Another sporrs bounce...

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>>From [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tue Sep 23 01:20:08 1997
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Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 23:29:48 -0700
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
From: Lara Hartley <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Re: SPORRS: Why do we take pictures?

> Unfortunately, until such time as
>the railroad photographers begin to approach the subject in an artistic
>manner, the 3/4 wedgy will predominate along with the latest location of the
>new paint scheme on 740.

...snipped...

And there appears to be
>much more emphasis on documenting history than creating a work of art.

...snipped...

>Were these thousands of railfans interested in creating beautiful
>works of art or just documenting history by getting pictures of the last run
>of 844 or any other train over the pass?
>        It is a mind set that only a few photographers have managed to
>overcome!!!!

I don't see why one has to overcome the documentary mindset. It has a valid
places in the creation of an image. Of course, one does not have to
sacrifice the *pursuit* of the artistic in getting that great documentary
shot. But sometimes, documenting an event is the best that you can
do...given time of day, location, lighting, etc.

The 3/4 wedgie has its place also.Although it isn't a shot that I favor,
that shot must have validity for some shooters - look how often it is done.
:-)

Personally, I like a great landscape that is made even better with a train
in it.

The joy of train chasing is still there even if I don't make an image.
Sometimes the elements don't come together in a good way. But the enjoyment
of the railroad is not diminished.

The discussion of location can save rail shooters a lot of time in an area
that they are not familiar with.

On more than one occasion I have asked for good locations when I am only
going to be someplace for a short time. This has resulted in image sales
that would have gone unmade if I had had to spend a great deal of time
figuring out where to go in an unfamiliar area.

And yes, I would love to know where to catch the BNSF 740!

Lara

Lara Hartley
Photographer
Desert Dispatch
Barstow, California

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--> SPORRS: Serious Photographers of Railroad Related Subjects


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