The right way to do backlit?

[ShortlinesUSA]

Stunning photo, in my opinion. And got POTW. I think this one is a great example of how backlit photos can, and do work at times. Now, of course, I have no clue how much processing went into this as a slide shooter, but if nothing else, this shot shows you shouldn't care about backlighting, and if your shot gets rejected, who cares-- keep it in your collection if you like it. But this is the type of backlighting I look for and will shoot. You just probably won't see it here. Tip o' the hat to Nick for a great shot.

PhotoID: 657547 Photograph © Nick DAmato (Diamond D)

[SAR Connecta]

Perhaps a silly question (so apologies in advance for it), but I honestly don't know how it is determined. Who decides the Photo Of The Week? The Screeners, or is it taken from the top of the People's Choice pile?

[RobJor]

Many of the POTW and Screener's Choice are backlit, dramatic light. Just how dramatic you need to get accepted is the question? I fear some contributors shy away form submitting or even setting up to take backlit fearing rejection.

This one was rescued from obscurity.

Bob

[bigbassloyd]

Originally Posted by SAR Connecta

Perhaps a silly question (so apologies in advance for it), but I honestly don't know how it is determined. Who decides the Photo Of The Week? The Screeners, or is it taken from the top of the People's Choice pile?

POTW is usually selected by Chris K, unless something has changed.

Loyd L.

[bigbassloyd]

Originally Posted by RobJor

Many of the POTW and Screener's Choice are backlit, dramatic light. Just how dramatic you need to get accepted is the question? I fear some contributors shy away form submitting or even setting up to take backlit fearing rejection.

This one was rescued from obscurity.

Bob

I'd say you're probably right. Personally, I take a lot of backlit photos, but since I don't share much of anything, it's not because I fear rejection

Loyd L.

[SAR Connecta]

Originally Posted by bigbassloyd

POTW is usually selected by Chris K, unless something has changed.

Loyd L.

Thanks Loyd.

[Grewup on the CW]

I seldom try any backlit, not from fear either but simply because I feel when any backlit gets on RP it's just simply appealing to screener. So far the few times I've tried, the luck of the draw has not been in my favor.

My last failed attempt on backlit;

[RobJor]

Originally Posted by Grewup on the CW

I seldom try any backlit, not from fear either but simply because I feel when any backlit gets on RP it's just simply appealing to screener. So far the few times I've tried, the luck of the draw has not been in my favor.

My last failed attempt on backlit;

I'd crop out most of the railings(very unappealing)? Maybe up to the lamp post, it all about the WM on the curve, get it tight?

Also, maybe fear was the wrong term.

Bob

[Grewup on the CW]

Originally Posted by RobJor

I'd crop out most of the railings(very unappealing)? Maybe up to the lamp post, it all about the WM on the curve, get it tight?

Also, maybe fear was the wrong term.

Bob

Thanks Bob I usually just put the pic back in the vault when it gets backlit. Maybe try it re-cropped but I believe more elevation would do this shot/location more justice. The railing at this elevation hides a lot of the remaining passenger cars. The bridge above has no sidewalks nor shoulder so drone shot would be the only answer to elevation.

[RobJor]

Originally Posted by Grewup on the CW

Thanks Bob I usually just put the pic back in the vault when it gets backlit. Maybe try it re-cropped but I believe more elevation would do this shot/location more justice. The railing at this elevation hides a lot of the remaining passenger cars. The bridge above has no sidewalks nor shoulder so drone shot would be the only answer to elevation.

I know what you mean. But, I had a snow plow shot that was rejected back lit, several people mentioned a guard rail and a few other distraction. Way later I sent it in improved, not sure if that made the difference but got in. Can be frustrating but just the exercise of trying to improve a little is good. Some will argue shoot it right the first time but myself I find it hard to visualize a curve shot, so shooting wide and cropping gives me an out.


Bob

[Grewup on the CW]

Originally Posted by RobJor

I know what you mean. But, I had a snow plow shot that was rejected back lit, several people mentioned a guard rail and a few other distraction. Way later I sent it in improved, not sure if that made the difference but got in. Can be frustrating but just the exercise of trying to improve a little is good. Some will argue shoot it right the first time but myself I find it hard to visualize a curve shot, so shooting wide and cropping gives me an out.


Bob

I just to shoot tight but soon learned that I had a lot pics that had unfix-able issues simply because the subject was already near the edge of the shot. Now I shoot wide and crop down and if time still allows (rolling train) I zoom in and get some close ups.

[RobJor]

Here is one, a little backlit and with some clutter that makes a typical Milwaukee photo , what a great shot for a Milwaukee fan.
Something of this type would be good for a screener's choice once in a while. Featuring this would appeal to a certain audience. I don't see anything wrong with featuring just a good solid railfan shot and along with a few other contributors here- nobody does it better. Hey that might be a good song title??

Bob

PhotoID: 658160 Photograph © Mike Danneman

[SAR Connecta]

[quote=RobJor;194098] I don't see anything wrong with featuring just a good solid railfan shot and along with a few other contributors here- nobody does it better. Hey that might be a good song title??

Bob


Carly Simon Bond theme, Nobody does it better from the Spy Who Loved Me with the late Sir Roger Moore.

[RobJor]

[quote=SAR Connecta;194099]

Originally Posted by RobJor

I don't see anything wrong with featuring just a good solid railfan shot and along with a few other contributors here- nobody does it better. Hey that might be a good song title??

Bob


Carly Simon Bond theme, Nobody does it better from the Spy Who Loved Me with the late Sir Roger Moore.

RR related, there is a Carly Simon video of a concert at Grand Central Station.
Some nice scenes.
In a little irony there is another clip of her singing Devoted to You with James Taylor.

Bob

[Mberry]

Ironically one of the few backlit shots I've gotten on rp was of the same engine.

PhotoID: 640125 Photograph © Michael Berry

[VTHokiesRailfan]

I did a backlit shot once.... had to scrape my jaw off the ground after the train passed ....yea i know i never post on here, I've been lurking for a hot minute. lol

http://www.railpictures.net/photo/650212/

[Joseph Cermak]

Yeah I've found often times the dramatic lighting doesn't occur until the train is there so I shoot everything and sometimes get lucky. After all, with digital storage is cheap so there's not much reason not to shoot everything, you never know what you'll never be able to shoot again too. The only backlit shots I have are from chasing a coke train on the B&P back in January where the light and snow came together with some luck right as the train arrived on location.

PhotoID: 646660 Photograph © mtnclimberjoe

PhotoID: 646975 Photograph © mtnclimberjoe

[Mgoldman]

I think RP has more an issue with backlit shots that were "saved" in Photoshop vs backlit shots where the effect was exactly what the photographer was after.

There are plenty of great backlit shots on RP - and a good quantity, for better or worse, of "saved" backlit shots though one would hope those would be restricted to shots that had other things going for them, or were of value for the subject matter (news, rarity, ect.).

/Mitch