Light, Camera, Philosophy . . .Action! (Hopefully).
![Kodachrome slide of a Central Vermont freight train at Windsor, Vermont.](https://i0.wp.com/briansolomon.com/trackingthelight/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/CV_Ry_323_at_Windsor_VT_wcopyright_Brian_Solomon.jpg?resize=474%2C317)
About 10 months ago (July 2012), I started Tracking the Light. In the short time span since then I’ve had about 19,000 hits. While small numbers compared with Gangnam Style’s viral You-Tube dance video (with more than 1.7 billion hits), it’s a gratifying start. (BTW, there are some train scenes in Gangnam Style, so it isn’t a completely random reference).
![Reading Terminal clock](https://i0.wp.com/briansolomon.com/trackingthelight/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Reading_Terminal_clock_IMG_0406-2.jpg?resize=474%2C316)
In my introductory post, I offered a bit of my background with a taste of my philosophy on the subject of railway photography; ‘There is no ‘correct way’ to make photographs, although there are techniques that, once mastered, tend to yield pleasing results. I hope to expand upon those themes in these Internet essays by telling the stories behind the pictures, as well as sharing the pictures themselves.’
![Irish Rail trains](https://i0.wp.com/briansolomon.com/trackingthelight/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/ICRs_Islandbridge_P14709911.jpg?resize=474%2C316)
![Irish Rail empty timber train.](https://i0.wp.com/briansolomon.com/trackingthelight/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Irish_rail_Timber_tight_IMG_2661.jpg?resize=474%2C316)
What began as an infrequent opportunity to share work via the Internet has evolved into a nearly daily exercise. In the interval, I’ve learned a bit what makes for an interesting post, while working with a variety of themes to keep the topic interesting.
![TTC Streetcar Toronto.](https://i0.wp.com/briansolomon.com/trackingthelight/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/TTC-at-Sunset-P1070244.jpg?resize=474%2C267)
Lumix LX-3 set at ISO 80. Originally Posted February 8, 2013
Regular viewers may have observed common threads and topics. While I’ve made a concerted effort to vary the subject matter considered ‘railway photography,’ I regularly return to my favorite subjects and often I’ll post sequences with a common theme.
Occasionally I get questions. Someone innocently asked was I worried about running out of material! Unlikely, if not completely improbable; Not only do I have an archive of more than 270,000 images plus tens of thousands of my father’s photos, but I try to make new photos everyday. My conservative rate of posting is rapidly outpaced by my prolific camera efforts.
![New England Central GP38 3850 leads train 608 at Stafford Springs on January 25, 2013. A series of difficult crossings in Stafford Springs is the primary reason for a 10 mph slow order through town. Especially difficult is this crossing, where the view of the tracks is blocked by a brick-building. Protection is offered by a combination of grade crossing flashers and traffic lights. Canon 7D with 40mm Pancake Lens; ISO 400 1/500th second at f8.0. In camera JPG modified with slight cropping to correct level and scaling for web. A RAW image was exposed simultaneously with the Jpg.](https://i0.wp.com/briansolomon.com/trackingthelight/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/NECR_608_Grade_Crossing_Stafford_Springs_Mod1_IMG_0413-3.jpg?resize=474%2C309)
Someone else wondered if all my photos were ‘good’. I can’t answer that properly. I don’t judge photography as ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Certainly, some of my images have earned degrees of success, while others have failed to live up to my expectations (It helps to take the lens cap ‘off’). Tracking the Light is less about my success rate and more about my process of making images.
![Bord na Mona](https://i0.wp.com/briansolomon.com/trackingthelight/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Bog_trains_climbing_grade_IMG_0561.jpg?resize=474%2C316)
I’m always trying new techniques, exploring new angles, while playing with different (if not new) equipment.
The most common questions regarding my photography are; ‘What kind of camera do you use?’ and ‘Have you switched to digital?’ I can supply neither the expected nor straight-forward responses. But, in short, I work with a variety of equipment and recording media. I aim to capture what I see and preserve it for the future. I try to have a nice time and I hope to entertain my friends.
![Learn my secrets, click here. This image was made in Spring 2012 on Fuji Acros 100 film exposed with a Leica 3a and 21mm lens and processed for scanning.](https://i0.wp.com/briansolomon.com/trackingthelight/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/CSX_Q009_west_of_Chester_Br.jpg?resize=445%2C702)
![Eastward Delaware & Hudson symbol freight 'Jet1' passes semaphores at milepost 320 (measured from Jersey City) east of Adrian, New York on May 14, 1988.](https://i0.wp.com/briansolomon.com/trackingthelight/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/DH-Jet1-east-of-Adrian-NY-.jpg?resize=474%2C310)
Stay tuned for the details!
Thank you for your support!
By the way: If you know of anyone that might enjoy Tracking the Light, please share with them this site: http://briansolomon.com/trackingthelight/
![Railroads at night in Palmer, Massachusetts.](https://i0.wp.com/briansolomon.com/trackingthelight/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Palmer-after-11_P1390346©Brian_Solomon.jpg?resize=474%2C316)
Notice the photographer’s shadow superimposed on the blur of the train. Single exposure with Panasonic Lumix LX-3 with Leitz Summicron lens, zoom set to 5.1mm, ISO 200, exposed in ‘A’ mode with +2/3 over-ride, f2.2 at 7 seconds.
Entirely exposed with existing light; no flash.
![CSX General Electric Evolution-series diesels work west at Palmer, Massachusetts on May 17, 2013. Exposed digitally with my Canon EOS 7D.](https://i0.wp.com/briansolomon.com/trackingthelight/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/CSX_Q437_engine848_glint_Palmer_diamond_IMG_0080.jpg?resize=474%2C712)
![CSX Q264 at West Warren, Massachusetts.](https://i0.wp.com/briansolomon.com/trackingthelight/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/CSX_Q264-West_Warren_Distant_IMG_2742.jpg?resize=474%2C316)
![Martinez, California, as viewed from Carquinez Scenic Drive. Canon EOS 3 with 100-400 mm lens, Fujichrome slide film.](https://i0.wp.com/briansolomon.com/trackingthelight/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Amtrak-Capitols-crossing-Carquinez-Straits-Aug-12-1009-Brian-Solomon-671059.jpg?resize=474%2C293)
![The number plate on a smoke box door catches the hint of a blue sky beyond. Canon EOS7D with 28-135mm lens.](https://i0.wp.com/briansolomon.com/trackingthelight/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Bluebell_80064_detail_IMG_0615.jpg?resize=474%2C316)
Brian : Your Site is Just Wonderful , and I Truly enjoy Your Daily Updates ! Sincerely , BOB Keay