380015 versus beast from the east!
380015 departing Johnstone on 28th February 2018 on an Ayr service in a heavy snow storm when the "Beast From The East" struck bringing severe cold an...
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380015 departing Johnstone on 28th February 2018 on an Ayr service in a heavy snow storm when the "Beast From The East" struck bringing severe cold and blizzards causing white out conditions not seen locally for many years and dumping about 2 foot of snow. Scotrail trains on the day managed to run to a greater or lesser degree, but were wound down from 2pm onwards with all services due to end for the day by 6pm due to the Red weather alert for snow
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Feb, 2018Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this at my home town railway station where I live. The snow had been forecast well in advance, so it was a case of waiting for the right moment.Time
This was taken on 28th February 2018, whilst "The Best From The East", a severe snow storm not seen before was at it's height. I was coming home from work and had left early, and this photo was taken at 2.38 pm in whiteout conditions. A few yards further on and the train had disappeared completely into the blizzard.Lighting
The weather conditions at the time, not something seen at all where I stay (while it snows, it doesn't to this extent!) and wanted to get a picture of this while it was snowing to convey something of what it was like with the reduced visibility and whiteout conditions.Equipment
Handheld using a Canon Rebel t2i with standard 18-55mm lens, shot at 45mm focal length. There was no time to do anything other than shoot handheld, if I had used a monopod or tripod the snow would have overwhelmed the camera very quickly.Inspiration
The fact that I have a interest in rail transport coupled with getting a visual record of the weather at that moment in time and the fact the the railway was battling through it to get passengers home. If the chance arises for any photos where snow is on the ground I am always looking for that shot. Snow always gives pictures something more and makes it stand out my opinion.Editing
I shot the picture in RAW and used Lightroom to adjust the settings and particularly highlights, contrast and shadows to bring out some of the detail on the train to make it stand out against the snow but at the same time not losing the impact the weather was having.In my camera bag
Normally carry a Canon Rebel t2i, Canon EOS1000D as a backup and for lenses I carry Canon 18-55 and 70-300 mm kit lenses and a Canon 50mm f1.8 for low light. I also carry spare batteries, a monopod and a mini tripod along with spare memory cards.Feedback
Quite simple, go for it! If you know snow is on the way, plan ahead for it, or at least have some photography gear to hand if you have to be out and about or at work in case the weather changes and the chance presents itself. I always wear warm clothing and sturdy footware if out in the snow taking photographs, and if you can put something waterproof over the camera as snow quickly builds up on the camera body. And make sure you are in a safe spot as the weather can make underfoot conditions very tricky!
