A Suggestion For AB(2)

[Joe the Photog]

Since folks are commenting on this shot

PhotoID: 238798 Photograph © Andrew Blaszczyk (2)

that someone should have been seated inside the car, may I make a proposal?

PhotoID: 238744 Photograph © Luke Sharrett

Yes, Amtrak Girl. She's obviously photogenic and very nice to look at. And she might be looking to expand her portfolio to include moret han just candid work shots.



Seriously, I don't know whether you should be commended or not for leaving the critical comment up. Least that dude could have done was to sign his name. But this is one shot I think really defies RP standards in the actual, technical definition of the word.

Great shot!


Joe

[John Ryan]

I guess Amtrak Blonde would be better than old ladies in hats. But who am I to say?

[Andrew Blaszczyk (2)]

Originally Posted by Joe the Photog

Since folks are commenting on this shot



that someone should have been seated inside the car, may I make a proposal?



Yes, Amtrak Girl. She's obviously photogenic and very nice to look at. And she might be looking to expand her portfolio to include moret han just candid work shots.



Seriously, I don't know whether you should be commended or not for leaving the critical comment up. Least that dude could have done was to sign his name. But this is one shot I think really defies RP standards in the actual, technical definition of the word.

Great shot!


Joe

Thanks for the kind words and the PC vote, Joe!

If I could arrange that to happen I would pay good money, very, very good money! I talked to Chris Starnes about the comment and decided to leave it there since everyone is entitled to their opinions. Obviously, I'm not blind and realize the flaws in the photo but why would they stop me prevent me from uploading a shot that I would bet no one else has ever gotten and will not get the chance to 'out-do' in some time. I wish he/she had left their name not to get scolded but so I could explain my reasoning and rationale behind taking it and uploading it as is. I have my theories to who(whom?) it is but those I figure it will remain a mystery.

The lack of actors/actresses was obviously beyond my control and Mitch didn't happen to be in his 1950s apparel so that was ruled as an option.

-AB

P.S. Amtrak Girl if you read this please contact me and I will ask Steve Sandberg personally if we can arrange a shoot.

[KevinM]

I wonder if "Amtrak Girl" has any idea what a celebrity she's become?

[Andrew Blaszczyk (2)]

Originally Posted by KevinM

I wonder if "Amtrak Girl" has any idea what a celebrity she's become?

I'm sure a co-worker has brought it to her attention which is why my P.S. was actually a serious statement/offer.

[Mike B.]

It wasn't me this time!

[JimThias]

I love how so many people are foaming over this average looking woman sitting on an engine.

Anyway...Andrew, I think your shot is perfect, even though there aren't any people in the seats. Flaws? Yeah, you could go on forever finding flaws in this shot and every shot, but the uniqueness of this shot far outweighs any (minor) flaws. Saying this shot has flaws is just nickle & diming the image. Could someone make this scene any "better?" That's only a matter of opinion. Put 10 photographers lined up in a row, and you'd get 10 different angles, but you could still pick out flaws in every shot. But...WHO CARES? It's a unique photo, one very similar to a picture you'd see from many moons ago (most likely in b&w, though). Have you done an edit of this image in b&w? I think it would look great.

Your shot is what it is...an unique shot that no one else has. Pick it apart or love it, it's not going to change the fact that it's a shot that I'm sure countless people would love to have in their collection.

[Greg P]

I posted a comment that the picture makes me wonder what her job is? She's not in a uniform but she's clean. So prob ally not a mechanic or sales agent.

[Kelly Lynch]

Originally Posted by JimThias

I love how so many people are foaming over this average looking woman sitting on an engine.

With all due respect, I see a lovely lady in both photos.

Albeit, one is much older than the other...

[Andrew Blaszczyk (2)]

Originally Posted by JimThias

I love how so many people are foaming over this average looking woman sitting on an engine.

Anyway...Andrew, I think your shot is perfect, even though there aren't any people in the seats. Flaws? Yeah, you could go on forever finding flaws in this shot and every shot, but the uniqueness of this shot far outweighs any (minor) flaws. Saying this shot has flaws is just nickle & diming the image. Could someone make this scene any "better?" That's only a matter of opinion. Put 10 photographers lined up in a row, and you'd get 10 different angles, but you could still pick out flaws in every shot. But...WHO CARES? It's a unique photo, one very similar to a picture you'd see from many moons ago (most likely in b&w, though). Have you done an edit of this image in b&w? I think it would look great.

Your shot is what it is...an unique shot that no one else has. Pick it apart or love it, it's not going to change the fact that it's a shot that I'm sure countless people would love to have in their collection.

Thanks, Jim. I didn't mean to put down my own image in fact its my favorite from the charter by far and one of my favorites ever because of the rarity and opportunity and feeling. There was nothing like being in that car as the 261 punded past which is why I opted for the side-window shot rather than doing the same out-the-back shot the other patrons were doing of the staged scene. The ground shoot, the noise was incredible and I would love to go back and watch and really take it next time. I wanted to share the picture which I'm glad the screener finally took after many hours on the queue because not many people will ever get the chance to be in the Cedar Rapids let alone watch a steam engine roll past.

I did try it in B&W but I guess one would have to study the final product to see the intricate detail in the seat and the amazing woodwork in the dome area that you can only get in color. For those who don't feel like converting I have attached the B&W.

I really do owe Mitch a huge thank you for letting me borrow his wide angle. It was just one of the situation where things fell into place just right and I got an image that made the trip worthwhile (not to mention the 2000+ others).

[Greg P]

And to think I applied for a job with Amtrak in Washington DC as a Conductor. Maybe Amtrak girl can fix my train.

[JimThias]

Originally Posted by Kelly Lynch

With all due respect, I see a lovely lady in both photos.

I guess I just have higher standards.



Andrew, the more I think about the "people" comments on your shot, if you HAD had people there, you'd still get complaints that they weren't dressed in period clothes.

[Andrew Blaszczyk (2)]

Hmm, Jim you may be on to something. The glare is less noticeable in the B&W but I'm still in love with the woodwork in the color.

Andrew, the more I think about the "people" comments on your shot, if you HAD had people there, you'd still get complaints that they weren't dressed in period clothes. [/

I wouldn't have let anyone in the shot without looking like they belong. That would have 'ruined' the image more than the other minor issues (not flaws). It'd be a lot of PS hours to get them out of there.

[WKUrailfan]

That picture is so badass!

[Railfan Ohio]

Originally Posted by JimThias

I love how so many people are foaming over this average looking woman sitting on an engine.

Well Jim, everyone looks average compared to your avatar. I can't even look directly at her!

[JimThias]

Originally Posted by Railfan Ohio

Well Jim, everyone looks average compared to your avatar. I can't even look directly at her!

psst....she's a model now

[milwman]

There is no flaw in it, Thats how it was, I do think a polarizer would have gave it the pro look. Nice shot worth the time spent.

[John Fladung]

Seeing all the comments leads me to ask, do you guys get out much?

Seriously though, I doubt she's even the engineer. Anyone see the guy in the engineer seat in the shadows? She's probably someone that works on ground.

[Andrew Blaszczyk (2)]

Originally Posted by John Fladung

Seeing all the comments leads me to ask, do you guys get out much?

Seriously though, I doubt she's even the engineer. Anyone see the guy in the engineer seat in the shadows? She's probably someone that works on ground.

I only see one comment that clearly states "operates the train" all the others simply said 'railroader' without an official job title. I had to actually research how Amtrak SW1000s are setup to determine whether the man in the window was the engineer or the conductor. If you read the remarks you can tell the engine is moving therefore she would not be the engineer or conductor but someone who does work on the ground.

[bigbassloyd]

There's two guys in the cab, so I'm betting she's a conductor trainee?

Loyd L.

[Mgoldman]

Here ya go -

[Wizzo]

ROTFL - thats made me laugh on a stressful morning at work

[sd9]

Originally Posted by John Fladung

Seeing all the comments leads me to ask, do you guys get out much?

Ya, Everyone was so intent at looking at Amtrak girl they didn't notice that the photo should have been rejected, for:
"uninteresting angles on roster shots, and images in which the train is going away from the viewer."
and
Poor lighting (Backlit): The image is backlit or doesn't feature enough nose light on the subject

[KevinM]

Nice one Mitch!

[Switched out]

Good one Mitch, it's going to take a lot top that one.