Robert Barley
September 2023 - Rail Crossing
About the Image(s)
I thought the rail enthusiasts in the group might like this shot. I got it while seated in my car as I waited for the train to pass. It was early in the morning and sun was behind the cars. The power lines added to the vanishing point effect. Edits were done with Snapseed - black and white with contrast and a red filter effect, as I remember it. I had to take it so quickly that I didn't roll the window, so it's a wonder there aren't any spots. Bob
This round’s discussion is now closed!
13 comments posted
Wow, What a great image for us railroad buffs. The contrast makes the image. The red filter effect worked well. I suspect this image might be ordinary in color, so great choice to do it in b&w. Where did you find the red filter? Posted: 09/08/2023 16:15:06
Thank you for your comments. I thought the rail fans might like it. When converting to BW, I used the Snapseed "Black and White" button. The page that comes up has the "Presets" shown across the bottom. I picked "Contrast." To the left, there is a button for "Color Filter". Pressing that shows a selection of filters to try. Since I like BW, I've used these presets and color filters quite often. I like to try the options and see what happens to the image. Posted: 09/08/2023 17:57:48
Thanks I never checked that out before. Lots to learn! Posted: 09/08/2023 18:24:07
Well executed B&W with nice tones throughout the image.The angle of the train add a dynamic element. I wonder that since the engine is not shown anyway, why not crop on the left to where the pole is. Might make a simpler image. Posted: 09/09/2023 08:10:43
Thank you for your comments. I arrived a bit too late to catch the engine, so I just got the cars as they passed. Your suggestion about the crop is interesting. I preferred showing as much of length of the train as possible. I also think that pole allows the power lines to exit the image in a better way. There are always choices in composition, of course.
Posted: 09/09/2023 11:23:40
Posted: 09/09/2023 11:23:40
The pole also gives a sense of depth so that's another reason to keep it. Posted: 09/09/2023 12:40:33
This is a very neat photo of train cars and nature. The black and white scene is perfect for this photo. As mentioned before, the lines of the train cars, and poles and wires stand out a very depth scene. Including the field of plants in the scene work well too. Good job Bob.
Posted: 09/09/2023 16:04:51
Posted: 09/09/2023 16:04:51
Thank you for your comments. It was one of those moments when it was good to have a camera instead of just sitting there waiting for the train to pass. The grasses in the field and the morning light do add interest.
Posted: 09/10/2023 15:39:49
Posted: 09/10/2023 15:39:49
Really excellent photograph you captured through a closed car window. Definitely captured the moment and starkness of the scene with rolling train cars, line of telephone poles and field of hay. Thanks for explaining how you used Snapseed's black and white section and its filters. I have to explore this more. Posted: 09/16/2023 10:55:43
Thank you for your comments. It was an unplanned shot, but while I was stopped I thought I should try it. I do like to make BW images, so I try to look through the available options on any platform I use.
Posted: 09/16/2023 17:43:01
Posted: 09/16/2023 17:43:01
I love trains also. This really works well in B&W. As others have said the leading line of the train cars and the power lines pulls the eye through the image. I think the field of grass adds a lonely feeling to the scene. My only suggestion would be to take out the short leaning post with the sign on it in the bottom left corner. A real country feel to this image. Nicely done especially through a car window. Posted: 09/16/2023 20:14:14
Thank you for your comments. I thought about removing that short post but decided to leave it. So I can understand your comment about it. Removing something like that with Snapseed's "healing" tool would be difficult - for me anyway. I also think that the post points into the image from the lower left corner, so maybe that's good. The solution might be to just darken it to make it less obvious.
Our images this month have the same origin, in a way. Yours was taken when you temporarily stopped at the turn-around, and mine was taken when I temporarily stopped for the train. Always good to have a camera handy.
Posted: 09/16/2023 22:02:32
Our images this month have the same origin, in a way. Yours was taken when you temporarily stopped at the turn-around, and mine was taken when I temporarily stopped for the train. Always good to have a camera handy.
Posted: 09/16/2023 22:02:32
Bob. I am so glad that you shared this image in B/W. It really gives a stronger image and gives clarity to your shot. Shooting out the window of you auto limits you ability to put everything the way you may have liked. This is really a very strong image.
Keep up the great work on your iPhone.
Jerry
Posted: 09/26/2023 15:07:39
Keep up the great work on your iPhone.
Jerry
Posted: 09/26/2023 15:07:39