R Gary Butler, PPSA  

Big Boy at Letchworth by R Gary Butler, PPSA

August 2026 - Big Boy at Letchworth

About the Image(s)

On a steamy hot day in June over 5,000 people showed up at Letchwork State Park to see the 250 year celebration train cross the trestle above the Upper Falls. My wife, our 5-year-old grandson and I went down to witness it. The train did not disappoint. The engineer stopped the train on the trestle for about 20 minutes and repeatedly blew the whistle.

I shot this image with my R5 camera and my 24-105EF lens set at 58mm, f/16, ISO 400 and and 1/300 sec. I also stayed in the spot until the crowd in front of my disappeared. Then I took the same picture so that the falls could be seen. I post work I used the latter image to remove the person who was most directly blocking the water going over the falls. The image was processed in LRC, sharpened in Topaz and revoked the person in PS.

7 comments posted

Ian Chantler   Ian Chantler
Hi Gary
The people in the foreground give a wonderful idea of the whole scale of the scene,the v sided hillsides act as a natural frame,fabulous sky and an Engineer who gave everyone a chance to capture what they travelled to see everything was in place and you took full opportunity of it fabulous photo travel/photo journalism image.   Posted: 08/03/2026 10:52:44
Erik Rosengren   Erik Rosengren
Hi Gary, the image is sharp, offering good color and the train tressel acts as a leading line. The only change I made was to level the bridge. Years ago, I spent many hours hunting deer, turkeys and photographing this beautiful Park.   Posted: 08/03/2026 20:22:28
Comment Image
R Gary Butler   R Gary Butler
Erik, I looked at the image and convinced myself that the Geneses Arch Bridge was built with an uphill slope. But alas, the internet says that I am wrong. I have corrected the image. Thanks.   Posted: 08/03/2026 22:28:51
Erik Rosengren   Erik Rosengren
You are welcome Gary.   Posted: 08/04/2026 14:07:37
Dr Isaac Vaisman   Dr Isaac Vaisman
Gary, interesting image. I do not see a single DSLR or mirrorless camera. All I can see are smart phones which eventually will overtake our big boys toys. Agree with Eric in straightening the bridge. Nice colors and composition. The waterfall adds interest to the image.   Posted: 08/04/2026 14:38:19
R Gary Butler   R Gary Butler
That's a great observation, Isaac. And in a way scary for the future camera business.   Posted: 08/04/2026 14:40:30
Guy Davies   Guy Davies
Gary, that was great that the engineer stopped the train on the bridge to allow you to take time on composition. I confess that I did not notice the apparent slope on the bridge as my brain accepted it as a possible perspective effect. Erik is always first to spot these things. Good thinking to take a second shot without the people so you could show the falls. I would darken the falls a little so that they don't dominate and pull the eye away from the train.   Posted: 08/08/2026 15:44:55

 

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