Location: Melbourne VIC
Do you have a link to your Flickr acc?
New to the site
Factory_Fill
Deputy Commissioner
Location: Melbourne VIC
dmbphotography
Train Controller
Location: Newcastle NSW
This will take you to the rail stuff.Plenty of non-rail stuff on there too.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoolbookdepository/sets/72157600011102725/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoolbookdepository/sets/72157600011102725/
2001
Moderator The Snow Lord
Location: The road jump at Charlotte Pass. Paxman Valenta on two planks.
Anyone got any tips for good locations to shoot from around Newcastle/Maitland area? .
Recent thread that may be useful to you :
http://www.railpage.com.au/f-t11357951.htm
dmbphotography
Train Controller
Location: Newcastle NSW
Thanks 2001, a valuable thread.
Termite
Chief Commissioner
Location: NSW
dmb,
Great photo's and interesting tips. I recently purchased a Canon 7D using a 50mm prime lens. I was hesitant with the prime at first, but have been going alright with it. Also have a 5D MkII I use from time to time fitted with an L series lens.
If you can get to Branxton, early morning UP trains are great for early morning glint, afternoon is alright as well. Just outside of Maitland near Bolwarra Heights is the S curve coming off the Hunter river bridge which is good, but needs abit of Roundup to clean up the weeds abit. I've started to use Hexham abit more lately, also use Thornton quite a bit and Tarro if I'm in a hurry.
Welcome to the site and keep up the great photo's.
Regards
Tim
Great photo's and interesting tips. I recently purchased a Canon 7D using a 50mm prime lens. I was hesitant with the prime at first, but have been going alright with it. Also have a 5D MkII I use from time to time fitted with an L series lens.
If you can get to Branxton, early morning UP trains are great for early morning glint, afternoon is alright as well. Just outside of Maitland near Bolwarra Heights is the S curve coming off the Hunter river bridge which is good, but needs abit of Roundup to clean up the weeds abit. I've started to use Hexham abit more lately, also use Thornton quite a bit and Tarro if I'm in a hurry.
Welcome to the site and keep up the great photo's.
Regards
Tim
dmbphotography
Train Controller
Location: Newcastle NSW
Hi Tim.Thanks for the locations. I love the ones I use, but would be nice for some new perspectives, so appreciate the tips very much.I have shot at Branxton before, but because I live in Lake Macquarie area I tend to get a bit lazy to drive all the way up there 
This one is from Branxton a year or two ago....
I like the 7D.It has the next generation AF that IMHO is better than the 5D2 series of AF. I owned the 5D2 and had problems with peripheral AF points when shooting wide open.Canon says it isnt a problem and that we should 'just microadjust our lenses''....but in my experience its an AF problem.
I love primes! In fact I pretty much shoot exclusively with them.They are so much sharper in image quality.
Thanks again for the info.
This one is from Branxton a year or two ago....I like the 7D.It has the next generation AF that IMHO is better than the 5D2 series of AF. I owned the 5D2 and had problems with peripheral AF points when shooting wide open.Canon says it isnt a problem and that we should 'just microadjust our lenses''....but in my experience its an AF problem.
I love primes! In fact I pretty much shoot exclusively with them.They are so much sharper in image quality.
Thanks again for the info.
Termite
Chief Commissioner
Location: NSW
I know that feeling, I'm up in the Port Stephens area!
Lake Macquarie way, try Dora Creek of a morning for down freighters, Awaba isn't too bad same as Fassifern. On the Short North I also use Cockle Creek, but mainly on overcast days to take advantage of the bridge.
I'm starting to grow abit "bored" of the Newcastle-Maitland area for photography. Same spots tend to grow tired after a while. I can't say I've used Sandgate since the flyover went in, but I believe it's an ok shot for coalies going into Kooragang. Might have to check it out later today.
In the month I've had the 7D, I've only taken it out twice, so haven't had a good chance to really put it through it's paces.
Cheers
Tim
Lake Macquarie way, try Dora Creek of a morning for down freighters, Awaba isn't too bad same as Fassifern. On the Short North I also use Cockle Creek, but mainly on overcast days to take advantage of the bridge.
I'm starting to grow abit "bored" of the Newcastle-Maitland area for photography. Same spots tend to grow tired after a while. I can't say I've used Sandgate since the flyover went in, but I believe it's an ok shot for coalies going into Kooragang. Might have to check it out later today.
In the month I've had the 7D, I've only taken it out twice, so haven't had a good chance to really put it through it's paces.
Cheers
Tim
dmbphotography
Train Controller
Location: Newcastle NSW
If people could hear us Tim, people travel from interstate to shoot at Newcastle and we are 'bored' haha
I might give Cockle Creek a try, especially for trains coming in from the south.Its a bit short for me on the Cardiff side.
Funny you say that about Sandgate, I used to shoot there almost ad nauseaum, but same as you, i'm not a huge fan of the flyover (photographically).
Thanks again.
I might give Cockle Creek a try, especially for trains coming in from the south.Its a bit short for me on the Cardiff side.
Funny you say that about Sandgate, I used to shoot there almost ad nauseaum, but same as you, i'm not a huge fan of the flyover (photographically).
Thanks again.
Mirlees
Junior Train Controller
Location: Gungal; waiting for a train
Like your shots, however I'm not a huge fan of compressed shots (not a criticism, just personal preference). I'm more of a trains in the scenery type person. I currently use a Canon 40D with a 24-105L Lens with the 1.6 multiplier of the sensor I find it covers most of my shooting needs.
I also have a 75-300IS Zoom but I find it tends to stay in the camera bag.
A couple things I'd like to know: Do you select the AF point or do you let the camera decide, Do you use a mono or tripod or IS hand held only and do you use UV "protection" filters?
Thanks
I also have a 75-300IS Zoom but I find it tends to stay in the camera bag.
A couple things I'd like to know: Do you select the AF point or do you let the camera decide, Do you use a mono or tripod or IS hand held only and do you use UV "protection" filters?
Thanks
dmbphotography
Train Controller
Location: Newcastle NSW
Hi Mirless
No dramas about the non-compression preference,as you said personal preference.Thanks for your feedback.I shoot EVERYTHING wide open, so I know thats not for everyone.
Sounds like you have a good set up, cant beat the 'L'' lenses hey?
In regards to UV filters, 90% yes!. What I mean by that on ALL my other lenses I use a UV filter, except for the 200L which is my main 'train'' lens, only because it takes a ''rear-drop in'', which I have never got around to buying ( ie:affording).
With the AF point, I manipulate the AF manually, even in AI Servo mode. I never let the camera decide anything.With the 5 series I had to toggle quickly, but the 1 series has a thumb 'joystick'which makes things smoother and quicker.
If you are learning AI-servo...and it does take a little bit of practice, I would suggest centre focus only to start with.
Duncan
No dramas about the non-compression preference,as you said personal preference.Thanks for your feedback.I shoot EVERYTHING wide open, so I know thats not for everyone.
Sounds like you have a good set up, cant beat the 'L'' lenses hey?
In regards to UV filters, 90% yes!. What I mean by that on ALL my other lenses I use a UV filter, except for the 200L which is my main 'train'' lens, only because it takes a ''rear-drop in'', which I have never got around to buying ( ie:affording).
With the AF point, I manipulate the AF manually, even in AI Servo mode. I never let the camera decide anything.With the 5 series I had to toggle quickly, but the 1 series has a thumb 'joystick'which makes things smoother and quicker.
If you are learning AI-servo...and it does take a little bit of practice, I would suggest centre focus only to start with.
Duncan
Mirlees
Junior Train Controller
Location: Gungal; waiting for a train
I do a lot photting around Newcastle/Maitland as well so I am bound to catch up with you and look forward to having a chat about camera "stuff" in general. Lately I've been travelling further afield and discovering the delights of the upper Hunter from Muswellbrook through to Werris Creek
and the Ulan line. Both areas offer fantastic scenery but far fewer trains than the "coal road" but pick your day and you'll bag heaps of keepers.
Cheers
John
and the Ulan line. Both areas offer fantastic scenery but far fewer trains than the "coal road" but pick your day and you'll bag heaps of keepers.
Cheers
John
dmbphotography
Train Controller
Location: Newcastle NSW
Would be good to catch up.
I feel like a bit of a 'newb' in the trainspotting department and sort of view it as fishing...you never know what you will get.
I'd probably like to get more freighters over coal trains, but have no way of telling what is running and where.Any tips?
I feel like a bit of a 'newb' in the trainspotting department and sort of view it as fishing...you never know what you will get.
I'd probably like to get more freighters over coal trains, but have no way of telling what is running and where.Any tips?
Mirlees
Junior Train Controller
Location: Gungal; waiting for a train
Nothing much I can offer in the tips department I'm afraid!!
I like to be in the Muswellbrook area around sunrise and follow the line up the valley. As it is single track you can find trains sitting in the loops at Togar (near Scone) and Murrulla (between Wingen & Blandford)...not always but often. I've had EL Zorro wheat movements on the Up and quite managed to get empty coalies on the Down. Keep in mind that there is a record grains harvest in the NorthWest about to happen so this should, hopefully add to train movements!
If nothing is around these areas I usually keep going on to Murrurundi/Ardglen where you're bound to cop coalies being banked up the grade from Willow Tree, quite a spectacular operation!
Usually I have found Thursdays and Fridays to be the best days.
If all else fails there is always "old" Murrurundi to photograph...lots of interesting old buildings/scenery etc.
Happy Photting
John
I like to be in the Muswellbrook area around sunrise and follow the line up the valley. As it is single track you can find trains sitting in the loops at Togar (near Scone) and Murrulla (between Wingen & Blandford)...not always but often. I've had EL Zorro wheat movements on the Up and quite managed to get empty coalies on the Down. Keep in mind that there is a record grains harvest in the NorthWest about to happen so this should, hopefully add to train movements!
If nothing is around these areas I usually keep going on to Murrurundi/Ardglen where you're bound to cop coalies being banked up the grade from Willow Tree, quite a spectacular operation!
Usually I have found Thursdays and Fridays to be the best days.
If all else fails there is always "old" Murrurundi to photograph...lots of interesting old buildings/scenery etc.
Happy Photting
John
dmbphotography
Train Controller
Location: Newcastle NSW
A few people have messaged me about different tips and tricks.One which always works well for me is when shooting longer exposures, such as tripod shots at night, always use the cameras 'self timer''. The reason being is that when you press the shutter button you cause very slight shake to the camera, and you will not get as sharp as images as you want. If you use the timer.The camera stops moving and the camera is perfectly still for the time of the exposure.
OK2RUN
Assistant Commissioner
A few people have messaged me about different tips and tricks.One which always works well for me is when shooting longer exposures, such as tripod shots at night, always use the cameras 'self timer''. The reason being is that when you press the shutter button you cause very slight shake to the camera, and you will not get as sharp as images as you want. If you use the timer.The camera stops moving and the camera is perfectly still for the time of the exposure.
Would not a cable release do the same job? Or are they no longer an optional extra. I have one in my kit which is use occasionally (need more practice at night photography).
dmbphotography
Train Controller
Location: Newcastle NSW
Cable release would do same thing, but not many people I know have them.
Mirlees
Junior Train Controller
Location: Gungal; waiting for a train
Top shot....no noise or "blown" highlights!!
I'm surprised that the bridge you are standing on didn't shake while you were taking the shot.
What "ASA" were you using and were you using noise suppresion.
Thanks for sharing the pic and your thoughts on photography.
Cheers
I'm surprised that the bridge you are standing on didn't shake while you were taking the shot.
What "ASA" were you using and were you using noise suppresion.
Thanks for sharing the pic and your thoughts on photography.
Cheers
Z1NorthernProgress2110
Chief Commissioner
Location: Burnie, Tasmania
Great shots. Wonder if the 50D does shots like this? With the cable release, i have one and its great to use. Although used with 50D
dmbphotography
Train Controller
Location: Newcastle NSW
@Mirlees
Im surprised I didn't get robbed...
ASA? Showing your age there Mirlees ISO 100 1/5th @ f/8. With this type of shot I always ( generally) set a tripod shot at ISO 100.Handholding is a different story.
That is an older shot from 2007.Using a 5D with a 70-200mm f/2.8 IS lens with a 1.4 extender.
Im surprised I didn't get robbed...
ASA? Showing your age there Mirlees
ISO 100 1/5th @ f/8. With this type of shot I always ( generally) set a tripod shot at ISO 100.Handholding is a different story.That is an older shot from 2007.Using a 5D with a 70-200mm f/2.8 IS lens with a 1.4 extender.
Mirlees
Junior Train Controller
Location: Gungal; waiting for a train
Well when your head is under a cloth trying to get everything to stay still and you have to handle large glass plates for developing, you tend to overlook what the latest developments are in the camera world!! 
Cheers
Cheers
dmbphotography
Train Controller
Location: Newcastle NSW
wurx
Lithgovian Ambassador-at-Large
Location: The mystical lost principality of Daptovia
[bigimg]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5162/5225515995_d56a1a2e4a_b.jpg[/bigimg]
Hi dmb, and a belated welcome to Railpage
Quite nice photos, and they appear very professional, at least to my amateur eye.
I'm glad to hear that you're interested in railway remnants; in that respect you should find the Railway Archaeology forum of interest to you. Another site which a good resource for such is Rolfe Bozier's NSWrail.net.
With regards to posting your photos, a tip to the wise: try using the "Big Image" tags. This will prevent the photos making every page you post on so wide that everyone must needs scroll right & left to see all of the photos & text.
An easy way of doing so is when you've pasted your URL from flickr, simply pop in the letters big before img prior to submitting your post. Within the above quote of your last post, I have done this to the last pic you posted to show you how it works. It then should be an easy matter to go back and edit your other posts accordingly
I look forward to more of your work 8)
dmbphotography
Train Controller
Location: Newcastle NSW
Yes Wurx, I do love Rolfe's site. I have contributed 545 photos to it, mainly the remote parts of the Western Line.
dmbphotography
Train Controller
Location: Newcastle NSW
Please view in large size. NR12 @ Waratah heading in PW on 4/12/2010.
[bigimg]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5284/5230281255_25ae24f0bc_o.jpg[/bigimg]
[bigimg]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5284/5230281255_25ae24f0bc_o.jpg[/bigimg]
dmbphotography
Train Controller
Location: Newcastle NSW
8108 at Cockle Creek on 5th December 2010.
[bigimg]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5128/5234127102_01ca93ea7a_o.jpg[/bigimg]
[bigimg]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5128/5234127102_01ca93ea7a_o.jpg[/bigimg]
Quick Reply
We've disabled Quick Reply for this thread as it was last updated more than six months ago.