This is a long exposure of a freight train in an industrial area along Hunter Road near San Marcos, TX. After hundreds of different long exposures shots, that I took during the day at different locations, I learned to focus in on a back ground object (such as the train trestle). I shot with a Nikon z8 24mm, shutter speed was 0.5 seconds, F9 and ISO of 100.
This train only crosses this trestle bridge 2 or 3 times a day, so I stood alongside of the busy road for about 3 hours during the heat of the day. When I heard the train coming, I only had one chance to capture this photo. I used single shoot mode, not continuous in order to capture the movement of the train. I had to clean up the aberration along the edges of the trestle and toned down any highlights. For the sky I did a bit of shadowing and contracts to bring out the clouds.
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6 comments posted
Darcia Jackson
That's very interesting. Are there any manipulations involved? Posted: 07/01/2025 21:12:25
Sharlana Dillard
Hi Darcia - to answer your question no there was not manipulations involved. Strictly a long exposure. I practiced daily light long exposures on many of different subjects, people, cars, joggers focusing on the subject or the background to learn more about long exposure photography during the day light. Posted: 07/03/2025 07:17:24
Charles Bartolotta
I find this to be a very interesting image. You did very well at catching the train at just the right time. I think yu got the composition just right, too. great job hitting in one shot. Posted: 07/03/2025 14:54:02
Sharlana Dillard
Thanks Charles :) Posted: 07/03/2025 17:28:41
Tom Lee
Interesting photo! I enjoy doing long exposures as well, but mostly at night. Since this was taken during the day, did you use ND filters? Posted: 07/04/2025 02:59:50
Sharlana Dillard
Hi Tom - yes I did. I practiced with a 3, 6 and 10 stop ND filters. I'm sorry I forgot which on I used for this photo.
Posted: 07/04/2025 07:14:55
