Out the Window

Riding the train from the North Country to New York City is a favorite way to make that trip. The ride along the Hudson River is always interesting and entertaining with constantly changing views and flashing glimpses of both present and past life along the river.

Taking pictures of those passing scenes is an interesting challenge -- the train is not inclined to pause for that perfect, well-framed shot. It's really a matter of catch-as-catch-can. Quick reflexes, reasonable anticipation and a goodly measure of luck is all that's needed. Of course, finding a seat with a somewhat clean window is always a plus though never guaranteed.

We were headed for a few days in the city last fall and I managed to get this shot as we sped under the Tappen Zee Bridge. It was a lucky moment and chance framing. I was shooting single frame and not continuous so it was probably one or two seconds between clicks -- on a train traveling 50 to 60 mph you cover a lot of ground in one or two seconds. If I had had the luxury of looking, analyzing and framing I probably would have waited to get that damn pillar out of the frame so I could get a better look at the important feature -- the bridge. As it is, I think that support pillar is one of the elements that "make" the shot.

Another advantage of the train, of course, is that it's a lot safer taking pictures out the window of a train than it is taking pictures as you're driving a car down the highway. Besides, there isn't a road under the bridge.

Photography by Burdette