The joys of shooting into the sun

[MagnumForce]

the last couple of days I have thought about how some pictures look amazing even if they don't follow the status quo for a good shot.

To put it simply sometimes shooting into the sun works, no I am not talking about a backlit roster shot, I am talking about being down on the ground shooting head long at a train heading out of the sunset with a great glint shot.

I think all too often we pass the shot off as not worthy of our pixels or a frame but I think you miss out on something special.

Who hasn't stood along the tracks with the sun setting in front of you and an eastbound train flying out of it? It really is one of those existential foam moments for me. I think a shot right into the sun, glint shining off the sides of the train and any reporting marks barely visible can really portray the drama and power that is railroading.

So take that shot, you might be amazed at what you get!
http://railroadfan.com/gallery/displayi ... pos=-53594

[railohio]

No, never, why would you ask?

[sd70accsxt700]

I cant see it Brent, unless its the shot we were talking about earler.

[Mr. Tops]

When the sun is low in the sky is the easiest time to shoot trains...because you can shoot from where ever you want and get a decent shot (if you know what you are doing). For my indecisive a$$ it is also hard because you are not limited to one side of the tracks, you have more than one option! I usually can't make up my mind! You can shoot into the sun, and get a silhouette; incorporate the setting sun or not...or you can go on the other side and get a glint shot, once again incorproating the sun into the shot, or not -- depending whether the sun is at a sharp enough angle to the train to do so. The possibilities are endless!

[sd70accsxt700]

Bob the choices do end, the sun eventually goes down.

[MagnumForce]

Then you can do this...

[PSK at CH45.2]

Yes...I like shooting into the sun every once in awhile too.

[sd70accsxt700]

I like the sun too!






And at night.

[J T]

never

Excellent!

Ok, here are my "never" shots...



And a sunrise from the same crossing:

[Mr. Tops]

Who needs the sun?

So it has set...


Or is not out at all...


I think the sun is like a creativity-block. It puts a block on your creative side and makes you feel all warm and fuzzy while your shooting your beautifully lit wedgie (which I am definately guily of). But it is when the sun is not out, or conditions are less than perfect when the mind is challenged to come up with something that will be acceptable. And it is these times when you usually see the most creativity. Who thinks to shoot when it is cloudy, foggy, rainy, etc? In the right situation, these conditions often can bring an image to be far more dramatic than if it were sunny.

I must say we have an ELITE group of photographers that post here! And a lot of them (including myself) have learned a great deal on this site, as well. Some, we have watched advance before our eyes. From posting throw-away after throw-away, to posting links to their railpictures photos. This has definately become a PREMIER site. Zack has done a wonderful job, and must be proud of where railroadfan.com is at today!

[SD80MAC]

Who needs sun? As much as I love a sunny day, you can pull off some pretty interesting stuff when it's not up or barely out.

[JANGAJONGA]

Who needs sun??!?!??!
http://railroadfan.com/gallery/displayi ... pos=-52547

[AARR]

Great pics guys. Except...I don't get the pics with lines of lights across them. I know they're trains but I don't understand the fascination with them.

[SD80MAC]

Great pics guys. Except...I don't get the pics with lines of lights across them. I know they're trains but I don't understand the fascination with them.

Well unless the train is sitting still, it's about all you can do at night. Or get a bunch of flash bulbs and pull a Gary Knapp.

[odave]

I consider them to be the railfan equivalent of star trail or Analemma images in amateur astronomy. Both depict the subject in motion over time, they can be interesting and artsy if you're in to that kind of thing.

[Scooterb]

These are some of my favorite onea
Sunise Fostoria

Sunrise Butler

Sunrise Fostoria

Sunset at Fostoria

Sunset at Stryker

Rain in Fostoria

[MDH]

Some really great pictures in this thread! I'm really enjoying looking through here. Here's a couple of my favorite ones I've taken:

1) Going away glint shot at Vickers:

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=244492

2) Ethanol train heading into the sunset West of Fostoria:

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=250034

3) For Don, how 'bout a blurred grain train at night instead of streaks of light?:

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=241922

Michael

[MagnumForce]

That last shot in the rain is the best shot in the rain I have ever seen.

Kudos!

[Scooterb]

Thanks Brent

[MagnumForce]

Beats the pants off this shot of mine!