This is a very beautiful photo, William, not only for its technical merit, but its' nostalgic value. Wonderful tones. I like your portfolio, interesting and diverse! ..Brad
"Tension" is a very elusive term, that can be created in a number of ways. First, there's the tension created by subjects, the lines that connect them (both visual / tangible as well as created by perspective and depth, and then there's the rather vague part.
What I consider to be tension not only limits itself by what story is being told (or message relayed) by the subjects within the composition, but also what hints are provided (within the frame of the photo) about their connection with objects outside the frame (or that occured moments before / after the shot was taken) In other words, the objects that hint at the boundary actions or objects outside the frame, invisible to the viewers eye.
Hope this makes any sense. In this case, a wide angle view would IMHO emphasised the locomotive, making it tower out over you. In that case, you could've also chosen a position closer to the train, otherwise the wide angle effect would not have the desired effect. (and aparently included more destractions)
As to what's happening outside the frame, an object, even out of focus of the locomotive graveyard might have hinted at the presence of other trains, creating that tension.
In this photo, however, I think most of the tension is created by the story of the train itself. What happened to it, that resulted in its current state? I suggested the Wide angle view (and the very close camera position) to emphasise the perspective, but also create the story of this gigantic loc's final days.
If you take a look at my latest photo, it might make some more sense. The tension is created by a very shallow DOF, making only one of the teeth visible, and leaving the others more obscure. By composing the shot including only two gears, even only partially enclosed within the frame, I tried create the suggestion of the peripheral gears, that make up the entire gearbox. (see http://www.usefilm.com/image/423383.html)
Perhaps a rusting engine with more open space around it would indeed make it seem even more lonely, but that's not always possible...;o) As to the peeling paint and the evident signs of decay, I do believe the train is covered with that. Only hinting at a specific part, while obscuring the others, evokes the question and hint (!) at the obscured details, suggesting - not displaying - the occuring decay there too.
Well, this elaborate reply is probably not what you have been waiting fore, and I do hope it makes sense, but it is only my perspective from which this is written. Do hope that it is of some use, though....;o)
Hugo - thanks for the comments. I couldn't back up any more because there actually is another car (a caboose) directly in front of this engine. I had to photoshop out a few parts (mostly bars) that were obscuring the front of the engine. Your comment about tension intrigues me though - did you mean to suggest that perhaps a rusting engine with more open space around it would make it seem even more lonely? If so, that may be true, but I find myself trying to frame subjects so that enough detail (in this case the fading paint/running colors and rust) can be seen to keep the interest of the viewer. Either way, in this case I had no choice as other nearby objects didn't allow. I do have some wide shots of the small group of old cars and that might look nice at larger sizes. Thanks for your thoughtful reply.
Powerful shot, William! I like the subdued and sober / bleak tones, very fitting to the mood. Good capture. I think a wide angle view might've increased the tension, and might make the photo more appealing.
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{K:30678} 8/16/2004
