S1, S2, S3, S5 Wednesday thread 2012.11.14

First and most important, railroads are industrial areas and come with lots of danger. Be extra careful and it is probably best not to cross tracks at any place except grade crossings. No open toe or open back sandals, boots, even light ones are best. Depending upon where you are in CA watch for rattlesnakes, scorpions or poison oak.

The "safe" train photo is the front lit 3/4 action wedge image with the sun over your shoulder. Then going a way trains, trains in silhouette add interest. I like a 70-105 equivalent to bring the horizon up to the train especially if there are mountains. Wide angle glass can set up a nice train in the landscape image. A lot of dramatic images are long telephoto mash shots.

A lot of signals are approach lit, they are dark until a train is nearby. If they come up red a train may be coming at you. If they are green or yellow a train is coming from behind. Always stay off the tracks at all times. If there are more than one track something might come from behind you while your attention is focused on a train on the  other.

So go have fun, stay hydrated and enjoy the scenery.

I hope your daughter heals well.

--
Alan, in Montana