Drew's Fantastic Train Photo Adventure: July 1

The Norfolk Southern-powered RoadRailer heads west into the sunset on Union Pacific's Adams line in Sussex, Wis. as cattails reach for the sky, on June 29, 2011. Camera info: Canon EOS 30D, f/5.6, ISO 400, 18mm, 1/400 sec. Photo by Drew Halverson

Happy July everyone! We've got temperatures in the 90s today in Waukesha, Wis., and I'm pumped! Summer has finally arrived, which is one reason why I decided to challenge my railroad photography skills. Summertime offers long days, warm weather, and the potential for dramatic storms and stunning sunsets. What else could you ask for when photographing trains in their element?

I'm going to kick this photo quest off with a shot of Norfolk Southern's RoadRailer on Union Pacific's Adams line in Sussex, Wis. First, I'd like to thank my buddy Scott for the heads up on this move. If not for his phone call, I would've been waiting by the Canadian Pacific in Wauwatosa and lost all sunlight before any trains showed up. I acted swiftly and was able to arrive at Sussex in just under 15 minutes. Every second counted.

At Marcy Road, about a mile north of Silver Spring Drive, the location offers wide open country, ample parking, and fast-moving freights. If you want to photograph the proverbial Adams line vibe, Marcy Road is a nice spot. However, one element I strongly dislike, which you can see in this photograph, is the high tension towers and wires that clutter the shot. But you'll find this challenge at many locations while trying to take train photos, which is part of the fun. Thus, I try to incorporate these types of elements, both natural and man-made, within the railroad scene. 

As part of my July rail photography project, I'd like to analyze each photo that I share with you. So, let's break it down.

What I love:
Late summer night feel. The wide-reaching cattails, the glowing lead unit, and the gliding Great Blue Heron. (I actually hadn't noticed the bird when I took the shot.)

What I don't like:
All of  the "tension," especially the big, bad tower standing dead center, demanding attention.

Why I chose this perspective:
I've already shot "wedgies" and "tele-smashes," fully zoomed in head-on photos, at this location. So, I wanted to explore the wide-angle approach, mainly to bring the scene together by showing the train's surroundings.

What I learned:
Act swiftly. Had I not gotten to Marcy Road when I did, this train would've been halfway to Merton by the time I arrived. More importantly, I am fortunate to have a group of friends that share information when out railfanning. The more pairs of eyes and ears that you have at different locations, combined with quick and accurate information, the better your chances are of obtaining a satisfactory photo. A good network is priceless!

Now, tell me, what do you think of this shot?

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