I have limited skills with this stuff, but these two images I scanned from a Pentax 6x7. Shot is N&W 611 starting its second career after its first run from Birmingham in August 1982. This was at Salisbury ironicallY(since its being restored there now---nearby Spencer). Anyway I ran into this kid who had some bulbs so we went at it. Was the first time I met John Craft.
The top one is the image before I did anything. The bottom one cropped out the wires and color corrected a little. I think it helps the image.
I try to help older scans where its vintage stuff, cause usually the colors are bad, and sharpening helps a little.
Personally I don't care much for the posed shots that are static, like with actors and such. I would rather try to get good shots of everyday runs, and if you connect with some good ones I feel more satisfied since I did it on my own.
I have been on a few charters myself, including 2 or 3 I sponsored. When I went to the C&TS in September I decided to go video what the railroad had to offer, including the regular trains, Engineer Trains, and even a Sunset train. This is the real railroad today, and what brings in the cash to keep operating. It has operated half as many years as C&TS as before that!!!
I do enjoy it when the engines and cars are somewhat authentic, but any more its not a deal breaker unless I am paying big bucks to do a charter. To me the fun of doing charters is that you can enjoy the engines working hard for each scene. Lets face it if you are on the C&TS and shooting eastbound from Osier, your shots are generally going to be underwhelming since its downgrade. On a photo special you can have the engine worked a bit, which creates more excitement for videos(Sound), plus some smoke to enhance the action for still photography.
To me there are too many photos out there which look and feel like frauds!!!! What's running today is real, and we should be more satisfied with what we have!
I see nothing wrong with Russ's shots, but as someone said the pole in Durango was not a deal breaker, and I too liked the truck at Cumbres.
Greg
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/26/2015 04:03PM by Greg Scholl.