Don Bishop’s ten tips For Super-sharp Steam train Shots

1 Safety first

Be aware of when trains are going to run, as extra trains can appear beyond public timetables. Never trespass on railway property. Never walk through tunnels or cross in front of approaching trains. Safety should always come first.

2 Watch the light

Make sure that you’re on the right side of the line for the light, unless you are specifically aiming for a shot in silhouette (normally best taken at the beginning or end of the day).

3 Exposing silhouettes

If doing silhouette shots, make sure that you expose for the sky or other highlight behind the train.

4 Glimmer of hope

For backlit shots (usually best in winter months or late in the day) try to work out where glints may appear before the train arrives, by looking how the light reflects on other objects around you.

5 Better under than over

Again with backlit images, underexpose by at least two thirds of a stop. This will maximise the glint of light on the side of the train, and ensure that you don’t burn out detail on the exhaust.

6 composition

For most compositions, use the rule of thirds and position the train in the lower left or right third of your frame to get a satisfying composition.

7 Follow the leader

With standard three-quarter frontal shots, keep the track running into one of the bottom corners of your frame to create a leading line.

8 long range

If you’re going for a more distant ‘train in the landscape’ shot, make sure that the locomotive is working and producing visible exhaust so that it is prominently visible in the frame.

9 it’s exhausting

Try to keep the top of the train’s exhaust in the frame. Consider a vertical composition, especially when a train is starting from a stop. Also note that trains travelling uphill will produce more steam.

10 Side splitting

Try to keep the rear of the train in shot, or find a natural ‘break’ such as a trees or a bend for it to disappear behind. This is much better than the train just emerging from the side of the frame.