Train App
NIKON D800
Aperture f/2.8 ISO 100 Shutter 1/400 Focal Length 140/10 
Knaresborough, York, GB
Apr, 2019Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
Both photographs used for this image were taken at the train station in Knaresborough, UK.Time
I shot at around mid-afternoon where the light wasn't too harsh. I had to wait for some time for the train to arrive at which point I only had a couple of fast opportunities to get the right shot for the image I wanted to create.Lighting
I shot in the shade to avoid lens flare, but the natural light quality was generally good though very direct which you can see from the sharp shadows in the background. I had no choice but to shoot towards the sun given the direction of the train so had to be careful when considering the best place to stand.Equipment
Nikon D800, 14mm Samyang f/2.8 lens for the train, Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8 lens (in macro focus area) for the phone.Inspiration
I often look for opportunities to make manipulated images whether it is adding an item later or combining multiple images. As I always have my phone with me, I find it a useful prop for making images that would normally be uninteresting appealing. Doing something slightly different, hopefully prevents viewers from simply scrolling past the shot. Even if a person doesn't like it because the editing isn't their style, it will hopefully still cause a reaction which is better than the image being ignored.Editing
The image is a combination of 2 images. I make selections of the area that will be 'popping' through the screen and build up the order of what is shown as being 'on top'. I then refine edges and shadows with careful editing. If there are any colour discrepancies I use curves to make the images match and blend. I find that colour discrepancies are one of the main reasons a manipulation can look low quality so think it's important to ensure the two images look like they were part of the same shot. To create a focal point and depth of field, I then added additional blur to the background behind the phone. The original image of the train was in focus beyond the point of the phone. At f/2.8 this wouldn't be possible when shooting the phone at such a close distance. I then export the image to Lightroom for normal processing of colour and detail. This step again really helps bring the image together and applies a colour style.In my camera bag
I always have my Nikon D800 and a spare battery. The Samyang 14mm lens is fantastic for landscapes and shots requiring a wide angle with a good depth of field. I then use the Nikon 35mm-70mm f/2.8 lens as a dynamic lens that doesn't often require switching if out walking around, it also offers macro with manual focus. The Nikon 50mm f/1.8 is then an excellent clarity prime lens with a beautiful depth of field. If used in the right context, the clarity of shots is excellent.Feedback
Pre-visualisation is important. You may not know what you want to shoot before you arrive at the location, but developing your idea before shooting is important. I didn't plan to create this image before arriving at the station, but quickly formed my idea and the shots I needed before shooting the train. While waiting for the train to arrive I used my time to shoot the phone to get the angle of where best to shoot the train. If you can take additional shots this will help later. Having well exposed, in-focus images are essential as you are creating a focus on certain areas of the image, these need to be as perfectly shot as possible. Developing Photoshop skills and an eye for detail are then the elements to practice once you get the images loaded into your computer.
