Great Western!
Ex GWR 'Hall' class steam locomotive "Rood Ashton Hall".
Ex GWR 'Hall' class steam locomotive "Rood Ashton Hall".
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Oct, 2015Views
1345
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Awards
Top Shot Award 22
People's Choice in Vintage Steam Photo Challenge
Staff Winter Selection 2015
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
All Star
Virtuoso
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CPKphoto
January 30, 2021
magnifique I always wish to photograph a real steam train out in the open countryside landscape
Platinum
michaelmcbethharris
September 15, 2021
Love your train pictures. I have not seen a steam engine up close since the late 50's.
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
Taken at Stenson Junction in Derbyshire. I love steam locos and this was a special which passed quite close to where I live.Time
Setting out to capture images of steam specials can involve quite a lot of planning - checking the schedule - selecting a good location - etc. This was taken around 3pm as the train was returning to its home base in Birmingham.Lighting
Selecting the right location is often about being in the right place at the right time in relation to the sun, if there is any. I try to get locos lit from a 3/4 front view. Wind can also affect shots as it can blow the steam and smoke across the loco.Equipment
Taken with an Olympus E-500 using an Olympus 40-150 kit lens mounted on a tripod. Set to ISO 200 at f/3.5, with shutter priority and a shutter speed of 1/750.Inspiration
Taking images of moving steam trains can be frustrating - you normally only get one chance. I like to try for an image which shows the engine working and producing visible steam and smoke. There are often lots of other photographers around as well. My aim is always to try and capture something of the power and beauty of steam.Editing
I always shoot RAW and process first using Adobe Camera Raw.In my camera bag
For a trip out to capture a steam train I usually take my Olympus E-3 (which replaced my E-500) and my Olympus 50-200 telephoto lens, a tripod, spare batteries and memory card.Feedback
You can check on the internet to see when steam trains are running. A few days before you can find out the route and times with a view to picking a spot to shoot from. If possible choose a spot which gives you the best lighting, ie know where the sun will be. Try to find a stretch of line where the train is going uphill, the engine will have to have steam on and should be making better smoke. I always try to get a low angle and very rarely shoot from bridges.
