I'd like to think that Grumpy's cynical assessment of railroad photography was mainly a discussion provoker! Many good commentaries resulted. While keeping in mind that for most of us this is a hobby and a source of enjoyment as a leisure activity, our investment of time, film, equipment and travel puts us out of the league of "fun" in the sense of an individual who enjoys a casual round of golf in his spare time. Many of us are compelled to go to some lengths in our rr photography for the personal challenge and satisfaction of producing a technically excellent and artistically satisfying photograph. We may have the satisfaction of hiking into a possibly remote or at least different viewpoint that others have overlooked. Trying to communicate through our photographs our love of railroading and the sense of thousands of horsepower rending the dawn on some mountain pass. Further, recording the passage of time through our photos of towers that are closing, the changing look of motive power, railroads that pass from the scene, new shortlines, and the people that make this all happen. Some of my favorite shots are of days gone by, with cars that are long gone, gas for 25 cents a gallon, older styles of dress, not to mention the train. Another lesson, shoot the mundane, the commonplace: these will be the historically interesting shots in the future. Thousands of people are shooting all these trains? Well, maybe. I know one really nice foamer, a very pleasant companion. He's been to all the classic rail destinations at least once and shot lots of film. Unfortunately, his photos are horrible. Focus, exposure, vignetting, cheap aftermarket zoom lens, you name it. He may not be the rule but I doubt that he's all that unusual. Next we disregard, for historical documentation purposes, the railfans who just enjoy making color print snaps to share with friends or for modeling purposes. Now discount the railfans who get trackside at 10:00, break for a leisurely lunch, then maybe to a new location for a couple of afternoon hours. God bless'em if their having fun and enjoying trains but they probably aren't producing material for tomorrow's books and "Vintage Rails" type of publication. Aside from the "fun" factor which we all value, good railroad photography requires the same commitment, hard work, and perceptive thinking that any other serious photography requires. I think it's important to share your work with fellow enthusiasts either by slide shows or magazine publication. You may not realize a profit, but you are adding to the visual history of our favorite subject and you never know but that seeing your work may be inspiring some young photographer who may blossom into another Steinheimer. I sell matted, framed 16x20 cibachromes of my best(in the artistic sense)shots which brings me a great deal of personal satisfaction in knowing that someone else is enjoying something that I created. No, I don't make a ton of money but it helps to offset some of the expenses of this hobby. Having a photo(s) in a book may be one of the most satisfying rewards for your efforts because books are long lasting documents. Without repeating all the excellent points others have raised, 1. Have fun. 2. Excell at what you do, set high personal standards. 3. Share your work so others know what you have available. 4. Label the photos, now. 5. Make sure someone knows what you want done with your collection when you make the last stop. That's part of your life, it should count for something. 6. Have more fun! thanks for listening! Mike Gardner --> SPORRS: Serious Photographers of Railroad Related Subjects
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