This week we’re launching a new format for Trackside with Trains.com, and I’m excited to see how you guys respond to it.
New premise
In the past we’d have two photographers go head-to-head using random photos. In the new format we’re having our photographers submit photos to a pre-determined theme. For example, this week’s theme is Fall Colors.
Another twist: Any of our 10 participating photographers can join the fun in each new installment. For example, we have five photographers participating in this week’s Volume 101.
More photos to choose from and a common theme … this should be a lot of fun!
I like the new format. It gives a lot more choices each time.It was not easy,but I voted for Mike’s SP shot.The gray and red loco really stands out against the fall foliage.If only the grafitti vandals hadn’t spray painted that ugly yellow patch on the engine!
nice format . more to choose from .but harder to decide on they were all great looking photos so just pointed the mouseeee with eyes closed and clicked of which i got bergie’s photo
I thought your photo was the best, Bergie, so hopefully we’ll get to see the other shot you alluded to - Bonus! Not too contrasty, sharp focus throughout (especially considering your f-stop), great colors on the containers if not in the trees.
I went with Andy’s shot. WSOR power throttled up with the heat blooms rippling the colors of the foliage behind the engines. I almost went for the SP shot followed by the CSX shot but the amount of colors in this shot (bright engine w/bright trees) seemed to fit nicely.
I really like the way the SP is framed by the trees in the foreground and the way it seems to be cominig out of the colored trees in the background. Beautifully composed!
Eric got my vote. While the “fall colors” were perhaps a little better in Andy’s submission, Eric’s was sharper and crisper. All of the entries were worthy of consideration, but now you know how I arrived at the decisions reflected by my vote.
Same here. I really liked everyone’s photos. I too started to vote for Andy’s, but have to agree with TJB: Erik’s photo was sharper and crisper. Nice to have more photes from which to choose…
First off I think that the new format is great. It’s going to take an out standing photo to have a run away win, I like that. As always I enjoyed all of the photos, but I had to choose one, and that one was Mike’s. The only reason that I can honestly come up with is because it a photo of an engine with the markings of a fallen flag. That’s something I don’t see often.
The theme was “fall colors.” Since this is Trains, I also expected to see a train, or at least a railroad, in the shot–but still it was the fall colors I was looking for. I think Andy’s shot is the only one that came close to displaying the brilliance of Autumn (and this past fall was particularly spectacular around here, right up until it was time to rake the spectacle from our lawn). So his shot got my vote.
The line above the voting results says “Enjoy the new format.” To which I say, “Yes, sir!” (I think I appreciate it, even without being ordered to!)
I really like the new format. I like the fact that there will likely be three or more “entries” each time. The photographers that have stepped up to the task are quite good, and the assortment of photos is quite impressive. Thanks for taking it to the next level. Walt
I like the new format. All of the photos are good Trains shots, but none are Great fall follage photos, need more color. Andy’s came the closest so he got my vote.
I voted for Aaron’s view of the CN train at Colgate, WI. I liked the low angle combined with the curve and the background trees–those black tank cars really made that bright CN nose “pop” in that early morning sun.
Andy’s shot of the WSOR is also very good, but that tree on the left is a bit distracting.
Drew’s Amtrak image is nice on the curve but it appears to be a bit ‘bright’ and the trees are not as nice as Aaron’s CN view.
Erik’s shot may have been sharper, but (for me) the debris along the right-of-way diminished a fine photo. I realize all too well that things like rubbish and grafitti are beyond the control of the photographer; however, by taking into consideration such factors, along with the ‘normal’ things a photographer needs to consider (angle of sun, direction of travel and speed of the train, clouds, etc.), it makes for a more challenging goal and thus better results when done, rewarding the photographer with a superior image.
Drew’s and Mike’s shots seemed to washed out, Erik’s had too many distractions, and Andy’s focus was way too soft.
Aaron’s shot may not have had the range of foliage color of some of the other submissions, but the sharpness of the image, the composition, and the excellent contrast all made for a superb photo.