me, despite the the light streak . . .

Not like I am picky about things or anything such as/like that . . .

Posted by Mark300

on Wed, Dec 8 2004 7:58 PM

I voted for Erik's photo.....a new way to 'see' the Santa Fe 'War Bonnet'....nice.

Mike's photo is technically good especially the grain and seeing the entire train, but the 2 photos are very different ways to treat the subject of twightlight photography.

Erik's photo has more contrasting kind of edge to it... including the streak produced by the passing train.

A good pair of photos to compare and a great topic.

I look forward to the next installment.

Mark

Posted by Anonymous

on Wed, Dec 8 2004 11:49 PM

Mike made a really beautiful photograph. But I like Erik's photo a little bit better for the reasons which he described.
This monthly contest is fairly new to me and it makes me wonder if it is about critiquing photographic techniques or about photographing dramatic railroading pictures.
If there is still any traction or electric railroading being done in the USA it sure would be good to get some of those included in your contests.

Posted by wcfan4ever

on Thu, Dec 9 2004 12:30 PM

If you could vote for two pictures, they would both get my vote. They are both amazing shots. I had to go with Eriks only cause of the snow. I love snow shots. The UP appears to be heading into snow flurries but I guess not. I can't wait until I see more winter shots.

Dave Howarth Jr. Livin' On Former CNW Spur From Manitowoc To Appleton In Reedsville, WI

- Formerly From The Home of Wisconsin Central's 5,000,000th Carload

- Manitowoc Cranes, Manitowoc Ice Machines, Burger Boat

Posted by Anonymous

on Thu, Dec 9 2004 3:17 PM

Erik, you did good that remote switch was worth every penny and you did not get my vote![:O] Got'ha: you got my vote, in fact both you and Mike did good. Those digital cameras are the name of the game, I got one this past November (Fuji S3100) my 35mm is now history. A tripod helps with the shakeI on those shots, I think the untouch photos are the best, either auto are manual they show how good you are are not. [:D]

Posted by makintracks

on Thu, Dec 9 2004 4:03 PM

I loved the effect of the rain in the glare of the headlight and the gathering gloom of sunset. Also, enjoyed seeing the train go to infinity. Tough choice nevertheless.

Posted by kicksvette

on Thu, Dec 9 2004 5:35 PM

Had to go with Mike this week. The rain in the light beams isn't something seen in a pic very often. Snow shots at night can be wonderful but the light streak killed Erik's shot. I know it's a digital pic but it reminds me of a scratched negative from film days. If the streak had been visibly attached to the passing loco my thoughts may have changed but as is the streak is a question mark.