Pictures from a train
Jan 21, 2018 22:04:22 #
I am new to both this forum and digital photography. I have a Nikon 7100 and lenses that I used with my Nikon film SLR. I am going on a train trip through mountains this summer. It is one of those trains with big windows for sightseeing. I want to take pictures and need advice. I assume that the moving train would suggest use of high shutter speed. I also want good depth of field. The lenses I have include a Nikkor 50 mm AF 1.4, a Nikkor 35-70 AF 3.3-4.5 and a Tokina 20-35 AF 3.5-4.5.
In the past I also typically used a skylight filter or UV filter for landscape shots.
I will appreciate any advice or recommendations.
In the past I also typically used a skylight filter or UV filter for landscape shots.
I will appreciate any advice or recommendations.
Jan 22, 2018 05:18:28 #
I would try using the 50 mm lens, ISO 800 1/1000 shutter speed or faster and auto aperture. No filter or polarizer filter on the lens.
Jan 22, 2018 07:55:04 #
JMCPHD wrote:
I am new to both this forum and digital photograph... (show quote)
On most of these trips you can reserve your seats. Select a seat opposite from the sun.
For example, if the train is traveling east-west, select a seat on the right hand side (or the north side) of the train. If traveling north-south, select a seat on the left side of the train (the east side). I didn't find window glare a major problem, but take some "wipies" so you can clean the window where you will be sitting. If possible, and you can reach it, also clean the outside of the window.
If this is a train strictly for travel from A to B, there won't be any announcements as to what will come in view next. If it is a tourist train, there may be a car without windows where you can go during the trip to take some photos. If there are very special locations the train passes, that may be announced, and the train may even slow down for some "Kodak Moments."
Have fun and post some pictures when you're home again.
Jan 22, 2018 08:05:52 #
To reduce reflections from the windows inside the train, use a large rubber lens hood or cut a hole big enough for your lens in a large piece (8 x 10") of black matte board or black craft foam and get as close to the window as possible without touching it.
Jan 22, 2018 09:58:38 #
Jan 22, 2018 10:29:13 #
df61743
Loc: Corpus Christi, TX
JPL wrote:
I would try using the 50 mm lens, ISO 800 1/1000 shutter speed or faster and auto aperture. No filter or polarizer filter on the lens.
JPL,
I would have thought a polarizer would be useful for cutting reflections off the glass windows. If that is incorrect, why?
Dick
Jan 22, 2018 10:47:56 #
Do not overlook the platforms at the end of the cars for an even less obstructed view of things you want to capture. Got great pictures in Alaska from these platforms as well as the windows by my seat.
Jan 22, 2018 10:53:00 #
df61743 wrote:
JPL,
I would have thought a polarizer would be useful for cutting reflections off the glass windows. If that is incorrect, why?
Dick
I would have thought a polarizer would be useful for cutting reflections off the glass windows. If that is incorrect, why?
Dick
I think you are right about that. I was thinking about not using the skylight and UV filter mentioned in the post but have no filter on the lens or use a polarizer filter. That was what I had in mind.
Jan 22, 2018 12:32:09 #
When I have traveled by rail, I would shoot from the vestibule between cars. Open the to half of the door so your not shooting through glass. I would switch ftom side to side, hut not sticking my head out, some signals are quite close to the tracks.
Jan 22, 2018 12:33:12 #
The windows will already be polarized so using a separate polarizer will effectively block almost all light. Or give those gawd awful purple streaks through your photos. Do not use any filters as they just add to the degradation of the photo because you are also shooting through dirty non-photographic glass (or plastic) Move the front of your lens as close to the window as possible without touching it to eliminate all reflections and the added vibration of the train. As stated previously use a rubber lens hood which will allow some leeway in the direction you shoot. Without it you must shoot perpendicular to the window.
df61743 wrote:
JPL,
I would have thought a polarizer would be useful for cutting reflections off the glass windows. If that is incorrect, why?
Dick
I would have thought a polarizer would be useful for cutting reflections off the glass windows. If that is incorrect, why?
Dick
Jan 22, 2018 12:42:07 #
Technically, this is the best way to shoot pictures from an Amtrak train by opening the top part of the window (part of the door between cars) although it's not strictly allowed for passengers, so don't do it if the Conductor or Train Attendant are there, too, or you will get a lecture. Those big
glass windows in the Lounge Car are fine for viewing with your eyes but that thick glass is tinted
and your results will not be very good. Clean the outside? Not possible for passengers! Even
to wipe off the inside won't help very much. Enjoy your trip---I ride Amtrak a great deal.
glass windows in the Lounge Car are fine for viewing with your eyes but that thick glass is tinted
and your results will not be very good. Clean the outside? Not possible for passengers! Even
to wipe off the inside won't help very much. Enjoy your trip---I ride Amtrak a great deal.
Jan 22, 2018 13:15:17 #
kb6kgx
Loc: Simi Valley, CA
Floyd wrote:
Do not overlook the platforms at the end of the cars for an even less obstructed view of things you want to capture. Got great pictures in Alaska from these platforms as well as the windows by my seat.
Exactly what I did on our Alaska trip last year.
Jan 22, 2018 13:22:30 #
Yes, what you did on your Alaska trip will work fine but it's a different type of train. The person
asking about the train trip out West through the mountains will be on Amtrak's Superliner Double-Decker cars, the only kind they use on these routes. Of their 3 Western routes (and I've taken all
3 of them numerous times) the California Zephyr from Chicago to San Francisco is the best for scenics although all of them provide nice views.
asking about the train trip out West through the mountains will be on Amtrak's Superliner Double-Decker cars, the only kind they use on these routes. Of their 3 Western routes (and I've taken all
3 of them numerous times) the California Zephyr from Chicago to San Francisco is the best for scenics although all of them provide nice views.
Jan 22, 2018 13:46:49 #
bpulv
Loc: Buena Park, CA
df61743 wrote:
JPL,
I would have thought a polarizer would be useful for cutting reflections off the glass windows. If that is incorrect, why?
Dick
I would have thought a polarizer would be useful for cutting reflections off the glass windows. If that is incorrect, why?
Dick
A polarizer on the camera won't work! The windows on trains and commercial airplanes have polarized glass.
Jan 22, 2018 13:49:44 #
paulhw
Loc: Los Angeles
Having shot from moving cars, airplanes, trains and boats, I suggest that you always shoot at an angle to 90 degrees, which will give you better focus. Ninety degrees tends to give out-of-focus results. You can also use slower shutter speeds if you shoot at an angle. Move the camera with the subject; I always started shooting as the subject approached. Closer subjects are harder to focus on for good results. I shot like it was a sporting event (multiple fast exposures, not single shots).
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