Per Sam's suggestion for stories and photos, I thought I'd offer you all a quick look at what I consider to be my best shots of 2012.
2012 was a big year for me. In the process of rebounding from the termination of my long distance relationship, I did a pretty good job of figuring out who I was. A big part of of that definition involves photography -- especially photography of my favorite subjects like grain elevators, architecture and, yes, railroading. Because of that, I was far more active taking all kinds of photos than I have been in quite awhile, and I think I brought home a higher number of "keepers" than usual.
And there's a bonus tip for you all: Sometimes getting great shots just means that you shoot more. St. Ansel was happy to bring home 12 good shots in a year. If one takes a look at Henri Cartier Bresson's contact sheets, one quickly realizes that he was indeed a gifted street photographer, but he had a LOT of duds, too. By shooting a lot, he both trained himself to be ready for "the decisive moment" and he gave himself a lot of tries to get it right.
Anyways, I'm not the best at writing, so I'll cut myself off there and let the photos speak for themselves. I wish you all a happy, healthy holiday season and hope you can all get out trackside during the holiday break. With lots of snow. If you like that kind of thing (I do.)
Flickr Link
-ChrisWest Chicago, ILChristopher May Fine Art Photography"In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration." ~Ansel Adams
Thanks for the memories, and happy holidays to you also.
Exactly as expected - which is to say "excellent."
I don't know if Chris's work makes me want to try harder, or just give up and put my camera way...
I'll just try harder.
The very best of the season to you!
Larry 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...
Ditto what Larry said!
Brian (IA) http://blhanel.rrpicturearchives.net.
Pretty cool! I feel like the guy with the guitar is singing "This land is your land, this land is my land.."
Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.
Ditto what Larry and Brian said....
My favs:
#5 (Burlington caboose) I love the composition and especially the colors.
#14 (Triple-track sunrise) Amazing shadow detail, and excellent sharpness and exposure.
#1 (Double-decker downpour) I'm not sure why--I just like it.
Of course, trying to choose a favorite among such quality images is a challenge.
Nice stuff, Chris.
I hope your journey this year was worth it.
Chris: Thanks for your "Presents"!!!
Totally agree with the others here have said.
I am drawn to a paraphrase of what Ed Blysard has mentioned on at least one occasion (may more time, too ! ) " You live in such a neat place, you don't ever seem to find any boring scenery
Thank you for sharing your photos here,
and a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you!
The switch point in the snow just says it all…simple concept, single objective, stark and informative at the same time…who but you could make a switch heater and a pair of dwarf signal look so forlorn and important at the same time.
Keep on keeping on, you got the chops for this.
23 17 46 11
I'll echo the platitudes above. You could open a small business..."Chris' Photo Calendars"...I'm just saying.
Thanks for sharing Chris. Here's hoping your 2013 is stellar.
Dan
Thanks for the fine work here....and the reminder on doing more photographics.
it seems I've missed a couple of years here....
Any argument carried far enough will end up in Semantics--Hartz's law of rhetoric Emerald. Leemer and Southern The route of the Sceptre Express Barry
I just started my blog site...more stuff to come...
http://modeltrainswithmusic.blogspot.ca/
Thank you all for the very, very kind words. 2013 looks to be a great year, and one where I hope to take things up another notch. Will have some details on that next year. Merry Christmas to you all!
I can't even dream of going where you've been photgraphically, Chris! It requires a certain relationship between eye and brain that few are blessed to receive. My talents lie elsewhere .I hope 2013 is everything good that you expect, and more!
Carl
Railroader Emeritus (practiced railroading for 46 years--and in 2010 I finally got it right!)
CAACSCOCOM--I don't want to behave improperly, so I just won't behave at all. (SM)
CopCarSS Thank you all for the very, very kind words. 2013 looks to be a great year, and one where I hope to take things up another notch. Will have some details on that next year. Merry Christmas to you all!
Huummm, do I smell a book, or maybe a calendar in the oven?
I can always hope…
.....Chris:
A beautiful display of talent...! Sorry to hear you say the "relationship ended"....
Merry Christmas
Quentin
Chris:
Have to ask about the "night scene looking across much railroad property and into the city of Denver".....and....{I believe it's yours}....The "night scene of very wet double decker commuter cars with concrete walkway between the line of cars". I realize one has to draw the line someplace....However in my eyes I think those shots are outstandingly beautiful...Ambiance, clarity and color...Over the top.
Maybe they were before 2012....Time gets away....
Carl - Thanks for the kind words. By the bye, are you in town around the holidays? I'll be in your neck of the woods pretty soon.
Ed - Details are still fuzzy, but something like that. I'll fill in more as I get things worked out.
Quentin - Thanks for the kind words. The end of the relationship has actually been a pretty good thing for me. While there are a few negatives (never got to go see Tree on my upstate travels, for instance), overall it's been very positive for me. I'm a lot better person today than I was a year ago.
And, I do have to confess that the rainy Metra platform shot was actually a 2011 shot. But it was New Year's Eve, 2011, so I figured it was close enough to be shown with my best of 2012. Thanks again for the kind words!
Outstanding!
See, I told you so…….
Great stuff! I love the variety. You have a great "out of the box" thinking and a great eye for composition.
-Don (Random stuff, mostly about trains - what else? http://blerfblog.blogspot.com/)
I noted that you were headed this way. We're picking up Linda and Chris on Saturday, and headed out on Sunday. Back after Christmas...how long are you around?
'Twould be good to get together if it can be swung!
Chris, I wanted to jump in earlier when these came up but got otherwise busy. One main thought from this collection is the many different moods you present. Of course, we are all aware of that seeing your work over time, but bringing your "favorites of 2012" selections together in one post really brings that home.
Moods is another way os saying story telling, which you do so well. Thanks for sharing your choices, they say almost as much as the pictures themselves do. Looking forward to your Iowa finds.
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