The Phantom Train
This fantasy version of an abandoned train shows what the train would like to do.
This fantasy version of an abandoned train shows what the train would like to do.
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Jan, 2023Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took the original photo at a train museum near Ojai, California.Time
My husband and I had decided to take a quick day trip to Ojai from our home in Los Angeles, just to get away for the day. It was probably near noon and Google Maps took us off the freeway because of a traffic slow down. While driving on a side road, through a cute little community, I saw a bunch of trains parked behind a fence. I asked my husband if he minded stopping and, since we were already diverted, he said he didn't mind. While he waited, I wandered around with my camera trying to get a decent shot as all the trains seemed to have fencing around them and I couldn't get in.Lighting
The lighting was actually pretty good for a mid-day shot. There were plenty of trees providing some shade and clouds overhead as well.Equipment
When I took this picture, I was using my Canon Rebel T6 (I have since upgraded to their mirrorless R6). I do most of my shooting hand-held as I did this day, using the lens I keep on my camera unless I'm shooting wide or macro or far away wildlife. That lens is the Canon 55-250 zoom, a really good all-around lens for most subjects.Inspiration
I just happen to love trains! I have even been known to try to shoot trains I see out of the car window as we are passing by. This, I admit is not often successful, but I have to try because...I love trains.Editing
Obviously, this picture has gone through a lot of post processing. I started by removing as much fencing as I could around the train. I then got the idea of trying to give the photo a sense of movement, so I used Photoshop's Liquify filter to stretch out the train a bit and give a wave to the track. Back in Lightroom, I played around with the Curve and color saturation to make it look more spooky. Lastly, I moved the photo into Luminar 4 and used sun rays to light up the headlight on the train.In my camera bag
I tend to carry a lot in my bag in case I encounter something I need a specific lens for. Usually, I keep the 55-250 mm zoom lens on my Canon R6. I will also carry a 18-50mm wide zoom, and sometimes my Tamron 100-500mm zoom for wildlife or my Tamron 90mm Macro lens. I do usually have a tripod, but lately I just bring a monopod if I need stabilization. I also have various filters, extra batteries, and wipes for my lens.Feedback
The Phantom Train probably falls into the category of surrealism, so use your imagination. Then just play around with the post processing. The more I produce these kinds of 'not quite real' pieces, the more I am able to see the potential in certain scenes. It is kind of like what painters will do. They will start with a basic sketch or painting then, back in their studio, they use their imagination to create a feeling or mood. It's a really fun way to create something that is really different!
