Feedback requested

[dilly bar]

I would be thankful if you would provide feedback on this photo. It was rejected for composition/balance, I would like to hear thoughts on better composition. Also any other technical details you can see. I am eager to learn more so thanks for your help.

http://www.railpictures.net/viewreject.php?id=697490&key=523667369

Mike D

P.S. I realized I spelled Sully wrong just after I submitted,

[Joe the Photog]

Let the train come into the photo. As it is now,it looks like you took a landscape shot and there just happened to be a train in the background. Now if you let the train move around the curve, then you'd be shooting the shady side of thet rain which would get it kicked from RP. So you'd probably want to zoom in to the point where the lead unit is about to go into the curve, although you'd have that sign to consider then.

[dilly bar]

...but just after the train cleared the signal an oil services truck came down the dirt road to the right and kicked up enough dust to kill the background. This was the cleanest shot from the pass, but I see what you are saying about a landscape shot with a train in it. And you are right about the light on the train as it makes the curve.

Mike D

[Railfan Ohio]

Well, that sucks. Looks like a great location though, can you go back to re-shoot?

[dilly bar]

It's about an 8hr drive from home, so not an every weekend kind of place. But I would love to shoot this location each of the four seasons, there is plenty of traffic on this line. The neighboring National Park has great landscape and wildlife opportunities also.

Mike

[daveedmo]

Is there any way you can get a wee bit higher up? It's a great curve, but with the optimum shot, with the train round the corner, you loose most of the consist. A small hill to stand on would let you see 'the full picture'.

Also, try and get there earlier in the day for the position of the sun...

CHeers,
Dave

[wongm]

Is there any way you can get a wee bit higher up?
I have stood on my car boot for extra height, but wasn't game to get on the roof!

[JimThias]

Let the train come into the photo. As it is now,it looks like you took a landscape shot and there just happened to be a train in the background. Now if you let the train move around the curve, then you'd be shooting the shady side of thet rain which would get it kicked from RP. So you'd probably want to zoom in to the point where the lead unit is about to go into the curve, although you'd have that sign to consider then.
I agree. Something more like this would probably work at that scene if it's going to be backlit with the train any closer:

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/jimthias/Trains/th_BNSF9313-7027.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/jimthias/Trains/BNSF9313-7027.jpg)