Cropping suggestions?

[DWHonan]

This was zapped for bad cropping: http://www.railpictures.net/viewreje...52&key=8692673

I'm concerned that the screener wants the main body of the storm centered, which would result in chopping off the shadowed part of the train at left. On the other hand, if the consensus opinion is "too tight" I have a bit more room to work at the top, but that's it. Thoughts appreciated.

(And yes, I see the HTML bust in the caption. I'll fix next time.)

Thanks,

[JRMDC]

My general impression is that, with a somewhat featureless expanse and a string of cars (it is very hard to find the power), the eye goes hunting for a focal point and ends up at the loading tower waaay over on the right margin. In addition, it seems like you have captured the entire cloud formation but for a bit cut off on the right. The right answer may be completely different than all this.

[Joe the Photog]

Originally Posted by JRMDC

My general impression is that, with a somewhat featureless expanse and a string of cars (it is very hard to find the power), the eye goes hunting for a focal point and ends up at the loading tower waaay over on the right margin.

This, kinda. For some reason, my eyes want to wander to the left and end up on the shadowed part of the train. As for cropping, the train is awful low in the frame. I'd add some pixels there if you have them and leave the top alone. The right answer may be completely different than all this.

[EMTRailfan]

Is it a "railroad" photo? Maybe not in RP terms, but whatever you do, leave the top alone for cropping. That cloud formation looks like an eagle with its wings spread and talons down ready to grab the train. Will the photo make it on here? Maybe not, but it is still an awesome find for cloudpictures.net if there is such a site

[Mgoldman]

Good advice above - try to get the composition where the clouds to the right are not chopped and if possible, bring the train up a bit higher in the frame. If not - go for a different composition.

/Mitch