wide open spaces Photo

Photographer’s Note

In between Flagstaff, Arizona and Winslow is a wide-open expanse. It is as beautiful as it is desolate. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad makes its faithful trek across the lonely desert under an endless sky. I like the way the rust of the soil blends with the muted green shrubs. It was fun to take this photo because we were fairly close to the train and it made the ground rumble as it passed by. The huge roar went right through me. What a thrill. I can now understand why people become so passionate about trains.

Arizona offers so many beautiful landscapes. I will have a lifetime of subjects to choose from. I picked this photo because I wanted my first submission to Trek Earth to represent my native state. I love trying to capture a small piece of the tremendous beauty around me. I am an amateur photographer and I am seeking to improve with every roll of film. I have learned so much by viewing the photos here and I welcome any constructive advice that is offered to me. Thank you!

james-r, s_a_s_h_a has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

trinko (2940) 2007-01-14 22:48

nice composition and feel but it needs sharpening and there may be a color cast. i sharpened it a bit and changed the colors a little in the workshop.

[workshop] [compare] +

james-r (672) 2007-01-15 0:14

Hi Jill, welcome to TE and a good first posting and an excellent note. This image is well composed with the track diagonal and the train in the position it is in - but as you have asked for advice, I'll try and help although there are others far more qualified than myself!

Perhaps the image is a little overexposed and blurred - possibly a faster shutterspeed combined with a smaller aperture may have helped.

Also, maybe taken from a lower point of view if possible - to get the top of the train above the level of the horizon - i think that would have lifter the image as well.

Just my thoughts and worth what you paid for them! :-)

h_sedghi (878) 2007-01-15 2:04 [Comment]

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Brendon (285) 2007-02-06 22:30

Hello Jill
Great POV showing the train powering into the frame from the left side. I think it works well for this action shot with desolate background and the train as the focused subject.
Yes there is a bit to do with sharpening, no big deal, your portrayal is nice
Happy shooting!
Brendon

s_a_s_h_a (607) 2007-03-21 4:12