Day 146 of 366: Capturing the Picnic Train at Kiama

Planning the Shot:

With the picnic train scheduled to be in Kiama, I decided to capture it as today’s photo subject. My initial plan was to photograph the train as it emerged from the tunnel, envisioning a dramatic shot with the locomotive steaming out into the open. However, aligning the shot proved more difficult than anticipated, and I wasn’t able to get the composition I wanted.

Finding the Perfect Spot:

Determined to make the most of the opportunity, I headed down to the beach to capture the train with its reflection in Spring Creek. Shooting into the sun presented a significant challenge, as I needed to expose for the highlights while hoping to recover the shadows during post-processing. I chose to use a wide-angle lens to capture the full reflection of the train in the water, aiming for a visually striking composition.

The Capture:

As the train approached, I positioned myself to get the best angle for the reflection. The scene was set: the sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the landscape, and the train, with its plume of smoke, was perfectly silhouetted against the sky. I took several shots as the train crossed the bridge, focusing on capturing the details and the reflection in the creek.

The Editing Process:

Back home, I began the editing process, which proved to be more challenging than I had expected. The train was darker in the capture than I had hoped, and balancing the exposure was tricky. I carefully adjusted the highlights and shadows to bring out the details in the train without overexposing the sky. Enhancing the contrast and saturation helped to emphasize the warm tones of the sunset and the rich colours of the train and its reflection.

Despite the difficulties, I managed to create a final image that captured the essence of the moment. The train, silhouetted against the setting sun, with its reflection mirrored in the still water of Spring Creek, created a nostalgic and picturesque scene.

Reflecting on the Experience:

Today’s shoot was a reminder of the importance of flexibility and adaptability in photography. When the initial plan didn’t work out, finding an alternative angle led to a unique and beautiful shot. The challenges of shooting into the sun and the subsequent editing process were a learning experience, reinforcing the value of patience and perseverance.

This experience also highlighted the magic of capturing moments of movement and reflection. The picnic train, with its historic charm, added a sense of timelessness to the scene, blending the past and present in a single frame.