Trackside with Erik and Mike, Vol. 21: December 6, 2004

Both pictures were wonderful this month. I had to give the edge to Mike. His photo encompasses the ‘romantic’ notions surrounding train movement that is so captivating to those of us who love to watch a passing flurry. I would have loved to have been there to hear its roar as well. Outstanding job, wait, I think I can hear it!

I really loved Bergie’s shot. The headlight from the approaching train gave it a very nice effect. And thanks, you also answered a question I was about to ask regarding your cameras and night photography.

In my opinion, the contest was not very close. Erik’s picture is okay but I thought the streak from the southbound locomotive’s back walkway was a negative. If the other locomotive was in the shot too, then the source of the streak would be understood but as presented, its a mystery without Erik having to explain it. Mike’s picture captured the railroad in action with the locomotive’s lights piercing the rain and a good view of not just the locomotives but also some of the train’s consist. Mike won my vote this time.

Both Mike’s and Erik’s photos were great, but I voted for Erik’s shot. It was
really neat.

Bravo Eric! The results from your Night Photo session is awesome! Night photography was one thing I enjoyed expirementing with a long time ago, but I hardly ever try it anymore. It seems to be getting harder to find willing subjects where it’s safe to set up a tripod and shoot away for a while.

Alan Quigley

I chose Erik’s photo for its sharpness and the wonderful lighting. I don’t like rain much either. Far too much of it here in Washington.

Walt

I like the photo in the snow, but rain is just so often hard to capture well on film I voted for Mike’s rain shot. Great job!

had to vote for Mike…he’s my boss!

Both great shots but Erik’s gets my vote. A very rich shot, full of depth, color and motion. All in all a tremendous result.

Mike

I liked Mike’s photo the best. I love photos of trains at night or in the dark and this photo is a very good example of one. It shows the train at just the right angle and I love the snow being shown in the beam from the headlight!

They’re both to be proud of. This time, I chose Mike’s. Somehow his just seems to have extra feeling to it. I don’t know how else to say it.

Mikes photo for me. I can’t resist a UP unit! The headlights shining through the rain gave it a nice look.

Wow. this contest is getting harder every week! I wish I could split my vote in half and give it to each one! However, I votedfor Mike’s.I really liked the rain caught in the headlight. The second unit being an SP didn’t hurt either[:)].I loved the seemingly endless string of coal hoppers streaching off into the distance.They were both VERY good photos, though[:D]!

EX AECQUO !

Impossible for me to vote. In fact, I would have voted for the third picture, i.e. the close up of the front of the locomotive, but this picture is not given for the vote !

Very friendly. Both photos are nice !

Vincent

I like em’ both! But the BNSF looks like a beast in the night!

Had to vote for Erik, love that warbonnet, see the UP’s in the rain all the time here lately!

This was a really difficult choice. I liked the way the BNSF loco head was lit, and the effects of other lights, and the sky, but I missed the passing loco. Harvey, wasn’t it? (Reference to old Jimmy Stewart movie.)

In Mike’s photo, I like the rain caught in the headlight, more train in the shot, the color of the sky, and the showy UP herald on the prow.

You’re both getting much better!

I voted for Erik’s picture. To me the BNSF picture looks much better than the UP in the low light. But I am just a little biased since I grew up on the Old BN thru Aurora Illinois.[:)]

Congratulations…this one is a dead tie. Each photo has merit & is well done.
Add one vote count to each of your totals.
Larry

Two great moody photos both equally great in their own respect. I gave it to Erik because I happen to love snow! Congrats to you both on outstanding shots. They were well worth the extra effort.