Looks Like Train
Aperture f/8.0 ISO 160 Shutter 1/400 Focal Length 60/1 
May, 2015Views
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Briser_fae_the_broch
January 08, 2019
I liked this one, mono always works for me. I chose this as my Challenge winner!
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This shot was taken at the Didcot Rail Museum in Oxfordshire, England. The museum have regular steam days. When many of the trains are brought out of the sheds and taken up and down the tracks, pausing here and there for photos. I really like this spot, the fact that it is only 500 yards from home, helps but mostly it’s because there is always something going on and I find the shapes , textures and changes in the images under different lighting conditions quite fascinating. The only thing that can make getting interesting shots a little difficult, is that on Steam days quite a lot of other photographers are doing the same. Although we are, quite a polite bunch and try to keep out of each others shots, when possible.Time
Around mid day. I was looking for quite contrasty lighting, as I intended to convert the shot to black and white. I love the true blacks and whites with just the right amount of detail in a properly, converted black and white image. I still have a lot to learn here. When I started photography digital was still a long way off and I’m afraid I still think like I’m using film, sometimes.Lighting
The weather and position of the sun seemed to be on my side that day. There was a nice amount of cloud in the sky and the sun broke through behind me just, enough to give the contrast I was looking for. Without loosing too much detail in the black train or burning out the sky.Equipment
I have to keep equipment to a minimum when I’m out shooting. I’m registered blind and need my guide dog, Merlin to get around. Which means I have to use public transport if it’s too far to walk. Both hands are often busy, so that Merlin can guide me. On this day I had my small Lowepro Mini Trekker rucksack, Manfrotto Befree Tripod attached to the side. My Canon Eos 1ds MK3 attaches to the straps of the rucksack using optech quick disconnects. I find this saves me having a separate strap getting in the way when I’m using the camera on a tripod. I always carry at least one flash gun. On this day I took my Canon 20mm f2.8, probably my favourite lens. Also a Canon 28-105mm f3.5-4.5 Usm a beloved relic from my film days and the lens used for this shot.Inspiration
I really liked the way that the train was surrounded by clouds and steam. I like to have a picture in mind when I set out for the day. It doesn’t often happen, but this shot matched it pretty well.Editing
Usually I like to get things as close as possible in camera. This just needed converting to black and white using one of light rooms presets.In my camera bag
I tend to have to pack light depending on where and what I’m shooting. My bag is set up so that any lens can be attached to the camera when I put it in the bag and the other lenses will fit in each others slots. So I attach the one I think I’m most likely to use. My 20mm is almost always with me. I find a 100mm macro lens can be used for all sorts of shots, that would often be in the bag. I always carry at least one Flash. If I’m taking flower shots this can be up to three, along with receivers, controller, a couple of magic arms to attach them to the tripod legs and a nice little mini tripos that fits inside the bag. This is used to position a back or rim light. Then there are the usual spare batteries, polarising and graduated grey filters.Feedback
The most useful thing to keep in mind, if you’re trying to capture trains with steam. Is to go before the weather gets too warm. On warm days they can be a little disappointing. Luckily in England we don’t have very many of those.
