Over the previous few months, we’ve explored various angles at Port Deposit. During this time, I identified the photographic potential of the signal bridge at TOME interlocking and made a variety of survey photos. Since then, we’ve made numerous follow-up nocturnal visits to photograph passing freights here.

Today’s angle has presented a challenge. I like the juxtaposition of the signal bridge, the factory beyond, and the old buildings across the street to the right. The difficulty is that this composition works best with a 24–28mm focal length. My f/1.4 “fast fifty” is by no means wide enough, while my Nikkor Z 24–70mm f/4 S zoom isn’t fast enough. So, thus far, my options have been to either freeze the action or obtain the desired composition with a motion-blurred train.

A few weeks ago, I opted for a variation of the latter.

So, I either need to try this when there’s a bit more light in the sky, buy a faster wide-angle lens, or invest in some flash equipment (à la O. Winston Link). Any of those options would provide me with the necessary shutter speed to freeze the action. Alternatively, perhaps one of these nights we’ll find a slow-moving train.

Tracking the Light weighs options.