Vanta Black
I was drawn farther south into Illinois for two reasons - a local train, and a total solar eclipse. I know everyone and their mother went out for this thing, but it was just the most incredible sight. There really is nothing comparable to totality. The 360 degree sunset, the cool air, darkened skies, and that blacker than black orb in the sky that causes it all. My, what an absolute treat.
I'd initially hoped to frame the eclipse with something, say a locomotive or crossbuck, but I ultimately didn't. Time and place didn't work for that, nor did I have anything I was really inspired by. I'd rather just see the eclipse instead of running around and wasting my four minutes trying to secure a different photo. So, the telephoto lens straight up it was. I'm happy with that - miles better than my last attempt at shooting the 2017 eclipse!
I had just finished shooting CN L588 at Eldorado and decided to head back to Akin Junction, and I wound up viewing the eclipse at Darrel's Snack Shack just outside of the village. Quite the viewing location! A good crowd had formed there but no extreme traffic. Going rural for the viewing was a great choice. I'm so glad I got to experience this eclipse. I ended up getting all I was hoping for when I drove down to southern Illinois - you couldn't ask for a better day!
Vanta Black
I was drawn farther south into Illinois for two reasons - a local train, and a total solar eclipse. I know everyone and their mother went out for this thing, but it was just the most incredible sight. There really is nothing comparable to totality. The 360 degree sunset, the cool air, darkened skies, and that blacker than black orb in the sky that causes it all. My, what an absolute treat.
I'd initially hoped to frame the eclipse with something, say a locomotive or crossbuck, but I ultimately didn't. Time and place didn't work for that, nor did I have anything I was really inspired by. I'd rather just see the eclipse instead of running around and wasting my four minutes trying to secure a different photo. So, the telephoto lens straight up it was. I'm happy with that - miles better than my last attempt at shooting the 2017 eclipse!
I had just finished shooting CN L588 at Eldorado and decided to head back to Akin Junction, and I wound up viewing the eclipse at Darrel's Snack Shack just outside of the village. Quite the viewing location! A good crowd had formed there but no extreme traffic. Going rural for the viewing was a great choice. I'm so glad I got to experience this eclipse. I ended up getting all I was hoping for when I drove down to southern Illinois - you couldn't ask for a better day!