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Suggestions for capturing Acela ?
Jan 4, 2019 23:44:21   #
repleo Loc: Boston
 
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?


(Download)

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Jan 4, 2019 23:54:14   #
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.

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Jan 5, 2019 00:45:16   #
RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia
 
I would try the slow shutter speed aproach as well.
I can post a couple of examples with your permission.

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Jan 5, 2019 01:42:22   #
repleo Loc: Boston
 
RichardTaylor wrote:
I would try the slow shutter speed aproach as well.
I can post a couple of examples with your permission.


Yes please, Richard

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Jan 5, 2019 01:52:18   #
RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia
 
repleo wrote:
Yes please, Richard


Thanks
Hope these help.

#1 1/20 second
#1 1/20 second...
(Download)

#2 1/15 second. The train was slowing down.
#2 1/15 second. The train was slowing down....
(Download)

#3 1/3 second
#3 1/3 second...
(Download)

#4 0.6 seconds.
#4 0.6 seconds....
(Download)

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Jan 5, 2019 06:20:59   #
Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York
 
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!

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Jan 5, 2019 07:34:41   #
foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC
 
PAN

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Jan 5, 2019 09:55:12   #
repleo Loc: Boston
 
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.

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Jan 5, 2019 10:05:07   #
repleo Loc: Boston
 
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.

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Jan 5, 2019 11:11:36   #
AirWalter Loc: Tipp City, Ohio
 
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.




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Jan 5, 2019 12:14:16   #
Ava'sPapa Loc: Cheshire, Ct.
 
I think foathog gave you the best answer.

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