There are many types of composition depending on what you want the photo to do for you. Also, remember that "standard" forms of composition (like the Rule of Thirds) were developed by painters and sketch artisits who had 100% control over all of the visual elements that appeared in their art work--railroad photographers do not have this advantage because we cannot move telephone poles and buildings, or ask the railroad to move their tracks a little more to the left so that we can get better composition from our camera's position.
For me, the best way is to go into an unfamiliar location with no preconceived notion of what the composition "should" be according to the rules--you do not know what visual elements will be there for you to deal with. Look over the scene, and get some ideas as to where to place your camera and which lens to use given the unmovable features of tracks, train, buildings, background and foreground according to the angle of the sunlight. Work with what you have been given and get the camera to just that right spot that brings everything together. Keep in mind that there probably will be several--even dozens--of good camera angles at each photo location. It is just a matter of finding that "correct" angle for you, and using the best focal length of lens to get it on film. If you are shooting for yourself and are happy with the photos, then you are using the "correct" composition. John B. Corns _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] -> SPORRS: Serious Photographers of Railroad Related Subjects -> Web Site: http://www.anet-stl.com/acphotog/sporrs -> Message © SPORRS® 1998 - All Rights Reserved
