Washington D.C. Metro

[Winston Mitchell]

While waiting for a train to my daughter's home in D.C., I noticed and became interested in the station's indirect lighting scheme. I had a couple of minutes to run around and capture a half-dozen images to capture how it works. Here's three of them.

Sony DSLR-A700: 1s f/8.0 at 17.0mm iso400

Sony DSLR-A700: 1/15s f/3.2 at 20.0mm iso1600

Sony DSLR-A700: 1/60s f/2.8 at 17.0mm iso6400

 

[Edward Bussa]

Hi Winston,

I was quickly drawn to analysis of that shadow on the ceiling. I realized almost immediately it was from the train. After reading the text in your post, I looked again at the "lighting scheme" you reference. It does appear to have a consistency where the attempt is to diffuse the light through reflection.

I like your use of depth of field and I didn't find anything to complain about in your composition. I did find myself wanting to see more of the people at the station.

The grain really jumps out in the 6400 image. The others look great grain-wise.

 

[Ron Morse]

I have flown into DC but never been on a train there. It is interesting to see new places.

Their is grain in the 6400 image but a few years ago it would have been unusable.

 

[Asher Kelman]

Winston,

Although you snapped these in fascination of the lighting scheme of the subway, there's some attractive composition within these photographs. However, if the subject is the indirect lighting, then the pictures work as is.

The indirect lighting from under the train makes for a more dramatic picture.

Thanks for sharing something really unusual, to me at least.

Asher

 

[Asher Kelman]

Hi Winston,

Thanks for allowing me to look at some ideas with your work. I picked the second picture of the train just about to leave (or just arriving) and casting a shadow on the roof.

Winston Mitchell Photo Unedited Sony DSLR-A700: 1/15s f/3.2 at 20.0mm iso1600​

I wanted to make the guy on the right appear close and important to the train leaving or arriving. Also I hoped we could increase the sense of the train about to come through and leave the frame. So first I cropped away the botton of the picture.

Winston Mitchel Photo Train moving in DC station Cropped, A.K. with permission​

Although it seems to me more dramatic, I thought it could come to life a little more. So then I increased the reflections and opened up the shadows and brightened the lights on the right side.

Winston Mitchel Photo Train moving in DC station Edits A.K. with permission​

I appreciate the opportunity to check out some ideas! It soes not mean I think the picture is better, LOL!

Asher

 

[Winston Mitchell]

Lack of people: it was the Sunday before Memorial Day. The locals got outta Dodge and the tourist business is in the tank.

ISO 6400: It was my last frame and I wanted to make sure there was at least one sharp one...no time for chimping.

Asher, I like your crop. It detracts nothing from the original intent, solves the problem of the lights going straight into the lower-right corner, and brings the people into it. Maybe this makes Ed a little happier too. I modified it a bit to further cleanup the two sides. The crop at the bottom was a little tight for me so I backed off some which solved the problem of the platform edge going almost straight into the lower-right hand corner.

You are also right about the image needing some tonal work. I boosted the contrast and got some detail back in the blocked-up highlights and shadows...thanks for the push. When we get done with this project, I'll fix the other ones.

I think your suggestions make the photo better, why don't you? (LOL)

Note to all: If I ask for critique, please feel free to chop, paint, rotate, or whatever you think is necessary. Demos are so much more effective than paragraphs.