Trackside with Erik and Mike, Vol. 26: March 7, 2005

Posted by Anonymous

on Tue, Mar 8 2005 6:55 PM

I chose mike. I like to be able to clearly see the equipment photographed.

Posted by tree68

on Tue, Mar 8 2005 7:48 PM

Couldn't bring myself to vote on this one - both shots are excellent for what they are. It's comparing apples and oranges.

Larry Whistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house)
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

Posted by Anonymous

on Tue, Mar 8 2005 9:31 PM

I went with Erik. I like the speed of the photo.

Posted by gannbb1

on Tue, Mar 8 2005 9:50 PM

This is why I liked the original format for this contest! Mike's explanation made the resulting photograph quiet amazing! BUT Erick's in a most dramatic way shows a railroad at work. MOOOOOVING trains. Erick gets my vote.

Gannb

Posted by edtrain

on Wed, Mar 9 2005 11:09 AM

Man was this a hard choice.
Both shots were made under tough circumstances. Both got good results. Make that great results considering the situations.
I liked Mike's ideas of framing the train between the sculptures and using one of them as a sun shade. Good thinking. Great results. The train is perfectly positioned between the steel sculptures. As with other comments, the power lines were a distraction but can't be helped. I know that the train was moving but it looked to be "posed".
I like Eric's creativity and quick thinking. It all came together in a beautiful result. (I know that some of you don't like the idea of "blurriness" in a shot. It's okay.) I happen to like the dynamic image, the sense of motion and of speed and of urgency. They tell a story.
I know at least on photog who would call this an "artsy-fartsy" shot... and mean it as a high compliment. I agree with him.
Eric, you may not "win" the poll this week but it's a winner in my book.
Happy rails to you,
Ed

Posted by Anonymous

on Wed, Mar 9 2005 8:57 PM

Not voting. IMHO, both shots stink!

Posted by FThunder11

on Wed, Mar 9 2005 8:59 PM

AMTRAK ROCKS

Kevin Farlow Colorado Springs

Posted by TheS.P.caboose

on Wed, Mar 9 2005 9:23 PM

I'd say it's a tie.

Regards Gary

Posted by Anonymous

on Thu, Mar 10 2005 12:26 AM

I went with Erik's this week.

I just liked the action shot, with the Gon in the background.

Posted by Anonymous

on Thu, Mar 10 2005 4:31 PM

Went with Mike...just liked it better!

Posted by Sterling1

on Thu, Mar 10 2005 6:28 PM

Cool metallic framing . . . err, art work a nice contrast for Mike. Just heard a train but have to battle 45 min worth of traffic to see it . . . not worth it. The art may be distracting but it's good enough.

"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 JanekKoz

on Fri, Mar 11 2005 3:44 PM

Eric's shot did it for me. Too many folks think trains are slow and antiquated. Nothing like a good action shot to get them to reconsider. And for the nonbelievers, yes, Amtrak does go that fast... and faster. Stand on any commuter station platform on the NEC (ie. where Amtrak will just whip through) and watch. But don't stand too close to the track for the sight of something that big and sleek, going that fast, with so many passengers aboard, will simply take your breath away.

Posted by Anonymous

on Sat, Mar 12 2005 12:26 PM

I'd have to agree that neither photo was exceptional. I liked Mike's a little better because he took a few seconds(?) to consider the negative lighting situation. Maybe you should take another field trip...out of the northern Mid-West!

Posted by Anonymous

on Sun, Mar 13 2005 11:45 AM

show yourtrains'

Posted by Bergie

on Sun, Mar 13 2005 1:15 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by nkloudon

Not voting. IMHO, both shots stink!

Did you read the column, or just vote? The conditions stunk even more! That's the point... we were try to make the best of a bad situation. We know these aren't calendar shots, but thanks for reminding us.
[:o)]
Erik

Erik Bergstrom