Best Way to Photograph a Train
Dec 8, 2016 17:40:42 #
Going to be taking the Christmas Train from Williams, AZ to Grand Canyon this weekend. This going to be a large group of 18 people on the trip. I won't have much time for photos but want to get a nice side shot of the train either before boarding or after getting off at the Canyon. Need help with best way to do this. I am planning on just taking the Canyon SX50 instead of the T5i with multiple lenses due to time and people constraints.
Would like shots to include the engine not just the cars. Not concerned about people shots, just the train.
TIA,
zuzanne
Would like shots to include the engine not just the cars. Not concerned about people shots, just the train.
TIA,
zuzanne
Dec 8, 2016 17:54:14 #
Dec 8, 2016 17:59:54 #
zuzanne wrote:
I am planning on just taking the Canyon SX50 instead of the T5i
zuzanne
zuzanne
Well your camera choice looks perfect for this location.
Consider shooting it quartering towards you to get more train and less background.
Good luck, hope to see some shots posted.
Dec 8, 2016 19:18:54 #
zuzanne wrote:
Going to be taking the Christmas Train from Willia... (show quote)
Depends on the lighting and surroundings. If you have time, shoot both sides and pick what works best.
I do like shooting other options, however, if you can get the shot.
New Tygart Flyer
(Download)
New Tygart Flyer
(Download)
New Tygart Flyer as they switch the engine to the back and push the cars to the top of Cheat Falls.
(Download)
Dec 8, 2016 19:50:13 #
zuzanne wrote:
Going to be taking the Christmas Train from Willia... (show quote)
Are you going to be there for more than one day? If you are my suggestion would be to park along the tracks where they cross Rodeo drive going north out of Williams and shoot the train as it makes the left turn from the Williams station going toward the Grand Canyon. If you park on the west side of the tracks near the Railside RV Ranch you should be able to get the whole train.
Dec 8, 2016 22:42:33 #
Here is a picture I took in the summer of 2002 at the Williams station. I was most interested in the steam locomotive they were using at the time; I was also interested in getting some people in my picture. Two things you should note from this picture:
(1) the Williams platform is somewhat cluttered {and there was a fence on the shaded side of the train}
(2) the train, at least in the summer, is kind of long
If you're going to be there more than one day, I would suggest that you meet the train at the Canyon the day after you arrive, because if I recall correctly, that station area is less cluttered {with no barriers, such as fences, in the area}, and you would have time to maneuver, to think about sun angles, etc, before the train arrives. Alternatively, I don't remember how long the train stayed in place after arriving at the Canyon, but you might be able to take the picture upon your arrival there if you hustled towards the locomotives as soon as you got off.
(1) the Williams platform is somewhat cluttered {and there was a fence on the shaded side of the train}
(2) the train, at least in the summer, is kind of long
If you're going to be there more than one day, I would suggest that you meet the train at the Canyon the day after you arrive, because if I recall correctly, that station area is less cluttered {with no barriers, such as fences, in the area}, and you would have time to maneuver, to think about sun angles, etc, before the train arrives. Alternatively, I don't remember how long the train stayed in place after arriving at the Canyon, but you might be able to take the picture upon your arrival there if you hustled towards the locomotives as soon as you got off.
Dec 9, 2016 00:27:11 #
rehess wrote:
Here is a picture I took in the summer of 2002 at ... (show quote)
Great shot of a Baldwin Mikado.
Dec 9, 2016 01:54:00 #
zuzanne wrote:
Going to be taking the Christmas Train from Willia... (show quote)
Here's what I think. On the way, as the train rounds a tight corner and hopefully over a super high trestle, lean waaaay out while someone holds you by the belt(make sure it's buckled!) and take a snap from the back of the train!! Also take one at about 1/30 and it will look like a pan shot. Very cool!!!
SS
Dec 9, 2016 06:23:31 #
zuzanne wrote:
Going to be taking the Christmas Train from Willia... (show quote)
If you're on the right side of the train, get a shot of the train through the window when the train is in a long, sweeping right turn. If you're on the left side of the train, I have no idea what you should do.
Dec 9, 2016 06:40:39 #
Dec 9, 2016 06:53:41 #
zuzanne wrote:
Going to be taking the Christmas Train from Willia... (show quote)
One other thing to think about is that with the 5:30 & 7:30 trains you will be shooting in low light as the sun will have set. If you are riding the matinee train there will be sunlight.
Dec 9, 2016 08:56:17 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
zuzanne wrote:
Going to be taking the Christmas Train from Willia... (show quote)
Best way to photograph a train is from OFF the tracks. With a very long telephoto lens, at least 500 and photograph when the train starts a curve so that the front and sides show, stop down to get all in focus. Sunlight should be coming from behind you. If the distance is right and angle is right you could include whole train.
Dec 9, 2016 10:17:51 #
A suggestion to consider, you will be showing these photos to family and friends as the "Grand Canyon Christmas Train" so try and include something of the surroundings both in Williams and at the Canyon so the images are more than just another train photo. It’s been a while but I wouldn’t be surprised if in Williams there will be ‘local flavor’ included in your images
Dec 9, 2016 15:33:50 #
Thanks everyone for your advice. Our train is leaving Williams at 9:30 AM. I will hopefully get some shots prior to leaving the station and once at the Canyon try for shots of it leaving the station there. As its a quick overnight group tour of 18 people my time for shooting will be limited. I will post whatever shots I get, Thanks again for all your help.
zuzanne
zuzanne
Dec 9, 2016 15:34:53 #
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