To put it all in perspective. I have a poster with a picture of Ansel
Adams taking a photo of a bunch of school children. The title reads, "Even
Ansel Adams has to earn a living!"
Ansel Adams was not very popular, like most artists, during his
lifetime.
He took beautiful pictures of Yosemite and other places to create a
beautiful picture. It was the artist in him that drove him. If he had the
additude that his efforts were worthless because he couldn't get a decent
price for his efforts, were would be today.
Face it, the artists that make a great deal off money in their lifetime
are the ones who paint pictures of cans of beer, automobiles, etc.
commercial ventures for ads. So if you are out there taking train pictures
to make money, you are wasteing your time and money. There ain't none, or
very little.
I happen to like taking pictures of trains and I strive to take the best
picture I can. I do it for me, it's my driving force. Of course kudos,
acclomations, and praise are great inspirations. But, if I don't like
the
trains because the engines are green, blue, red, or dirty: I don't take
pictures of them. I don't go to were they are green, blue, red, or dirty
or whatever. I go to were they interest me. I shoot what I like and put
my camera up between times. Or at least in the trunk of my car until I see
something that interests me.
I like the challenge of trying to take a good picture in the worst
conditions. It's the mood that intriques me. Not to mention the fact that
I am usually the only one there and one of the few who has a collection of
rainy day pictures. But that is railroading. Railroading in all kinds of
conditions. Not just sunny days.
So take a tip from Ansel Adams. Earn your living one way, then take
pictures of what interests you and when you are inspired. Your pictures
will be better and you will have a good time.
--> SPORRS: Serious Photographers of Railroad Related Subjects
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