Trackside with Erik and Mike, Vol. 35: July 25, 2005

[dphusman]

Voted for #1 because, it's CSX! [8D]

[hlcw]

#1 does look like every other train photo. Photo 2 is well laid out, nicely shot, and definitely better.

[FrankStratton]

I voted for #1 because.......................
It is Eric's turn to win. :-)

[Anonymous]

I voted for #1 the photo has a sense of place. I liked the colors and moodiness of #2, but this pic is flat and disorienting. I cannot see the signal aspects and except for the distant triangle of white lights, I would never have guessed it was a meet.

[Noah Hofrichter]

Sorry guys, but I'm not voting on an art contest I'm voting on photos that show trains. I voted for the clear veiw of the train. That and, as has been commented, I like the contrast of the train versus the greenery. Photo two is basically two-tone(not completely but close) and I prefer color.

Noah

[Anonymous]

Both photos were very good - but I have to consider the second close to perfect. The lighting couldn't be better to highlight the texture of the doublestack and give us the approaching trains headlights, plus the signals. It is sharp and detailed. It demonstrates both the work and action of railroading. It reminds us that train crews don't work an 8-5 job - they're out there at all times of the day and have to face whatever is in line with their tracks, like the sun.

Photo #1 could have been taken any time of day, but #2 could only be taken during a short period of the day. Sunlight and situation had to cooperate to get the shot right. The opportunity couldn't have been better taken.

[Anonymous]

The only thing that could make picture 2(which I voted for) better is to have it take place on a bridge!

[mikeyuhas]

QUOTE: Originally posted by fliegles

I voted for #1 the photo has a sense of place. I liked the colors and moodiness of #2, but this pic is flat and disorienting. I cannot see the signal aspects and except for the distant triangle of white lights, I would never have guessed it was a meet.

Just to be certain, if you click on one of the photos, you're taken to a much larger version, which shows more detail.

[Anonymous]

This choice is more difficult than usual, and it has nothing to do with not knowing who took the photos. I really like the lush greenness and good perspective of the CSX shot.

But the CN shot is really artistic in a way that is unusual for railroad photos -- maybe its the unseen sunset reflected on the side of the cars, the oncoming train, or the bright signal lights, or all of that. No. 2 is my choice. I'd hang that one in my living room!

[wcnut]

WOW! What a hot button this "art" issue is!!! As an artist, it is funny to see people run away from things they think is art... and I don't know why? With that statement, I guess it is obvious that I choose #2. The shapes and patters really pop out at you, and that high green... beautiful! #1I thought was a good photo as well, but it was (for me) more a run of the mill train shot. Please don't get me wrong, I can pull out numerous examples from my own shots of what I would consider "run of the mill", but shouldn't we try new things? Keep ourselves on our toes? Experiment? Be different? Those who said I want to see trains and not art might want to click on the photo like one poster mentioned... because I see 2 trains in photo 2!!!!!

Greg
"wcnut"

[Anonymous]

Photo #1 is as good as Photo #2 & Photo #2 is as good as Photo #1 so this week is draw[?] [:D]
Both shots are excellent so at a boy to both Erik and Mike.

vote #2[:0]

[brilondon]

If i wanted to go see art I would go to a art gallary. I want to see trains and for me trains includes the locomotives. There fore number 1 gets my vote.

[Anonymous]

Sorry to say but Number one is ordinary, journeyman good work, but number two is drama and art with subtle detail that catches the eye and won't let go.
Will

[Anonymous]

PHOTO #1 IS VERY NICE, AND ONE WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY DISCERN THAT IT WAS TAKEN IN LOW LIGHT CONDITIONS, BUT #2 IS REMINISCENT OF THE OLD FERROTYPE (TINTYPE) METHOD OF PRINTING PHOTOS ON METAL SHEETS AND TAKES ADVANTAGE OF UNUSUAL REFLECTORY CONDITIONS TO ACHIEVE THAT COLOR. FYI, THE "BLIND" ASPECT OF THESE ENTRIES IS REALLY THE WAY TO LET THE PHOTOS "SPEAK" FOR THEMSELVES!

[Mookie]

This was a toughie, guys. I take no pictures, just go by what I like. I love rainy, cloudy days and sunrises and sunsets - well, who doesn't! But I also like the signals and headlights in #2. So that is what tipped the scales.

Mookie