The Amtrak Acela goes through my commuter station at high speed a couple of minutes after I get home in the evening. The attached is just a phone shot to show how close it comes as it goes by. I think there is an oppertunity for a great shot if I could figure out how to capture the impression of speed. I visualize some sort of rear curtain flash type of shot with the front of the train in relative sharp outline and the remainder in a speed blur. I have never tried rear curtain flash and I am afraid that using a flash pointed at an oncoming train would be a dangerous distraction to the driver. I could position myself off of the platform at right angles to the train but it would require incredible split second timing.
Any suggestions, on how to capture a shot that makes the train recognizable but conveys speed - preferably without flash?
Mac
Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.
repleo wrote:
The Amtrak Acela goes through my commuter station at high speed a couple of minutes after I get home in the evening. The attached is just a phone shot to show how close it comes as it goes by. I think there is an oppertunity for a great shot if I could figure out how to capture the impression of speed. I visualize some sort of rear curtain flash type of shot with the front of the train in relative sharp outline and the remainder in a speed blur. I have never tried rear curtain flash and I am afraid that using a flash pointed at an oncoming train would be a dangerous distraction to the driver. I could position myself off of the platform at right angles to the train but it would require incredible split second timing.
Any suggestions, on how to capture a shot that makes the train recognizable but conveys speed - preferably without flash?
The Amtrak Acela goes through my commuter station ... (
show quote)
Use a slow shutter speed and stay off the tracks.
I would try the slow shutter speed aproach as well.
I can post a couple of examples with your permission.
repleo wrote:
Yes please, Richard
Thanks
Hope these help.
Nice shots. Try slow shutter speed to visualize motion. Try faster shutter speeds to hold the object. Try panning with a tripod or monopod alongside. Try monochrome. Try 50mm lens. Most of all stay off the tracks!
RichardTaylor wrote:
Thanks
Hope these help.
Thanks Richard. These are very helpful - especially the exposure information. My schedule coincides with the Acela only once a week, so experimentation from scratch would be long process.
Scruples wrote:
..... Most of all stay off the tracks!......
Don't worry - 'Behind the yellow line!!'
That thing goes by so fast, it is frightening.
repleo wrote:
Don't worry - 'Behind the yellow line!!'
That thing goes by so fast, it is frightening.
AAMmmmm, don't get to close to the yellow line; there is always the wind suction factor that could ruin the rest of your life.
I think foathog gave you the best answer.
If you want to reply, then
register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.