Opinions on this angle

transit383 · 10-19-2009, 11:45 PM

This was rejected for 'bad angle':

http://www.railpictures.net/viewreje...d=742175&key=0

Just wondering what everyone else's opinions are on this location. I was working at a location adjacent to the freeway onramp where this shot was taken and this was the only spot where there was a large enough clearing in the trees for an open shot. I have a few other shots of different equipment from this location, but thought the vehicle in this one would have the most appeal. Thoughts...?

Freericks · 10-19-2009, 11:53 PM

I would accept this angle if the following were true --

1) There was a long train on the track filling the frame from end to end.

2) The highway was much fuller also (doesn't have to be bumper to bumper, but alive with enough cars that I felt it was worthy of an image). Bumper to bumper would also work. Both directions need to be active.

3) Light has to be dazzling. Not sure why, maybe it's your processing, but this feels a little blue and dark to me. Don't get me wrong. It's actually fine, and if this were a picture of anything but a highway and concrete, I'd have no trouble with the light, but if you're going to make me look at a highway and conrete then the light has to be magical, and it's not here.

All that being said, it's still a good idea for a shot and I'd like to see something from here.

Joe the Photog · 10-20-2009, 01:24 AM

I tend to agree with what Charles said. It almost needs to be an editorial shot in some way. Also, that light pole nearest the photographer should be placed to one side or the other if not worked entirely out of frame for my tastes.

transit383 · 10-21-2009, 12:19 AM

Charles/Joe -

Thanks for your assistance! I was back at this site today so made sure to shoot an afternoon eastbound diesel train (one of only a handful to ride under the catenary on this line). A lot more fall color has popped up in the trees behind the train since I was last here as well.

Charles, as for the highway, I-280 is surprisingly uncongested during the daytime hours, but I did manage to get a few more cars in this time.

Joe, I couldn't move any more to the left because there is a streetlamp directly to my left for the freeway offramp (you can see the curb line in the bottom right corner of the above photo). Any more to the right and there is too much brush, so this is the only angle out there.