Background? No background? Your thoughts.. (Page 2): You might want to try a Gaussian blur to the background. Duplicate the original, apply the Gaussian blur filter to the copy layer...

rwm283main Loc: Terryville, CT

You might want to try a Gaussian blur to the background. Duplicate the original, apply the Gaussian blur filter to the copy layer (you can preview the amount of blur as you go) then using a layer mask bring back the engine using the brush tool. Have fun! Rich

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

I'm thinking like most of the other UHH photographers, to punch out some of the photo and use some dodge and burn to select what you want to enhance and not to enhance. Would you mind if I played with your photo and show you what I'm thinking?

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

#1 for me!

Celtis87

I prefer the darker one. It focuses my eye on the locomotive. The lighter one forces my eye to wander through the image.

tcthome Loc: NJ

I think I like the 2nd photo better but have to admit, seeing everything else in the brighter photo leads away from your subject.

mvetrano2 Loc: Commack, NY

No background loos more appealing

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

I like the engine in the first but also like seeing where it is. You might try dodging the background in the second with a small soft brush and low opacity to bring back some of the background.
Very nice image Tommy!

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

The first is more artistic; the second, more informative. If I wanted a wallhanger or a competition photo, I’d vote for the first.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

The darker background is more three dimensional, making the subject more prominent.

photophile Loc: Lakewood, Ohio, USA

tommystrat wrote:

I think each of these images has merit on its own, but I can't decide which I prefer - the one with the dark background, highlighting a kind of "steam punk" look to the steam engine, or a more visible background to give depth and context to the engine... please indicate WHY you prefer one over the other - I learn from your input...

I like it with the darker background, it highlights the engine.

photophly Loc: Old Bridge NJ

If you’re looking to accent the engine , go with #1….but there is more detail in #2.

birdman12 Loc: Pinopolis, SC

I like the more uniform lighting of #2.

lmTrying Loc: WV Northern Panhandle

tommystrat wrote:

I think each of these images has merit on its own, but I can't decide which I prefer - the one with the dark background, highlighting a kind of "steam punk" look to the steam engine, or a more visible background to give depth and context to the engine... please indicate WHY you prefer one over the other - I learn from your input...

I like the blacked out background because it eliminates distracting unnecessary clutter and focuses attention on the steam engine. But, I don't know if it was a product of your processing, the engine is too dark and a lot of detail was lost in the shadows. I'd say black out the background, but keep the lighter exposure on the engine.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

In my opinion it is a difficult decision to select one over the other. While the first one accentuates the locomotive or what seems to be one, the other one offers the viewer a version of the environment where the locomotive is.
I guess selection of one over the other depends on the viewer's taste.

mitrecon

tommystrat wrote:

I think each of these images has merit on its own, but I can't decide which I prefer - the one with the dark background, highlighting a kind of "steam punk" look to the steam engine, or a more visible background to give depth and context to the engine... please indicate WHY you prefer one over the other - I learn from your input...

To me it’s an apple or oranges situation. I see the pleasing aesthetic in each for the same reasons other commenters are liking either.