On Tue, 9 Sep 1997 09:43:30 -0400, Bernard Ente wrote: >Last week I took some Canadian friends to see the high-speed (100mph+) >Northeast Corridor action. Just got back a roll of prints taken at >Princeton Jct, NJ, and as usual, my exposures froze the approaching train >much further away than I thought it was. I honestly thought the train was >on top of me, and here I see it is still far away. Always have this >problem of shooting too soon. (Mike DelVecchio, please no jokes, my wife >reads this!) > >I would appreciate your tips on how "hold off" on the shutter until the >proper moment when photographing an approaching train.
To which Warren replies: As a rule, I shoot a medium or large format camera and am out to get the one "perfect" shot of a train, as opposed to one of Dave Cohen's motor-driven clips. At first, I had the same problem that Bernard did. I quickly rationalized it to a visual illusion and said that my eye was "leading" the subject. Then I started concentrating more on my work. I found that I really could squeeze at the right moment. This technique is complicated by a larger camera with no viewfinder. You have to mark in your mind a place in the foliage where the leading edge of the locomotive should be. I believe concentration and practice to be the key, but you must also be able to see your entire viewfinder. People who wear glasses are at a disadvantage here. Another helpful tool is a tripod. Even if you are shooting at 1/500th second, the tripod will ensure the proper composition. Then your eye can concentrate on the locomotive and the edge of the finder instead of on the entire scene. I fluffed a great shot of the Topeka RR Days excursion train over Labor Day weekend. Not only was I too late in releasing, I also moved the camera and included some unwanted objects. Because I was standing on a busy highway overpass, I opted not to use the tripod (and paid the price). Later, Warren P.S. I hope John B. adds his comments and insight to this thread. --> SPORRS: Serious Photographers of Railroad Related Subjects X-Mozilla-Status: 0001 Content-Length: 8057
