I am often asked how I captured the details when I show someone my photography. The comment that their “photos don’t look like that.” I then explain the process of capturing the details, through proper exposure, and the benefits of High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography. I though it might help to produce a post that visually details how to capture a scene in HDR an show that everyone can do it…
A View of Metrolink's New "Guardian Fleet" - the Safest in the Nation
At a series of stations throughout Southern California, Metrolink (Southern California Regional Rail Authority, SCAX), the southland’s local commuter rail provider, debuted their new cab and passenger cars. The new equipment, dubbed the “Guardian fleet,” is considered to be the safest in the nation…
Trains at Los Angeles Union Station in HDR: Part 2
Trains at Los Angeles Union Station in HDR: Part 1
To help alleviate our financial woe I have begun take on some web and design consulting work leaving me with less time than I would like to create postings for ChasingSteel.com, let alone go out the far reaches of the California to take photographs. Hopefully the new year will bring better opportunities!
Over the course of the past week I filled the small holes of opportunity during my daily commutes with post-processing some photos from Los Angeles Union Station…
Photos From "Cajon Day": Part 4
Photos From "Cajon Day": Part 3
Photos From "Cajon Day": Part 2
Here are a few more images that I have post-processed that I took on November, 13, 2010 at BNSF and the San Bernardino History & Railroad Museum’s celebration of the 125th anniversary of train service through Cajon Pass.
The photos are representative of the vehicles that were on display, complete with accompanying employees, specific to each vehicle type and service, to field questions from the public and give demonstrations…
Photos From "Cajon Day": Part 1
BNSF and Others Threw Quite the Railroad Party
Lately I have been consulting for a couple of rail and historical web sites to include standing up new web presences for each entity and creating accompanying artwork. This effort has occupied all of my free time, as the lack recent posts can attest to. However, I made sure to clear my calendar for Saturday, November 13, 2010. In my calendar I created an entry to block out my time and labeled it simply “Cajon Day…”
Poster Art: Travelers
As I exited the tunnel from Track 3 at Los Angeles Union Station and joined the tide of humanity, the hundreds of recently freed commuters that were rushing to the find their exits, I felt the pressure and the urgency that seems to be part of the daily commuting process. Making my way through the main waiting area of the terminal I passed several lines of people that seemed to consist of business travelers, family vacationers, and many others seeking to be elsewhere…
Cajon Pass in HDR - Crossing Over Cajon Style
Cajon Pass in HDR - Sleepless Summit Sojourn Seeking Sunrise
BNSF Celebrates the 125th Anniversary of Railroad Service Over Cajon Pass
Rail service through the Cajon Pass is turning 125 years old on November 9, 2010 and the BNSF Railway and the San Bernardino History & RR Museum are throwing a party to commerate this historic occasion on Saturday, November 13, 2010, and you’re invited!
To get in the spirit of the event, I created the poster above as a salute to all of the men and women who persevered and conquered the pass by rail and to those who operate the trains and maintain the line today. I get a lot of enjoyment out of watching the trains struggle up and down the pass and try to visit it regularly…
An Idea Fueled With Passion Comes to Fruition in Stunning Fashion
Ah, rail-related daydreams, if you will, are part of the railfanning process I suspect. For me it was winning the lottery and buying the Loop Ranch, at the heart of the famed Tehachapi Loop near Keene, California, and opening a bed-and-breakfast for railfans from all over the world to enjoy. To date, that dream has not been realized. Perhaps it might, someday, if I play the lottery. (NOTE TO SELF: Buy a lottery ticket…)
Toying Around with Hyper-Real HDR
On Labor Day this year I went out shooting. I opted to stay locally, near Ontario, California, and see what I could find since I usually head out for a few days into the remoteness of the Mojave Desert when I get the chance. After I left the Pomona, California area I headed towards Union Pacific’s large classification yard at West Colton, California…
Drivers - Man, Water, and Fire
In the course of human achievements there have been many truly advancing inventions forged by talented and brilliant folks. Obviously computers, atomic fusion, and airplanes come to my mind immediately. However, one invention that had far-reaching ramifications, good and bad depending on one’s perspective, considering the time frame when it was first developed, the late 1700s, was the steam engine. This eventually morphed into a steam locomotive, among other implementations, and the future of discovery and settlement of America was cast…
Amtrak's Pomona Station
PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT: Travis Dewitz
Although I have never met fellow railroad photographer and blogger, Travis Dewitz, I feel like I know him because we share the same passion - railroad photography. I have read his blog and reviewed his work for some time now and I have come away feeling inspired and astounded with his ability to capture the beauty and drama of railroads…
Remembering Steam and Martha
As I sat in the numerous hospital waiting rooms while Martha was battling time, I recalled all of the cool stories that Martha had shared with me about her love of trains and the numerous trips she had taken aboard them. Whenever I returned from a trip chasing steel Martha would ask if she could see my photos…