Shooting trains in the urban environment is a challenging task. Most great train pictures need elevation above the subject and a background that will not put the viewer into a vegetative state. Bridges solve the first problem - except in our high security world, hanging over a railing brings forth questions not artistic support. Getting a shooting angle, with good lighting, a worthy background and a train takes patience. Many a time I have watched the direct sunlight track across my camera's focus point with no train in sight. Sigh.
Union Pacific 5021 is leading its train into the Los Angeles basin. The remaining miles are primarily single track, so she is not going to slow down for her picture to get taken. I especially like the level train/tracks and the "tilt" that the electric towers make. No bridge available, so down on the ground I go. Shot with a 20mm lens, you can "see" vinnetting in the corners from the circular polarizing filter - Kodachrome 64, f5.6 at 1/250.
Photoshop makes it easy to to create a black & white print which I think can hold its own.
Photos: UP 5021 • Whittier, California
