Bob Crum

Aah, the pain hurts so good. As I write this on Monday following the Railfest, I'm still recovering. Like some dogs are predisposed to chase cars nipping at the tires, I was compelled to chase the steam engine but not to [!@#$] at the hooves of the iron horse. Just that the steam engine is a photo op phenomenon.

A slowpoke the steam engine is not. Spewing steam and smoke, she rambles speedily. One must be equally speedy because there's very little time to drive from one shooting location to the next. Adding to the foreboding franticness, some motorists drive like they have nowhere to go and all day to get there. GET OUT OF MY WAY! (Yelled silently, of course.)

Fortunately, most of my shooting spots along the route were devoid of, ahem, “phonetographers.” However, there were several of “them” at the last location, one standing down the track 100 yards or so, in view of course. This necessitated taking a different position than planned. After the train passed, I waited for him whereby I cheerfully admonished him about proper protocol, i.e., GET OUT OF THE WAY of the shot for the rest of us. For the coup de gras, I pointed to the sign: “Private Property, No Trespassing.” Phonetographers!

True, photography is all about “light.” Great light makes a good photo better. But photographers don't control daylight, yet. The event happens regardless of the kind of light nature presents. It was cloudy all Railfest weekend presenting diffused soft light! A photography friend loves cloudy skies declaring soft light moody. Sure, if I'm photoing mermaids on the beach under cloudy skies, the soft light exudes a tantalizing, exotic mood. Conversely, I prefer sunlight creating contrast on the steam engine's metallic body expressing muscle. Regardless, as long as the light isn't dark, it's good!
As mentioned often, composition is a significant component of a compelling photo. I have predetermined locations specifically for obtaining compelling photos. But this year, Fillmore & Western Railway (FWRY) discombobulated my photoing plan. My locations are selected based on the steam engine pulling the train west, as in years past. This year, however, FWRY put the engine on the east end of the train pushing it west and pulling it back to Fillmore, ruining my planned shots. (sigh) There wasn't time to re-scout new locations based on the train configuration, so I still shot from my predetermined places. The problem? Smoke trails don't lie. Forward leaning smoke indicates a train in reverse — wrong perspective. To get the perspectives I wanted required shooting from a different location as the train approaches. Fix it in Photoshop? I could, but that would violate my photojournalism code of ethics so not an option.

The photo of the week is #14 on the 88-year-old turntable. The turntable, purchased from Capreo, Canada for $16,000, is operated by the Santa Clara Valley Railroad Historical Society. Notice the steam rising straight up? Truly an 'authentic' photo! More Railfest photos forthcoming.

Art and Photography Exhibition showing now through Sunday, May 5 in city hall. Hours: 5/3 noon to 7 pm, 5/4 noon to 5 pm, 5/5 noon to 4 pm. Yes, I have three photos on display. The Artist Reception on Friday, May 3, from 5 pm to 7 pm is an excellent opportunity to meet the artists and discuss their art. Come by and buy! All art is for sale. Remember to vote and submit your People's Choice ballot for a $100 drawing! See you there!

Send comments, suggestions or questions to: focusonphotography@earthlink.net