LOCOMOTION

You have some Eye... ;)

What a beautifull Shot. Composition to talk about... Circle defining Beauty and all powerful Diagonals and Vertcals adding on Energy and Strength. Regardless of its oily black, it gives impression of compacted neatnes and finesse.

My first association was with some of the Renaissance bluprints of buildings or Leonardo's drawings of machines. Light reflects of Black making it White... neat. I realy like this Shot very much ;)

Thank you very much. It obviously hasn't impressed too many folks, but I'm not too surprised. I've seen a million similar railroad images, and the only affinity I had for this one was the processing. Some may think it a bit much, but I became more and more pleased with it as it went along. It needs to be seen large to appreciate the processing, and, then, those who are not big fans of processing will shy away from it. So it doesn't have much of a chance at being well accepted. Interestingly enough the meager number of rates it got were at least high, which cannot be said for most of my stuff.

It sure does make a difference looking at it large..

All detail in Black Steel and Highlights... Awesome.

I wander if you could still recover detail in most prominent Highlight where it dissapears in two small places?

This one works pretty well, David, overcoming the jumble of monochromatic elements to be a nicely unified composition, thanks to the lines of lighter-colored pieces. I can't imagine any other way this would have worked than the skillful high contrast B&W treatment you've given it. I like it.

You are right about those blown out spots. But to get this where it made me happy, I just didn't have the skills to keep that from happening.

A very fine image, amigo. A real evocation of power. Great tones, composition, and treatment. Warm regards...

Thanks. As I stated, it started out as a pretty uninspiring photo, but I came to appreciate it more as I played with it. I tried to give it depth and to translate the massive strength of the parts.

Thanks. Much appreciated.

David, I like this image very much for the composition and treatment.The geometric lines & curves and texture are very attractive to me.The image is sharp and very good contrast.

This has all the grit and muscle of an American archetype. Your treatment of this calls up old images of gritting one's teeth and of pushing through.

Well David, with all due respect let me then be the one to disagree. Your lighting is anything but good here and the way you processed it does in no way justice to the "grandeur" of your subject. I know your work so I know that you can do a whole lot better than this.

Hard to love, impossible not to admire. You've created this tremendous image more like a painter...I admire what you've seen and then accomplished.

I am much indebted to you for looking and commenting.

Thanks. I tried to convey grit, so I'm grateful that you saw it that way.

Despite the fact that you did not like the image, I appreciate very much your frank appraisal. I would certainly agree that I have done better images. I may have failed, but as I explained above, I have seen a gazillion of these images of the drive mechanism of the old steam engine, and I did not wish to just do another one similar to all the rest. I realize the mere fact that I made it somewhat different does not make it a particular success. Herewith I give you the original and let you be the judge as to whether or not I improved it. I'm not trying to change your mind, but merely providing a bet more information. As I said, I am most appreciative of the fact that you speak your mind critically and fearlessly. Peace

Thanks. Maybe now that I present the original you will like it better. Frankly I thought it was a bit boring.

Peace always David. You know I speak as I find, as do you. So the appreciation is mutual. And I know you weren't trying to convince me but I do appreciate the fact that you uploaded the original (I wouldn't have; what you see is what you get in my book). To answer your question, I think you're right in sofar that the edit works better. As always, Ton

 

Almost forgot. It's not so much like or dislike that gets me to write a comment because that would mean by definition a biased opinion and thus not fair on the photographer but also an analytical approach, whether it be wright or wrong.

And in my case, don't confuse love with like. I like it. As I said, I find what you did from the original to be impressive. The original is not nearly as good as what you've made of it.

I'm glad that at least my work improved the image to your way of thinking. It would be a bit disappointing to find that I worked on a raw image and afterward everybody thought it was better to start with.

I like the composition and geometry... I have a preference for a treatment closer to the original which has more depth... your treatment make me think of something close to a copper plating or so and in that sense I enjoy it....

As you know I have the highest regard for your artistic sensibilities. My primary thought here (and possible downfall) was to make this different from the many similar images of this subject matter. I'd be the first to admit that I may have tried to exceed my capabilities. Of course "nothing ventured, nothing gained."

Little Eva, 1962

"My little baby sister can do it with ease,

It's easier than learning your A B Cs,

So come on, come on, do the locomotion with me."

 

So now you have left me with a song in my head for the day...

And may it haunt you for all your days on earth. "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes" is still rolling around in my head like a marble in an empty 55 gallon drum. Sweet revenge.

David! What a wonderful memories you given to me. I used to hanging out in railway stations, as a 10-12 years old, and used to watch those stem locomotives, some time a whole day. Never feel hungry. I vas fascinated of those machines, standing so close sometime as this picture. Very nice graphic image. Congratulation and thank you to share it with us.

 

Happy Easter or what ever coming up to you;

Bela

Thanks. These behemoths are fascinating indeed. Take care.