Erik,
In my reply I labeled it a "grab shot" too, and I still think it's an apt term. It was taken while on journey that had other ultimate purposes (e.g. you weren't on this trip to shoot the IAIS exclusively). I don't think Zardoz was necessarily using it as a criticism. Quite the opposite (at least that's the way I intended it). I think you did quite well given the circumstances of your journey. I'm sure if you had had the time to spend the whole day chasing that train, you could've managed something just a touch better, but it still is a fascinating shot.
Just my of course.
-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
Bergie wrote: Grab shot... I just love that term. Like I was on a Greyhound bus that was passing by and I whipped out my disposable camera to take a picture of the neat train.
Grab shot... I just love that term. Like I was on a Greyhound bus that was passing by and I whipped out my disposable camera to take a picture of the neat train.
My apologies.
Because of the lack of usual quality, I just presumed...
zardoz wrote: Like Erik, I found the colors of the Iowa train refreshing. However, as this is supposedly a photo-critiquing thread, I went with Mike's image. The UP (Mike's) shot had more "punch", as well as lots of railroad stuff (signals, bridge, switches). Erik's was 'prettier', but lacked "oomph". However, as another poster said, for a grab shot it was great. Both shots were, as usual, very good.
Like Erik, I found the colors of the Iowa train refreshing. However, as this is supposedly a photo-critiquing thread, I went with Mike's image.
The UP (Mike's) shot had more "punch", as well as lots of railroad stuff (signals, bridge, switches).
Erik's was 'prettier', but lacked "oomph". However, as another poster said, for a grab shot it was great.
Both shots were, as usual, very good.
As if the spot where I grabbed my photo just happened to have the river in the background. Wow, I really lucked out when I noticed the river was in my photo when I got home.
Bergie
I just have to go with the UP photo. The overpass framing everything, and the lighting just makes it a better one over the IAIS shot. I love the colors in the UP photo. Nice composition all the way Mike, I really like the photo.
Quentin
Another interesting note about these two pics up for vote this week. I just noticed the train in Mike's pic is of a Triple Crown train with UP power. I used to work for Triple Crown from 1998-2001 and now work for the Iowa Interstate since 2005. My vote still goes to the IAIS one (since you can't see me I am on the train), but it's nice to see an ol' friend rolling along on a new territory. Sure do miss dealing with those roadrailers on a daily basis back in Fort Wayne. Mike and Erik, great pics of both, hope this one turns out to be a 50/50 tie this week! Awesome!
K. A. Weaver
Modelcar wrote: Wonder why the ditch lights are not lit on the right hand train. Thought all trains were required to have them turned on.
Wonder why the ditch lights are not lit on the right hand train. Thought all trains were required to have them turned on.
The local was in the yard waiting for the main to clear, hence ditchlights were not required (or even desireable).
AWESOME pic Erik! I'm being bias because I was the conductor of that IAIS train (BUSW...aka "Peoria Rocket"). We had a late start out of Bureau because my engineer for the day had to deadhead out of Rock Island and wasn't rested until 08:15....so we was running a little late than normal that day. Train consist of 31 lds of grain, 4052 tons, 2000 ft. A short train considering previous three days our train consist has been 60 to 85 cars southbound (TT westbound). After interchange with the TZPR in Peoria we headed back to Bureau with a consist of 0 lds x 91 mty, 3003 tons, 5700 ft. At Bureau we turned the corner and headed west towards Rock Island as an extra mty grain train, met a recrew in Sheffield on our Hours of Service, and d/h back to Bureau. Too bad you didn't have time to follow us all the way to Peoria and back, the line is very slippery this time of year with leaves on the rails. We experienced some wheel slip going both ways, especially near Sparland where you took that shot at.
It was nice to see you out at trackside and a treat to see you chose this pic up for vote to be this week's favorite. I know which one will get my vote!
K A Weaver Orion, IL
Hello Folks,
Although both shots were great, Mikes photo with the two trains, were good ! the bridge took away from the shot , I couldn't help but wonder about the rest of the train. Erik shot was also a good shot with the landscape, and the nose of the cab in the light but the side was in the shadows! leaving me ? ?
I guess after learning from "Wendy L. Cochran" about taking train photos, who "I think is a great railfan photographer", I think they were leaving something....... my vote will go for Erik's as the best of the two.
Chris
Go Huskies. Forward Together Forward
Fan of - C&NW - Milwaukee Road - CGW -
-Don (Random stuff, mostly about trains - what else? http://blerfblog.blogspot.com/)
This was probably the toughest choice of the entire series. The Iowa shot is great...perhaps almost too perfect. One thing for sure, it's very pretty.
But the nitty gritty action of railroading is front and center in the UP photo, and while it's definitely not too pretty, it's very interesting.
I'd have liked to voted "tie" on this one...and wonder if perhaps that shouldn't be a third voting option.
FWIW, I voted for the UP shot.
TJB - Nashville, TN
Both fantastic shots. My thoughts are along the same lines as copcarSS's posting. I studied both shots for a long time and decided that Erik's was just a bit better. I love the composition of the wedge shot with scenery ahead and the train disappearing into the background. The perfect wedge angle, IMO.
Had to go with Erik's shot. dont care for the UP, and seems as how it is my second favorite railroad, only 2nd to Norfolk Southern. I just love the IAIS' paint scheme.
Both shots are pretty good again this week, but Sorry Erik, I had to go with Mike's. Erik's was a pretty good shot, but between the lighting being on the wrong side of the train (something I've never cared for) and the trees blocking an otherwise nice view of the lake, I just found that to be too many cons to Mike's shot's pros. With the side by side meet, the local's train having a jog in it, and the overpass to frame it all, I just had to go with Mike's this week.
Good shots though, both of you!
Noah
Well I had to go with Erik's shot. It is classic IAIS! I live in the QC and go to school at Bradley and see them all the time. It is a great class 2/regional railroad and beats the class one's hands down in my book They were both great shots but the IAIS will always get my vote! Thank you both, for the great shots.
Bill PearsallGO BU!
Welcome back!
Wow, this is a tough one. At first I thought it was Mikes vs another wedgie.
But as you have repeatedly pleaded.....look at the enlarged version. Erik's is a great shot. I try to judge first by content, then include the narritive. When you combine both, it of course tells more story, & I love that part. Having had those same feelings when "stalking" trains, it's easy to get into the picture. I always vote before I read the comments or check the totals. It's great seeing another line, & the scenery is beautiful. I guess the tie buster was the 2 trains. Mike got my vote.
Larry in Wauwatosa
Jack Fuller
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