I keep my eyes open for photo locations, paying careful attention to lighting, time of day, and season. Days, months, and sometimes years may pass before an opportunity arises to make the desired photographs. But when the moment comes, it is necessary to have the equipment in hand and be ready to act.

On bright days in the early evening, there’s nice light on Norfolk Southern’s New Holland Secondary where it winds through the industrial estates approaching Greenfield Road in suburban Lancaster, Pa. While I’ve explored this location for more than three years, until Thursday last week I had not caught a westward train here in ideal conditions.

When I saw Norfolk Southern’s local freight changing crews nearby at Jefferson Drive, I knew I had a good chance of catching it. So I acted accordingly.

I arrived a few minutes ahead of the train. Fortunately, there were no cars or trucks parked near the tracks that would obstruct my view. When I heard the whistle at Jefferson Drive, I stepped across Independence Court, where I’d parked, and waited in the bright sun.

These are my results.

Tracking the Light Explores Photographic Technique!