Ed Palaszynski
August 2026 - Shay #4
Original
About the Image(s)
A legacy photo from my train-chasing days when shooting either Kodachrome 64 or Tri-X. This slide was digitized via scanning and then multiple conversions from the original color to B&W. The main processing was done in Photoshop for very discrete areas within the image and then finished in Silver Efex. The image was originally taken with a Konica T3 and 50mm lens. Being situated really low near the tracks resulted in this dramatic and dynamic run by.
10 comments posted
Ed: This is a nice strong image of the train engine. I think the composition works well for it. The highlights look a little too bright; probably the result of the image having been captured on slide film. I'd tone down the gravel in the foreground a bit and it looks like you tried burning in the large round headlight. Ive found it very difficult to burn in an areas that are near white. Still a great captaure. The smoke really gives the image impact. Posted: 08/08/2026 20:33:02
Thanks Charles. Processing this image was challenging. It was a constant battle between highlights and shadows as you have pointed out, thus I strove for a balance. I'll play with the roadbed a bit more and see how that works. Posted: 08/09/2026 20:03:08
Hi Ed: A very interesting monochrome conversion of the old steam engine from a by gone era of time. The old railroad tracks are out of alignment due to many years of use.
You have done a lot of post processing work to bring out any details the front of the engine where there is none in the color original, then the plume of smoke adds impact.
A sight seeing train as upon studying the picture closely there are people visible in a back train car. You have captured a scene seldom observed today. KUDOS.
Posted: 08/09/2026 12:49:34
You have done a lot of post processing work to bring out any details the front of the engine where there is none in the color original, then the plume of smoke adds impact.
A sight seeing train as upon studying the picture closely there are people visible in a back train car. You have captured a scene seldom observed today. KUDOS.
Posted: 08/09/2026 12:49:34
Hey Murphy, thanks and yes it is a very timely image. The Location/Venue was Cass Scenic Railroad back in the 90's in what is called a "photo run by", hence the individuals in the car behind the engine. As I mentioned above, the highlights and shadows were the biggest challenge so this represents a balance in terms of tonal range and detail...
This old logging railroad operation still exists today and really represents a piece of industrial history very few people get to see or experience. Posted: 08/09/2026 20:08:02
This old logging railroad operation still exists today and really represents a piece of industrial history very few people get to see or experience. Posted: 08/09/2026 20:08:02
(Group 50)
Hello Ed, thanks for visiting Group 50. This is a great vertical composition, with motion highlighted by the smoke billowing behind the smokestack. The low shooting angle gives what may have been a small engine the impact of a behemoth. Posted: 08/13/2026 23:28:14
Charles! Thanks also. I thought you would like this given your image in your group. Posted: 08/14/2026 02:00:02
Very dramatic photo of a narrow gauge locomotive. I like the leading lines of the railroad tracks and the smoke coming out the stack and in the sky behind the locomotive. I think the bright background (and foreground) helps draw my eye to the locomotive because that's the area of greatest contrast. A couple small things. I'd consider removing the small branches that just stick into the picture on the right, and decreasing the brightness of the window on the left. Posted: 08/17/2026 18:51:43
Thank you Sheldon! Your comments on a couple of small things is spot on. I never noticed the small branches! The power of this group, eh? Also, that engine and railroad is unusual in that it was and still is standard gauge. A real good "local" RR to shoot that is narrow gauge is the East Broad Top up in Pennsylvania. Posted: 08/17/2026 22:43:03
Ed, it's the steam making the photo. In monochrome he combines with the sky - you don't know where the steam ends and clouds may begin. You well filled up the right upper corner, ha!
And the engine is very expressive - shows more detail then the original! Well composed! Posted: 08/17/2026 20:30:57
And the engine is very expressive - shows more detail then the original! Well composed! Posted: 08/17/2026 20:30:57
Thanks Peter. Yes, that billowing black smoke is a special treat that the engineer was specifically asked to do and makes the image very dynamic. The processing was challenging given the original... Posted: 08/17/2026 22:45:23