The Art Of Photographing Trains- A History
Topics: railroad-photography, digital-cameras, photographing-trains, twin-lens-cameras, SLR, photojournalism
Trains and railroading is a very exciting hobby. One of the most rewarding aspects of “chasing trains” is railroad photography. Here, you get a chance to take back the memorable rail scene into your photo archives. If you are so equipped, you can create a video of the rail scene you’ve witnessed. You can show them off to railfan groups. With secure web conference, anything is possible to promote your photographic skills.
The art of rail photography has advanced.over the years. At one time in the 1930s, the 4 x 5 Speed Graphic was the camera of choice. Produced by a company in Rochester NY known as Graflex Corpoation, it was the workhorse of every photojournalist around. Its lens and shutter speeds were ideal for train photography. Besides, its very appearance would mark you as a photojournalist. You didn’t need permission to enter rail property. One look at you with your Speed Graphic and equipment bag, and every railroad manager and security cop would plead with you to take their picture.
The Speed Graphic was a ponderous camera to lug around. In the 1940s, the Speed Graphic went to war and most of the memorable WW II photos emerged as the product of this camera. In the 1950s, the twin lens reflex replaced the Speed Graphic. The Rolleiflex indeed made its mark. One of the most noted of rail photographers, Ed Nowak, used a Rolleiflex for most of his work. Phillip Hastings was another rail photographer of eminence. I did all of my work with my trusty twin lens during that period. It was very easy to use, and you could “get down low” to photograph rail height scenes of trains coming at you. The Rochester and Genesee Valley Railroad Museum located south of Rochester NY has a featured collection of the best of my railroad photographs. All of them were the work of my twin lens. I still have that twin lens stashed away somewhere amidst the wreckage of my household.
In the 60s, 70’s and 80’s, the Rollei and other twin lens reflex cameras faded from view as a camera of choice for rail photography. In its place came the 35mm Single Lens Reflex, or SLR. Spearheaded by Nikon and Canon, the Japanese invaded this camera market. One of the biggest reasons why Japanese made cameras did so well was their lens systems. The lens resolution was so sharp that locomotive details were never blurry or indistinct. Night photography, a dream scene for pictures in rail yards and terminals was a cinch. Photographs with existing light within locomotive cabs and cabooses did not need electronic flash
The SLR could use an array of lenses for different effects, something the twin lens could never accomplish. Using a long focal length telephoto lens, a SLR could photograph a train as if it were coming right on top of you. With a short focal length lens, you could capture a broad expanse of scenery such as that within the California mountain ranges.
The 35mm camera is still around, as is the twin lens. However, it is the digital camera that has made itself the indispensable tool of rail photographers. The biggest drawback of both the SLR and the twin lens was the photographic film silver halide method of image capture and development. Ever since its inception, this has been the basic building block of photography.
The digital camera has changed all that. Instead of capturing a silver halide image on photographic film, we now capture images in digital format with a new term called “megapixel” that is a measure of image quality. Digital images are stored within the camera’s memory or to an auxiliary image storage device. These images can then be downloaded at any time to an attached PC, and then can be subsequently stored, re-worked, or moved anywhere on the internet. There is no more photo darkroom, no sending out for color slides, and complete image manipulation versatility. Images can be stored on CD or DVD formats, Whole albums of train photos can be created and stored.
Capacity rating in megapixels is the most important feature of a digital camera for rail photography. The higher is the megapixel rating, the more detail and color rendition will be captured in your train photo. You cannot see this unless you have a PC along on your train photography mission which can display your work from its files. On the other hand, you do not want to lug around a PC near a rail site, since the dirt and other outdoor elements might do it in.
Rail photography has indeed come a long way since the days of the Speed Graphic. One of my pet ambitions is to revisit my old New York Central haunts in Rochester and do some mean photography in those haunts before old age does me in. However, there are a pair of photographers tooling around Rochester that have done some excellent work with digital cameras. Just think ..I was climbing up and down New York Central railroad embankments with my trusty twin lens in Rochester before these guys were even born or before the digital camera ever got invented !!!
However, railroad photography is just as exciting a hobby as ever..with the new digital camera equipment, give it a try. Don’t forget to get permission from railroad authorities before venturing out onto railroad property. Who knows - the old man with an old twin lens camera you might see out there might just be me !!!
Bob Carper is a veteran consultant in information systems He holds a a MBA from Pitt. For additional information go to
www.mypowermall.com. His blogsite is www.html-secrets.net. You may also contact him at robertcarper06@comcast.net
Previous Articles Highlighter:
Dont Compromise Choose Used DJ Equipment (1)
Used equipment provides aspiring and accomplished DJs with the option of spending less without compromising on the standard of equipment they purchase. There are many different categories for equipment that is not new.
Some Car Repair Tips To Consider (2)
Do you notice a sweet odor? This may indicate a coolant leak. Watch your temperature gauge and warning light and drive to a repair shop. Now, if you see steam from under the hood, stop and pull over.
A Look At What Kensington Has To Offer (3)
Cross over into Kensington Gardens to visit Kensington Palace. There are two reasons to see the palace. First, it is important historically and architecturally with work by Sir Christopher Wren and William Kent, and the state apartments provide a fine tour.
Teaching Your Son Baseball (4)
Experience may force your son out of his natural position before his baseball career has started to another challenging position in baseball. Never tend to say never , because it will come back on you.
A Guide To Islington London (5)
Opposite, across the traffic-ridden carriageways, you immediately see an Islington characteristic, a raised causeway brining the pavement or sidewalk an amenity created when the streets were badly churned up by live cattle being driven to London.
Rock Climbing Tips For The Beginner (6)
Climbing is easier if you put more weight on your legs instead of your arms. Avoid dangling by your hands and use one foot at a time. There is no planned technique as such, but doing something that you are comfortable with is the best technique.
Easy Steps To Start Playing On Skunk Games (7)
Sean has lost count of the number of games he has downloaded from SkunkStudios. He loves them so much. He has written some articles about this passion of his.
Why Become A Member Of Low Fare Airlines (8)
This is the website of the low-fare airlines, which has been operating flights to Canada and America (including one route to the Bahamas) since 1996. The airline runs a major booking service through it website.
Game Download Sites Supporting Their Gamers All The Way (9)
When you download a game, you are mostly not buying anything physical. Of course, you can get some games on CD on demand, but very few of these downloadable games are ever released in their retail CD versions.
Safety Precautions For Rock Climbing (10)
Bouldering is a fantastic beginning to the sport of climbing, and a wonderful method to practice, as it trains you in a few of the fundamental methods. However, it is carried out nearer to the ground, where there is not much risk involved.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
Submitting Your Articles To Article Directories (1)
2. If you fail to write a compelling article that moves your readers to want to keep reading, then it's doubtful that they will follow through and click on your link in the resource box at the end of your article.
Simple Mistakes To Avoid When Publishing Your Articles Online (2)
At the first sight of a misspelled word or a word that is used out of context, for the webmaster, there is no certainty that there are any more mistakes in the article, which may lead to the webmaster immediately passing on the article.
Do I Need To Take Singing Lessons? (3)
You need to look after and respect your voice. Your voice is your musical instrument and your voice determines whether you succeed or fail in your singing career. You have only one voice and once it is damaged, your career as a singer may be destroyed.
Cheap Car Insurance Quotes And Low Cost Auto Rates Can Save You Money (4)
Several car insurance policies or plans are based on a reasonable estimation of the annual average projected distance expected to be driven with figures provided by the insured. This low mileage discount benefits drivers who only drive their cars now and then.
Fitness, Health And Why "We" Need A Rowing Machine (5)
Dieting is only a small part of the weight loss/health regime, and in our increasing obese society, exercise should be high on the list of priorities, and not just because of the struggle to fit into clothes.
Basic Indoor And Toproping Skills (6)
You also need to carry a chalk bag. Don't choose the most expensive shoes in case you are a beginner. As you are not aware of your foot techniques, you may end up destroying them.
How To Avoid Awkward Wording For Party Invitations (7)
In fact, the more creative you are with your wording, the more the celebrant and his or her guests are sure to appreciate the effort you put into the act of making the invitations.
What Is Digital Scrapbooking (8)
Downloadable templates are always readily available over the internet to expand your choices as well as fonts for text, digital designer embellishments and backgrounds. I know it sounds intimidating for the novice but really, it is so super simple you'll be on your way to creating your digital scrapbook in no time!
Seven SUV Rollover Tips (9)
Topics: SUV rollovers SUVs are notoriously known in the automobile industry for being quick to get into rollover accidents. While this is not a totally unfounded claim, it is also important to note that SUV rollovers typically don't happen because of manufacturer defects or design flaws' they happen because drivers are dangerous in a vehicle that is already prone to rollovers under certain conditions.
SUV Rollover Accident Attorneys (10)
Topics: rollover accident attorneys, SUV rollovers If you or someone in your family has suffered injury or death due to an accident in your sport utility vehicle, consulting with an SUV rollover accident attorney can be a good way to ensure proper compensation for the accident is procured.