Hi All!
I posted a pic very similar to the one below over at this week's "Photo Fun" thread, but I'm slowly learning to be more cognizant of small things so I adjusted some very minor elements, and tried again with another shot. This time I included the noses of two steam engines to give more of impression that steam still rules, as well as placed the figures more carefully (against the black background of the engine's front) to stand out better. I also readjusted the figures so it makes the one pointing look like he's pointing at the subject matter instead of just gesturing as he talks. It is so easy to overlook things that can help set a scene.
Admittedly, these are very subtle elements, but I think my eyes like the result better.
Included here is the caption that went with the pic over at the "Photo Fun" thread to help explain the what I was trying to convey with the original, and this, pic...
Hogger "Stringbean" Collins and Ashcat "Shovel Butt" Sanderson stand in front of their steam hog they'll be climbin' on shortly, and are given the newcomers an eyein' over. Things are sure changin' fast on the rails the past couple years as more and more of these "diesel electric" locomotives keep showing up.
"They've got no soul" says Stringbean.
"Yeah, but you ain't the one havin' to sweat bullets keepin' these old hogs steamin' hot!" retorts Shovel Butt.
Little do either of them realize just how quickly the diesels will totally displace the fire breathing glory machines, one of which they'll be manning tonight. Yes, all too soon, these spectacular machines will be no more. However tonight, time will stand still as that proud old gal, the 2055, will be struttin' her stuff like she's done for years... blowing billows of smoke into the crisp night air... as the glow of the firebox dances along on the cinder ballast below.
In the midst of figuring out a few things about photo composition, I've also learned that I think it's going to be fun to stage photos that have a "realistic" feel to them, yet using simplistic models and traditional trains therein! Looking forward to "one of these days" having enough actual "scenery" in place (weathered rail, ground cover, painted figures, some weeds, etc) to enhance the illusion, instead of the lack of same detracting from it.
All in good time, I suppose!
Andre
