{"id":6498,"date":"2014-05-02T03:02:17","date_gmt":"2014-05-02T07:02:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/briansolomon.com\/trackingthelight\/?p=6498"},"modified":"2014-05-02T09:07:38","modified_gmt":"2014-05-02T13:07:38","slug":"on-location-in-portugal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/briansolomon.com\/trackingthelight\/on-location-in-portugal\/","title":{"rendered":"On Location in Portugal."},"content":{"rendered":"

Surveying\u00a0Places for\u00a0Photography\u00a0on the CP Mainline near Vale de Figuera.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"An<\/a>
An express passenger train glides upgrade near Vale de Figueira, Portugal. Exposed with a Canon EOS 7D with 20mm lens. This location didn’t jump out at me on the map, but it still warranted inspection. It turned out to be much better than I hoped for trains in the southward direction.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Using Google Maps, I\u2019d pre-selected a variety of locations on Comboios de Portugal\u2019s main line between Entroncamento and Santarem that I thought warranted investigation.<\/p>\n

The great thing about modern tools is that they can save a great deal of time searching for photographic angles with minimum investment.<\/p>\n

Back in the old days, I spent hours in libraries scouring USGS topographical maps and making photo copies of same in preparation for a trip.<\/p>\n

Today, I simply go to Google Earth and make screen shots on my iPad of various maps and satellite views of prospective locations which I file for reference when navigating. Street view can offer additional perspectives.<\/p>\n

I realize there are even more efficient ways to accomplish this, but I\u2019m \u2018old-school\u2019 in my basic approach.<\/p>\n

Finding a spot on a map is all well and good, but I still find it imperative to inspect locations in person and on the ground.<\/p>\n

A place that looks good on a map or satellite view, may prove be unworkable for a variety of reasons; line-side brush, fences and other obstructions may interfere with photography, elevation may be too high or too low. Access may be restricted or difficult to obtain. Lines with overhead electrification can prove especially difficult.<\/p>\n

Sometimes, a location that seemed uninspiring on a map proves to be just the right spot.<\/p>\n

Case in point: these photos were made from an overhead bridge north of Vale de Figueira on a short steeply grade section of mainline.<\/p>\n

What I liked about the location was the curves in the track, the texture of plants in the cutting, and the distinctively scenic backdrop. On the downside, this place would have been better a couple hours earlier in the day, as the light was harsher than I\u2019d like.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The S-curve allowed for a dynamic perspective for northward trains, but by early afternoon the lighting was pretty harsh. This may have been a better spot for northward trains much earlier in the day. I photographed this double-headed electric coal train downgrade using my Canon EOS 7D with 20mm lens. By cropping the sky, I minimized the difficult contrast.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Please share Tracking the Light<\/a> with everyone who may enjoy it!<\/strong><\/p>\n

http:\/\/briansolomon.com\/trackingthelight\/<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Tomorrow: Urban view with a telephoto lens!<\/p>\n

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