It seemed like a great idea for a textured composition: wavy rows of corn illuminated by the late afternoon sun. I set up my Nikon Z6 with a 24–70mm lens on a tripod and framed the scene.

Strasburg Rail Road’s 4 p.m. train was returning from Leaman Place, working up the short grade from Cherry Hill toward Esbenshade Road.

Sometimes the engine crew makes a bit of smoke while climbing the grade. Not today, though. The engineer kept a clean stack—great for efficiency, but I was hoping for a little smoke to help tie the scene together.

Instead, the train is almost lost amid the waves of corn and scruffy trees.

Nice try; no prize…

However, I had a second camera fitted with a long telephoto lens…

Tracking the Light Critically Examines Railroad Photography!