Both photos were very good - but I have to consider the second close to perfect. The lighting couldn’t be better to highlight the texture of the doublestack and give us the approaching trains headlights, plus the signals. It is sharp and detailed. It demonstrates both the work and action of railroading. It reminds us that train crews don’t work an 8-5 job - they’re out there at all times of the day and have to face whatever is in line with their tracks, like the sun.
Photo #1 could have been taken any time of day, but #2 could only be taken during a short period of the day. Sunlight and situation had to cooperate to get the shot right. The opportunity couldn’t have been better taken.
This choice is more difficult than usual, and it has nothing to do with not knowing who took the photos. I really like the lush greenness and good perspective of the CSX shot.
But the CN shot is really artistic in a way that is unusual for railroad photos – maybe its the unseen sunset reflected on the side of the cars, the oncoming train, or the bright signal lights, or all of that. No. 2 is my choice. I’d hang that one in my living room!
WOW! What a hot button this “art” issue is!!! As an artist, it is funny to see people run away from things they think is art… and I don’t know why? With that statement, I guess it is obvious that I choose #2. The shapes and patters really pop out at you, and that high green… beautiful! #1I thought was a good photo as well, but it was (for me) more a run of the mill train shot. Please don’t get me wrong, I can pull out numerous examples from my own shots of what I would consider “run of the mill”, but shouldn’t we try new things? Keep ourselves on our toes? Experiment? Be different? Those who said I want to see trains and not art might want to click on the photo like one poster mentioned… because I see 2 trains in photo 2!!!
Photo #1 is as good as Photo #2 & Photo #2 is as good as Photo #1 so this week is draw[?] [:D]
Both shots are excellent so at a boy to both Erik and Mike.
If i wanted to go see art I would go to a art gallary. I want to see trains and for me trains includes the locomotives. There fore number 1 gets my vote.
Sorry to say but Number one is ordinary, journeyman good work, but number two is drama and art with subtle detail that catches the eye and won’t let go.
Will
PHOTO #1 IS VERY NICE, AND ONE WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY DISCERN THAT IT WAS TAKEN IN LOW LIGHT CONDITIONS, BUT #2 IS REMINISCENT OF THE OLD FERROTYPE (TINTYPE) METHOD OF PRINTING PHOTOS ON METAL SHEETS AND TAKES ADVANTAGE OF UNUSUAL REFLECTORY CONDITIONS TO ACHIEVE THAT COLOR. FYI, THE “BLIND” ASPECT OF THESE ENTRIES IS REALLY THE WAY TO LET THE PHOTOS “SPEAK” FOR THEMSELVES!
This was a toughie, guys. I take no pictures, just go by what I like. I love rainy, cloudy days and sunrises and sunsets - well, who doesn’t! But I also like the signals and headlights in #2. So that is what tipped the scales.
Both pix are good but the way that the rain shower brings out the greenery of the trees and grass in #1 seems to do it for me. The angle of #2 doesn’t seem right to me. If the front of the double-stacker was more noticeable that sould have made a difference (my opinion). If you have a meet both sets of power should be visible.
A very tough decision this time—I’ll go with photo 1 because it is my feeling of what a good part of railroading is about. Machines moving through nature, but not making that big of impact.
Since photography is 98% lighting, had to go with #2. Its dramatic, eye-catching and features sunshine! #1 is run of the mill and has a depressing dark green landscape, which is why I moved from the dark, dank Pacific Northwest to the sunshine of Las Vegas. The train is overwhelmed by the greenery and seems to be secondary to the landscape photo which makes it the artsy shot. The only “art” I like must have machinery in it such as trains, planes and automobiles. Rather than landscapes I prefer unusual views of machinery such as photo 2. I may have to frame this one. Larry in Las Vegas.
I thought both photos were good,but I had to go with # 2, the way the lighting was captured and I thought it had a little more to tell ,than just a train pulling freight, todays trains certainly are busy and this pic pretty much shows that. Great job guys ,always enjoy your photos. My own MR isUP & CSX love 'em all .bob_771@ hotmail.com