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Victorian Railways steam train K153 on the Hurstbridge line during the Wattle Festival event heading to Wattle Glen station in Victoria, Australia....
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Victorian Railways steam train K153 on the Hurstbridge line during the Wattle Festival event heading to Wattle Glen station in Victoria, Australia.
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Aug, 2016Views
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Awards
Winner in Travel By Steam Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
Top Choice
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This Photo was taken on the Hurstbridge Line in Victoria, Australia, close to the Wattle glen Station during the Wattle Festival annual event that is put on to mark the arrival of the newly flowering Wattle trees, the vintage train runs between the Victorian towns of Hurstbridge and Greensborough throughout the day.Time
The time the shot was taken was in the mid afternoon on what was a mixed weather day. It was rather overcast on the day but on occasion the sun did put in a rare appearance as was the case just as this shot was taken but it did not shine with any great gusto, I have to say it was a very restrained burst of sunlight which I think benefited the shot.Lighting
The lighting was perfectly provided by the some what reluctant Sun on the day, it was almost as though it decided to put in an appearance just at that particular moment but also decided not to overdo it.Equipment
This was a reflex shot, hand held with a deep breath, so very much an on the go photo. so as to be ready to pursue the train, with the car at close but discrete quarters. Traveling light on this day was a requirement so just the essentials were carried so as to be manovrabile.Inspiration
For years I let this event go without a photo but my son's recent venture into photography and a Technical training course inspired me to team up with him and participate in this event. He also took some great shots on the day. His first venture into recording movement was challenging, but also quite successful and rewarding at the same time.Editing
Yes, I am not perfect I have to admit. However this photo was merely cropped a little to centre up the train and engine and eliminate some track side eye-sores that were not seen until the photo was on the PC screen.In my camera bag
I do prepare before hand making certain the lens and camera are spotless, I decided on a lens that was the right tool for the job on the day, so basically the bag had only the essentials with some cleaning equipment if required. Steam engines can spray you and your equipment with all manner of things when they feel like it, especially if you are close by so be prepared for it. We were on the move a fair bit so it did not pay to be carrying too much so my advice would be keep it light and be agile. Oh yes, just a quite word of warning; some train drivers out of a sense of fun like to frighten photographers a bit with their whistle or horn so be prepared for that, it can put you off your game so don't be distracted.Feedback
The three rules of the right location, Position, Position, Position. Photography is supposed to be fun, so please don't get to wrapped up in the Technical side. The main thing is to set the scene around the Engine and Train to make the shot as interesting as possible, try as hard as you can to eliminate or distract the eye from the things that can influence the scene setting such as ugly overhead lines, cables and associated poles that are for the electric trains that would normally operate on the line, after all it is a different period you are trying to recapture here. Finally keep an eye out for the unexpected such as unsightly rubbish, graffiti or even that modern motor car that may be lurking around ready to spoil the feel and effect of the photo. Most importantly remember to have some have fun and enjoy the day.
