Three BNSF Units Descending Summit with an Autorack Train, Cajon Pass, CA
In common with numerous railroad photographers I am always looking for different ways to photograph trains. I do like 3/4 front “Cheese Wedge” shots and it’s easy to see why they are so popular but I also try to do things a little different sometimes. My favourite variation is what is commonly referred to as a “Trainscape”, which as the name suggests is an amalgamation of a train and a landscape shot. The disadvantage of this kind of shot is that you don’t get a close up view of the train, however on the plus side you do often manage to Include the entire train and to see the environment in which the train is operating. This approach works particularly well with long trains and spectacular scenery when using a wide angle lens. Mike Danneman is an absolute master at this kind of shot. This view shows three BNSF units descending Summit with a train consisting entirely of Autorack cars and hopefully demonstrates the point that I am making here. The tree is intended to provide what is referred to as “Foreground Interest” and also balances the top left to the bottom right of the composition.
Leica M8
28mm/F2 ASPH
360/F9.5
Three BNSF Units Descending Summit with an Autorack Train, Cajon Pass, CA
In common with numerous railroad photographers I am always looking for different ways to photograph trains. I do like 3/4 front “Cheese Wedge” shots and it’s easy to see why they are so popular but I also try to do things a little different sometimes. My favourite variation is what is commonly referred to as a “Trainscape”, which as the name suggests is an amalgamation of a train and a landscape shot. The disadvantage of this kind of shot is that you don’t get a close up view of the train, however on the plus side you do often manage to Include the entire train and to see the environment in which the train is operating. This approach works particularly well with long trains and spectacular scenery when using a wide angle lens. Mike Danneman is an absolute master at this kind of shot. This view shows three BNSF units descending Summit with a train consisting entirely of Autorack cars and hopefully demonstrates the point that I am making here. The tree is intended to provide what is referred to as “Foreground Interest” and also balances the top left to the bottom right of the composition.
Leica M8
28mm/F2 ASPH
360/F9.5