Foreground Clutter

[sd9]

This first one got rejected for "Obstructing Objects (Foreground Clutter)"
I assumed it was the grass at the front so I resubmitted using one about 4 frames prior to that one, before I could check Queue Status it was already
rejected again. Is it the rail that they are saying is foreground clutter?


http://www.railpictures.net/viewreje...d=457554&key=0
http://www.railpictures.net/viewreje...&key=366502516

[milwman]

Yep the rail of the for ground is blocking the view of the truck's and wheels. not much you can do to fix it! I have one shot with a cable marker in it what do you do, get a ladder?

[lock4244]

Originally Posted by milwman

Yep the rail of the for ground is blocking the view of the truck's and wheels. not much you can do to fix it! I have one shot with a cable marker in it what do you do, get a ladder?

YES! I carry a 2 step ladder in my trunk at all times (three steps if your use the top... which I do). Sure, I use it for work, but often enough to get a little more "air" while fanning. And I've yet to fall off

[JimThias]

Originally Posted by lock4244

YES! I carry a 2 step ladder in my trunk at all times (three steps if your use the top... which I do). Sure, I use it for work, but often enough to get a little more "air" while fanning. And I've yet to fall off

I carry one in my car, too. Comes in handy for extra elevation when lower objects are in the way (including other photographers. haha)

[Joey Bowman]

I dont understand how a rail is considered "foreground clutter". I would not have even noticed if some one else didnt point it out.

[trainboysd40]

I said a few days ago in another thread that foreground clutter is applied far too generously...
I think you should have done something more than a roster shot for this photo, though. With the locomotive filling the frame, it's far too easy to notice the rails blocking that tiny fraction of the wheel.

[Crusader]

I've noticed that some bridge shots in which the trucks are completely obscured are accepted, while others are not. Even in my own experience, I've had some shots accepted and others rejected for clutter...from the same location.

I think in the case of these photos, it's not so much that the foreground is cluttered, or even that the wheels are ever so slightly obscured...but rather that the foreground is just, well, unattractive. Certainly not the photog's fault; however, it detracts from the photo. And I say this as someone who's had many photos rejected for just the same reason...nearly all the ROWs in my area are trash strewn, torn up by ATVs, or punctuated by poles and fences.

I think the location could still be used for future shots, but with more of a nose-on angle closer to trackside, and a tighter crop.

Also, I can vouch for the ladder in the car. I've brought a stepstool on a couple of occasions...and in at least one spot I stood on an old bench to get an unobstructed shot.

...or you could plant some flowers along th ROW and shoot again in spring.

[socalrailfan]

As always with my replies a disclaimer "I am not dissing on the screeners". I don't think the obstruction is that bad myself. I think the bigger issue is it's a boring shot, I like it but for rp.net, boring.