Rust Can Work
Apr 29, 2018 05:19:21 #
This traction engine is my favourite amongst the regulars at Great Dorset Steam Fair. It's there every year, always looks in the same state of dilapidation, and gets driven by all the members of the family that own it, including the Matriarch, who, on dusty days wears a scarf around her face and really looks the part. This shot is from 2013, a particularly dusty occasion. I tried to process it to compliment its condition - like me, old, scruffy, a few cracks and crannies but still useful at least once a year! Do you think I succeeded?
Apr 29, 2018 07:20:42 #
Apr 29, 2018 07:40:26 #
Apr 29, 2018 07:41:57 #
StevenG
Loc: Long Island, NY
magnetoman wrote:
This traction engine is my favourite amongst the r... (show quote)
Yes! Looks great!
Steve
Apr 29, 2018 09:33:27 #
Gorgeous work! But....I can clearly see in the background the RV's, motorhomes - I think you call caravans - and a couple of other vehicles. That distracts from the mood IMO 
Apr 29, 2018 10:11:51 #
Tents and tractors are what events like that are all about, so I don't have a problem with the background. And there's enough detail in the traction engine to show how scarily dilapidated the vital components are.
Apr 29, 2018 10:59:33 #
Linda From Maine wrote:
Gorgeous work! But....I can clearly see in the background the RV's, motorhomes - I think you call caravans - and a couple of other vehicles. That distracts from the mood IMO
Well, as RG says below, they are a fundamental part of the show - and almost impossible to exclude no matter which direction you point your camera, so I’ve sort of come to terms with them I suppose Linda. I do understand your feelings though. I probably have one or two taken along the ridge that lies behind this shot - they may have avoided the ‘vans. I’ll have another go this year - despite having hundreds of shots, probably thousands, I can’t resist going along! This year is the last of the WW1 trenches too - I posted some four years ago (and later) showing these and some transport. The place is a photographers paradise! Thanks for commenting, you know I appreciate your view on things.
Apr 29, 2018 11:01:19 #
R.G. wrote:
Tents and tractors are what events like that are all about, so I don't have a problem with the background. And there's enough detail in the traction engine to show how scarily dilapidated the vital components are.
Of course it’s perfectly safe really RG - couldn’t operate without a boiler certificate - at least, that what I tell myself!
Thanks for commenting.
Apr 29, 2018 12:43:50 #
I like the scruffy, dusty feel. I would like to see that kept while showing parts of the engine in more detail. (Yeah, cake and eat it too.)
Apr 29, 2018 15:10:07 #
I think you did succeed with the PP. However for me the background distracts from this shot. IMO the tractor looks out of place with the background.
Apr 29, 2018 16:08:29 #
NJFrank wrote:
I think you did succeed with the PP. However for me the background distracts from this shot. IMO the tractor looks out of place with the background.
Thing is Frank, this may be the only place it ever gets used! I suppose I could try blending a rural scene in, or vice versa, if you see what I mean. I have a little series of these shots with different engines, all on the same show field, surrounded by dust, and, no matter what the angle, there’s always tents, ‘vans or crowds visible in the background - but they do give the essence of GDSF.
Apr 29, 2018 16:24:22 #
magnetoman wrote:
Thing is Frank, this may be the only place it ever gets used! I suppose I could try blending a rural scene in, or vice versa, if you see what I mean. I have a little series of these shots with different engines, all on the same show field, surrounded by dust, and, no matter what the angle, there’s always tents, ‘vans or crowds visible in the background - but they do give the essence of GDSF.
I understand completely. We all have to play the hand we are dealt. So most of us keep keeping on.
Apr 29, 2018 23:36:59 #
magnetoman wrote:
This traction engine is my favourite amongst the r... (show quote)
You very much succeeded. That photo tells a story. Good job.
Apr 30, 2018 01:49:19 #
Thanks to all to whom I’ve not responded directly, timm27, rplain1, StevenG and JD750 - your comments and time are appreciated. Nobody mentioned the covered trailer being pulled by the engine - that’s got seating so, if you haven’t breathed enough dust, you can get a ride being dragged round the arena then visit the 1st Aid centre later!
Apr 30, 2018 06:03:05 #
magnetoman wrote:
This traction engine is my favourite amongst the r... (show quote)
Love it, really captures the atmosphere
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