Ardeth Carlson
December 2025 - Over the Trestle
About the Image(s)
I took a lot of photos of our trip on the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Train, pulled by two steam locomotives on a track 3 feet wide. For PJ I picked this one because I think it's interesting to see the open-sided cars of people going over this high trestle bridge.
Nikon D850, Nikon 18-300 mm lens
Exposure f/8 aperture at 1/400, ISO 200, midday
5 comments posted
Goodness, what a mob. Your title could have been "don't jump!"
I realize getting all the trees out of the foreground would be impossible, but I would have liked to see more of the colorful train and the trestle. Train color and greenery a nice combo. Posted: 12/12/2025 11:12:27
I realize getting all the trees out of the foreground would be impossible, but I would have liked to see more of the colorful train and the trestle. Train color and greenery a nice combo. Posted: 12/12/2025 11:12:27
You did try well, but a little more clarity on faces could reveal their facial expressions and this was the significant aspect of the image. Posted: 12/12/2025 18:33:10
Yes, I agree! As a general PJ image, I was looking for the narrow gauge rail train going over a narrow trestle bridge with the people looking down. I was in a car toward the back as the train rounded a bend. Difficult shot and likely not a competition image! Posted: 12/13/2025 10:03:03
The focus is a bit soft, as you say, perhaps going around a bend on the train restricts available technique. What you need is the people in the train car going over the bridge. A faster shutter and a lower aperture might have helped sharpen things. Still, the exposure is nice, and the story is there. Posted: 12/17/2025 20:56:15
I have also ridden this train, but only in the winter time, when it only goes up to half way. It is a very picturesque ride in the winter. Perhaps I am spoiled. I like your image but I think for it to be a good PJ image I would like to see more close-ups of people enjoying the wonderful scenery as the train is going up the mountain. Maybe you needed to zoom in more. Posted: 12/20/2025 13:36:02