Trackside with Erik and Mike, Vol. 45: January 16, 2006

[chris35]

I loved both of these photos but I ended up going for Erik's. It was a great idea and a fresh change. I like how it shows the light shining of the steamer and the movement at the platform, it just looks so alive, AWSOME!

[Richard A]

I voted for Eric's photo. His reminder that overall photographic quality should be considered DID remind me it's importance, but that's not why I voted for his photo. I did so because, (1) it tells a story and (2) Mike's photo is ....well, cliche. The new year ought to start off by looking beyond the old hat. After all, this IS digital photography now. One bit of advice for Eric, though. If it is possible to reduce or even eliminate the glare from the bright light shining directly into the camera lens on relatively long exposures (2 seconds), you should do it.

I took a photo course in college back in the 60's (when film was king) and vaguely remember being taught how to do this. Unfortunately, the old gray matter can't recall it anymore.

[gemotor]

Mike, what're you saving the good stuff for? That early evening December 30 Union Pacific in the pass shot gets my vote. Too bad that was not up for voting. Great composition with the interesting building illuminated by the headlight, outstanding mood, just enough light on the side of the locomotive to satisfy a railfan, too (that is, one can read the road name and speculate on whether it's a GP50 or 60).

[virogue]

Hi!

First of all, best wishes to you for this New Year! Hope you give us another year of trackside dreams and icons!
I voted for Mike's shot because I like the way details come out, even though light and weather were not on your side. Erik, your picture's cool, but as you say subject does not prevail, and I was annoyed by the kind of saturated sources of light on the picture. Not that I am a photo expert, but they appear too fuzzy for me. Hope you get my point...

Thanks to both of you anyways, keep up the good work!

Take care,

Vianney Roge
France

[Anonymous]

Voted for Eric's 5/12 shot. Mike entered the wrong shot. the evening shot was a winned by any standard. A little grain is healthy!

Happy New Year

Chuck Hinrichs

[Anonymous]

Voted for Eric- something different. I would have voted for Mike's hand held night shot- shows an excellent understanding of the cameras technical capabilities. The shot Mike submitted is simply average.

[Cumbres463]

Mike, What were you thinking for not posting that night time photo. It was the best of the three. But since you didn't use it I voted for that other guy! [8)]

[Anonymous]

First of all these trackside things must be really good or there wouldn't have been 45 of them. Then again if they are so good then why are there only two photos? Why not at least five or ten? Why do you give us a taste and not the whole sandwich?

[teabow]

I liked the color saturation in Eric's photo and the sharpness ,and the contrast,and the dynamic range and....etc.etc.Mike's photo just wasn't as dramatic.I agree with the above poster...Mike should have entered his night shot instead of the ex CP's!

[FrankStratton]

I liked Eric's because of the lighting and steam action. And for those that think it is not a real locomotive, tell it to the engineer and then run like hell. Nice shot Eric.

[Bergie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by PennFan

First of all these trackside things must be really good or there wouldn't have been 45 of them. Then again if they are so good then why are there only two photos? Why not at least five or ten? Why do you give us a taste and not the whole sandwich?

Keep in mind that Mike and I get our photos for this column during our personal free time. If we got to leave the office during normal business hours we would have five to ten photos per installment. Sometimes do run several photos, but between the holidays and the fact that it's been cloudy in southeastern Wisconsin for the majority of the past month, it's been tough to get out. Naturally, when we're at work, it's sunny, but alas, I have to work on Trains.com and our four e-mail newsletters and Mike has to sell ads for Trains and Classic Trains.

We only wish...

Erik

[Anonymous]

Poor you!

[mandelswamp]

I thought that Mike's shot was well executed and quite interesting. However, I thought that Erik's shot of the 5/12 locomotive with smoke coming out the stack and steam being exhausted had the edge over Mike's photo. The multi-images of the passengers on the Arizona train and the lighting on the shack behind the locomotive detracted from making it an ideal photo but, in the end, I still felt that Erik's unusual subject overcame Mike's entry.

Erik, you wrote: "My shot shows the engineering standing proudly by his locomotive ..." but I believe you meant engineer so I guess you win the photo contest but lose on editing.[:D]

Mike, I looked real close but could not see the sanding that you mentioned. I guess my aging eyes just aren't good enough to spot it.[sigh]

Erik and Mike, great start to another year of photo competition. I eagerly look forward to your future entries.

[UPTRAIN]

I voted for Erik's, very unique subject. Mike: CP still kicks...butt, lol. I always like shots with a little snow hanging on, just adds to it in my oppinion, although...feet of snow look cooler, am I right?

[Anonymous]

Ugh.. another wedgie shot.. yes it was technically much clearer. but its so old seeing 3/4 wedge shots no matter how technically sharp and crisp they are.. I had to go with Eric as it really showed night shooting plus although portions of the shot weren't clear, the engine/tender were very sharp & crisp.