Lucky Frog Photo Booth Rentals of Orange County

10201 Valley View St, Cypress, CA 90630

(562) 303-9926

https://sites.google.com/view/cypress-photo-booth-rentals/home

Behind the Photo: Justin Franz’s railroad photography: Digital Photography Review

Justin Franz is a writer and photographer based in Whitefish, Montana who has been photographing trains for over twenty years. During the pandemic, he purchased his first drone and started experimenting with getting aerial perspectives of these fast-moving machines across the North American landscape. DPReview recently interviewed him to discuss how he used his DJI Mavic Air 2S drone to capture the epic shot above of an Amtrak ALC-42 Charger locomotive and cars crossing the Flathead River.

What sort of pre-planning goes into capturing a shot like this?

A lot of the time it starts with looking at maps or Google Earth and seeing the bends of the landscape – curves are always better than a straightaway. If there’s not a dramatic backdrop or interesting foreground, it's just not going to work. I spend time just looking at the landscape online and thinking of past places I’ve been. Sometimes you get there and you throw the drone up and it just doesn't work.

When Amtrak got these new locomotives I knew I wanted to get some glamor shots of them with the drone. There's a long tradition in railroad photography of photographing the newest and brightest locomotives in the most iconic landscapes that the train travels through. If you look at the last 100 years, anytime the Great Northern Railway had a new locomotive they would have their publicity people take pictures of it along the southern edge of Glacier National Park. I knew that I wanted to sort of replicate that with these new locomotives.

How early did you arrive on site to get set up?

That specific spot is a 10-minute drive from my house, and just west of me is a busy station where the train stops for about 20 minutes. I knew that once the train was in Whitefish I could make the 10-minute drive to the location. I probably got out there like 30 minutes ahead of time to get the drone set up, calibrate the GPS, send the drone up to look around and get an idea of exactly where I wanted to be.

Amtrak has the little train tracker that you can queue up on your phone and see where the train is on the map, but that doesn’t always work because sometimes you are in an area with no cell service. If you’ve done railroad photography for a long time, you start to understand how the railroad operates. If it left the station at a certain time, and it's X miles away, theoretically it should arrive at a certain time. I always sort of wait until it’s about the right time before I send the drone up. The railroad people also use radios to talk to each other and you can tune in and listen to figure out how close the train is and if it's time to send the drone up.

How many shots did you have to take to capture the moment?

With the drone, you really only have one shot at it – and of course sometimes there's a delay [between pressing the shutter button and the shot] – most people might not notice that delay, but if you're doing railroad photography with a drone, you quickly notice that delay. Even a second or two too late and the train is in the wrong spot – the train is going 50 or 60 mph.

With the Mavic Air there is a setting where you can shoot in bursts of three, five or seven. Those bursts are in really quick succession. When shooting in bursts or three or five you don’t really notice a big difference in the frames, but with seven there always seems to be a delay because of the buffer. Usually I set it to capture bursts of three because it at least gives me an option, even if the train has only moved a foot or so. It’s not like shooting with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, where you can just sort of spray and get 30 different options.

What tips would you give to someone who wants to get started with railroad photography?

A friend of mine, another railroad photographer, jokes that railroad photographers are just dumb landscape photographers. We're looking for great landscapes, but it would be better if there was a train cutting through the landscape. It takes a lot of patience, it’s challenging at times, but it’s also a lot of fun. You should learn as much as you can about the railroad and how it works and obviously be safe while shooting. Trains are big, fast-moving machines, so never trespass and be careful.

Comments

That drone have a 20 MP 1" sensor. The image is quite severely sharpened to compensate for the softness, which show when you click on the image and gets 100%. The lighting is quite harsh and the overall image is quite washed out. The color of the train is fine.

It is fun and nice with those small drones, but a bigger drone with a better camera gives you better aerial pictures. Just saying. That said, it is a nice looking image for train spotters :)

I am a little surprised by the limited possibilities to take series of images. Just a short rapid bursts is not always what you need. A constant taking of images at a slightly slower speed might be just what you want. But, then you need more buffer memory or faster write to flash.

As bad as it gets.

Don't feel bad, I've seen worse comments than yours.

The above is a nice photo, but not really anything dramatic or special. For example, it doesn't necessarily imply motion; I mean, the train could be stopped. I love trains, but I can't say I learned a lot here.

What you might have learned here is that planning and preparation made this shot. This is something that is underestimated in photography

What you might have learned is that planning and preparation don't necessarily add up to a dramatic scene.

Yaaaaawn....

Yes that's what I do when I see a post from you.

If you aren't interested then don't look.

"User" can have an opinion. Don't be offended. I kind of agree with him, not a lot to learn here.

There's having an opinion, and there's a desire by some people just to denigrate anything they don't personally like (see his post above).

@Richandhiscat I denigrated anything I personally don't like by saying "Yaaaawn"? It's in that comment? This just mean it is a boring picture and a boring article. And yeah, it is a bad picture too. Hard to find a less interesting, more flat front lit and boring sun position. Landscape photography 101.

The problem is, you comment on something you don't understand, which is the use of drone photography for a specific subject, a subject which you clearly have no interest in. Boring sun position? Do you think there's a train along that line every 20 minutes, so that you can take a picture when the sun is just right?

So why comment at all? Do you comment on all subjects you find boring? Have you nothing better to do....are you bored?

Why are you getting so defensive, Rich and his cat? He finds it boring, uncreative; a fair comment. He was not being offensive, or we are only allowed to praise every photo on this site?I do happen to agree with User; there are many dramatic trains shots out there, but this isn't one of them.

@Richandhiscat I comment because that's what the comments section is for. We don't have to agree, you know? What is so interesting about this photography that is worthy an article, can you tell me since I don't understand anything? And if it is worthy of an article, why is the article so shallow and not interesting? The author of the picture actually has many train photographs on his website, some appear to have been taken with a drone too - most are much better than this one (which of course is subjective). My "yaaaawn" was aimed equally at the picture, the choice of it and the article. Both photography and then selection of them is about making choices, no?

Rich. There are probably several trains a day on that bridge. And there are more than one day a year. If you really shall do planning of landscape photography, then the position of the sun and the weather is a part of the planning. Landscape photographers do know that. It is important.

BTW, go to his web site and look at his train pictures

https://justinfranz.com/photography/contemporary-railroading/

There are much better pictures there.

Justin Franz has a good..."track" record.

I like this photo. I can sense the momentum of the train and the colours and scenery are great.

Before I read the article I looked closely at the photo. Objectively, it's not a great photo. Exposure, washed out sky, etc etc. The drone/camera? There are much better choices and there are spectacular drone images, however, this is not one of them.

Another great article in the series, and even more so this time because rail photography is my hobby. Thanks Jeanette, and thanks to Justin too.

I love the image. Awesome scenery and the train looks fantastic. Drones are great for rail photography, often making it possible to capture the whole train which can be difficult to do from the ground.

Love the story and the image !A great deal of long term planning - then the short term preparation rush to location and finally the execution adrenaline with just enough room for that singe perfect shot. That's 'old time' photography but on a modern day Drone level.Congratulations and the image quality is truely impressive !!

Thanks for this “Behind the photo” series! It’s a great idea to show more photographic work and give a voice to photographers.

I'm sorry, but drone photography just doesn't impress me. I mean, you can do it without even getting out of your car! Yes, it provides a different perspective but that's not due to skill of the photographer.

As for trains, I like trains. But aside from having to be in the right place at the posted time, where's the challenge? Model train photography seems more challenging.

I'm glad that some people like this but not me. I'd prefer a scenic shot without a train.

I'm sorry, but dismissive criticism made online regarding the creative efforts of others just doesn't impress me. I mean, you can do it without even getting out of your recliner! Yes, it provides a different perspective; but that's not due to skill of the writer.

Photography is nothing more than a tool to capture an image, a moment in time. Why should it be a challenge, if that moment in time is what you want to capture? Drone photography opens up new opportunities that never existed before to capture that moment in time.

Some people seem to view photography as chiefly an exercise in demonstrating your skills. For me it is about capturing an attractive image. I don't care about demonstrating skills: the less skill required the better as far as I am concerned, since that maximises the chance of an attractive image.

Well said John.

Whether or not you like the image it does demonstrate the pre-planning required for railway or landscape photography. In 2016 I spent a week in Switzerland photographing trains largely on the Gotthard pass and I think spent even longer researching planning the shots - remember in the UK we don't really have mountains casting huge shadows, so a lot to consider.

Yes, most trains run to a timetable or can be photographed when stopped at a station. But for one off or special workings you have no control over the light, weather, speed, direction, etc., so there's a huge amount of skill required, but it is a thrill to get it right! And if it's a steam special (especially Flying Scotsman) one has to contend with many other photographers, some who are inconsiderate and/or trespass and/or those shooting on an iPad who at the decisive moment suddenly block your view with their elbows.!

Saying that good drone photography requires no skill or effort simply puts you in the same camp as people who look at regular photography and say "wow, you must have a good camera."

I recently picked up a new book titled "Eyes Over the World," and it's all drone photos. There are some really wonderful images in that book, and they're wonderful because of the planning, creativity, and execution of the photographers; the drone is just a tool.

I agree. It's a good photo, and appeals to the many people who love trains. But I think if I'd been there with a drone camera I'd have gotten the same thing. Turn on drone, get it to altitude, wait for train, point at train, click. Not really seeing what all the excitement is about.

It's the ability to get a shot from an inaccessible location. Also think about the scene - that's a pretty standard shot, but you could have got it from all sorts of angles with the drone.

@Deltic Shows pre-planning? Out of all the pictures the author had taken they picked one that took a 10 min drive from the author's home to take? So many things are bad about both this picture and the article, I don't even know which is worse.

How far do you need to drive from your home before it becomes a good picture?

@TechTalk2 I don't drive.

Sounds like a drone would be perfect for you then.

Could we critique some of your railway photos User48………?

Why show more of the persons work

https://justinfranz.com/

I like the work on his site. Worth taking a look at if you haven't.

It must be very difficult to take pictures of trains.They are very shy and really unpredictable. You just never know where they show up next. It probably makes sense to shoot from a hide!

Like many critics you'll find online in that respect.

Nice project, I like the BNSF railway shot on his photos page too.

Not exactly O. Winston Link photos, but I like this emphasis on what you can do with digital cameras, instead of videos about "price points" and new buttons that replace the old buttons.

Yikes; neat article as a subject, but the showpiece picture is way below even the capability of that entry-level drone. Overexposed and poor dynamic range; probably didn't even bother shooting in RAW.

And burst mode is totally unnecessary for very distant objects that are moving, in relative terms, very very slowly. Probably adversely affected the shooting options too.

Classic DPR comment thanks for keeping the dream alive

Justin is an excellent photographer. He had an article published in The Washington Post on the Nevada Northern railroad that was a great read, and had great images with it.

From the article: "aerial perspectives of these fast-moving machines across the North American landscape...." Fast-moving? I didn't think there was any high-speed rail in that part of the U.S. Perhaps a visit to Japan or Europe would provide an even greater challenge. :)

It’s all relative, right? US trains I’ve ridden (never the Acela) don’t compare with those in Europe or China.

Generally trains here are 140kph (85 mph) or less. I’ve ridden the train from Suzhou to Shanghai at 200+Kph, and ones in Europe at about that speed.

Ever ridden a fast moving train? Nice pictures out the window of a blurring world going by.

Nevertheless, as someone living in 'fast train' Europe I still one day look forward to traveling on one of these rather scenic long distance trains such as the Empire Builder in the US. Although the currency coversion rate first has to improve a bit for me for that ;-)

Drones have revolutionised railway photography in previously inaccessible places, in the railway magazines in the UK you get some superb shots published just about every month now. Even the Mini 2 is capable of excellent photographic output with a bit of NR and sharpening.The only problem is if the train's late (or early even) you can end up with having to abort the flight and hope it doesn't turn up whilst you're changing the battery!

Absolutely true, with more and more capable and especially affordable consumer drones out there, I dare to say drones are the most important revolution in railroad photography ever since the first DSLR became affordable. A drone offers unique perspectives, especially in rather flat landscapes. I have seen people bringing large ladders, building their own tall monopods and / or tripods to get a better perspective than just standing on the ground - now with a drone that's much easier to accomplish and you even have much more possibilities to take your shot.I casually photograph trains myself and I am watching a few communities which share their pictures, more and more people don't get new lenses or a new camera, but rather buy a drone for this kind of photography.

"If it left the station at a certain time, and it's X miles away, theoretically it should arrive at a certain time."

I was told there would be no math.

but what if it's traveling 50 mph, going against the wind, and there are seven 10° climbs it has to traverse?

Trains can not climb 10 degree slope

@Rensol

Well I hope you weren’t really trying to do the math because it was just a joke! ;)

@Rensol

How to state you have never been to Austria then?

https://www.traveller.com.au/traveller-10-rack-railways-h199vx

This isn't just math, but sounds like a story problem! Oh No! :)

Common Core Math trains can do anything!

My badDid not think about cable cars, rack and cog trainsCommon core math trains were a good one!Thank you.

Latest buying guides

What’s the best camera for around $2000? These capable cameras should be solid and well-built, have both speed and focus for capturing fast action and offer professional-level image quality. In this buying guide we’ve rounded up all the current interchangeable lens cameras costing around $2000 and recommended the best.

What's the best camera for shooting landscapes? High resolution, weather-sealed bodies and wide dynamic range are all important. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for shooting landscapes, and recommended the best.

If you're looking for the perfect drone for yourself, or to gift someone special, we've gone through all of the options and selected our favorites.

Most modern cameras will shoot video to one degree or another, but these are the ones we’d look at if you plan to shoot some video alongside your photos. We’ve chosen cameras that can take great photos and make it easy to get great looking video, rather than being the ones you’d choose as a committed videographer.

Although a lot of people only upload images to Instagram from their smartphones, the app is much more than just a mobile photography platform. In this guide we've chosen a selection of cameras that make it easy to shoot compelling lifestyle images, ideal for sharing on social media.

Early Tuesday morning, viewers in North America, parts of South America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand can watch the last total lunar eclipse until 2025.

The Snap Filter system, which is currently being crowdfunded on Kickstarter and Indiegogo, is the world's first MagSafe photo filter setup.

The new OM-5 is the successor to the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III. It has some standout features all crammed into a compact, lightweight chassis. We go hands-on and uncover some additional details about this retro-styled Micro Four Thirds body.

The Mavic 3 Classic is the most affordable drone in DJI's Mavic 3 series. With a Four Thirds sensor and a variable-aperture lens, it's capable of high-quality stills and video. Take a look for yourself with this sample gallery.

There's been a whole lot of DPReview TV this week. Check out all the new episodes to make sure you didn't miss any.

The sensor, named the Sapphire F8, features global shutter, 12-bit capture and can record 8K up to 60fps. Atomos CEO Trevor Elbourne says the sensor was originally made to be used in an Atomos-branded cinema camera that ultimately never came to fruition.

With a 40 megapixel APS-C X-Trans sensor, the Fujifilm X-T5 marks the biggest resolution jump yet in the X-T series. Check out some full resolution files!

The Xiaomi 12S Ultra is a flagship phone packed to the brim with incredible technology, including a large 50.3MP Sony image sensor and impressive Leica image processing features. Xiaomi has shown off a new concept phone that adds a second 50MP sensor and a lens mount adapter to attach a Leica M lens to the back of the 12S Ultra.

The Compact Processor 800 (CP800) is a semi-automatic film processing machine that is now available to purchase directly from Australian film lab FilmNeverDies. This version, however, is slightly pared down from its original design following an unsuccessful crowdfunding campaign.

An expedition team led by Griffin Post headed to Walsh Glacier in Yukon's Kluane National Park to search for an abandoned cache of gear left behind by famed explorer Bradford Washburn. The cache, comprising multiple cameras, was abandoned in 1937.

Want to use AI to create a themed city or a colorful monster? Google will soon allow AI Test Kitchen app users to access a limited form of its state-of-the-art text-to-image AI model, Imagen.

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II has a brand new 24 megapixel full frame sensor, and our team was able to join forces in San Diego to put it to the test. Check out our full resolution images!

We've just shot our standard studio test scene with the Fujifilm X-H2. Not only does this show us how the 40MP hybrid camera performs but also gives us a preview of the performance of the X-T5, which uses the same sensor.

Canon's new RF-mount 135mm F1.8 lens just begs to be shot wide open. So we used it to shoot portraits. And athletes. And portraits of athletes. Check out our sample gallery to see how it performs.

Alongside the new R6 Mark II and RF 135mm F1.8 lens, Canon has announced a new flash, the EL-5. The EL-5 offers some of the features of the high-end EL-1 flash at a much lower price.

The Fujifilm X-T5 is the company's latest classically-styled APS-C mirrorless camera. It gains the 40MP sensor and AF system from the X-H2 but in a body with a more stills-focused slant.

The return of classic Fujifilm dials! The X-T5 has arrived, and we think it's going to make a lot of photographers happy. Find out more in our latest episode!

Fujifilm’s new 30mm F2.8 Macro lens offers a 46mm equivalent focal length and has a maximum magnification ratio of 1:1. It’s set to be available in late November 2022 for $599.95.

DJI has released the Mavic 3 Classic, a more affordable version of the Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Cine drones the company released nearly a year ago.

Professional sports and wildlife shooters rejoice! Nikon's Z-Mount 600mm F4 TC VR has just been announced, and Chris got to spend some time with it.

Nikon's Nikkor Z 600mm F4 TC VR S is a super-telephoto lens for Z-mount camera systems with a built-in 1.4x teleconverter that effectively turns the lens into an 840mm F5.6 lens on a full-frame camera.

The grip, which allows for remote control over key functionality of Nikon Z Series cameras, is set to ship in 'late November 2022' for a suggested retail price of $429.95.

The Canon 6D Mark II is a substantial improvement over its predecessor, and we spent a couple days in sunny San Diego to test it out!

Canon has unveiled its latest RF-mount lens, the 135mm F1.8 L IS USM, an image-stabilized telephoto prime.

Earlier this year, Nons announced the SL660 instant camera on Kickstarter. The camera combines an EF mount with Instax Square film, and is now available to everyone at retail. Nons has also launched its third camera, returning to Kickstarter with the Instax Mini SL645 camera.

OM Digital Solutions, the company responsible for camera and optic products bearing the Olympus brand name, has announced it’s transitioning to using ‘OM System’ in the naming of all of its cameras, lenses, binoculars and accessories.

Last week, Nikon released firmware 3.0 for its flagship camera, the Z9. The firmware update added exciting new features for stills photography and video. Nikon also updated its 3D LUT and many of its software applications.

The 28mm F13 2:1 Macro probe lens is entirely manual in operation and has integrated LED lights at the front for lighting up subjects. It also breaks into two parts for easier transport.

Search This Blog

VIDEO Booth Rental Orange County