Tell me ,
Why is it that most photos of locos are taken 3/4 front view ? I think I know the answer , but it is not somethi9ng that I do as a matter of routine . I take photos side on , very useful when modelling . I tried head on as well , but got fed up with buying new cameras .
The habit of 3/4 shots probably dates back to when it was difficult to get two shots in sequence , but it is interesting to note a parallel in the Military Modelling world .
In modelling competitions , it is strongly advised NEVER to place your vehicle in a diorama at anything other than diagonally . I even heard judges reject a superb model because it was not at the supposed mandatory 3/4 angle . Not one of my models , I don’t favour competition modelling ,it is elitist and does a lot of damage .
Now , before you rush off in judgement , have a think about the logic , and how it would apply to you . How easy is it to run all your rails at 3/4 angle to the base board , and still get continuous track ? This is assuming you want to take your stuff to a show .
So , why 3/4 front views ?
Modern cameras allow front and side , with a fast moving loco . So there is no real excuse for a stationary one being posed at 3/4 .
Unless you are trying to copy "Portrait of the Rails " by Don Ball , Jr .
Mike,
It has to do with impressions. We normally take pics of people at angles other than head on and at 90 degrees. Why? Cause the other way resembles booking photos!!!
Since locos are the heart and soul of a train why would you want to treat them as a criminal and give ‘em a complex or sumthin’?
Andre’
My opinion…
Side shots are … dare I say it?.. boring.
A 3/4 head shot gives the idea of motion, and is much more interesting.
Of course there are exceptions. I can think of a few, even now.
SteveF
I’m going to guess that it’s because you have the longest time to take the photo (assuming an approaching train) without ending up in the predicament you mention above (LOL) that standing in front causes, or having to take a very fast 90 degree photo. It also shows you two sides of the subject in one photo… but mostly, if you’re going to watch a train pass, the locomotive is the interesting part, and you see it best and most clearly, at least risk of disaster, from the 3/4 position.
The other possibility is that a railroad ROW is a long narrow affair … often when taking photos in a station, or in a cut of trees that the line passes through, or in a city or town with buildings taller than the train, it’s hard to back up far enough to get the 90 degree shot easily, and particularly if the train is moving, such a thing can be hard to time, whereas pointing down the track toward the approaching train, all one has to do is wait until the viewfinder fills up, and shoot.
These two factors combined make the 3/4 shot the comfortable one.
Matthew (OV)
Well, something tells me that it has to do with how humans interpret good photographic composition. And gets back to the thirds divisions (horizontal and vertical) in a picture.
I think it depends on what effect you are trying to achieve. From a distance a side view is quite ok. But the 3/4 view gives a perspective that I really like when I’m shooting up close. I like the view of looking down the side of the train. I guess it is all in what you are trying to accomplish. If I need pictures of a locomotive for modelling purposes I would take pictures at every angle I could. If I’m taking pictures as a photo op, I take pictures that best compliments the train within the scenery. I’ve also noted that if I’m too straight on photographing a moving model I’m most likely to get an elbow whacked. Many of my photos require that I be laying flat on my tummy to take the pic…and sometimes on my back…all the while trying not to get an elbow, or foot in the wrong place.
Just a photo to be posting a photo…
Warren
Warren ,
You have given me an idea for my head on shots—lie on my tummy between the rails . Where’s those slimming tablets ?
It is interesting to read the replies , they all make sense at least . I do not pretend to know why 3/4 front is the norm , but I do think that tradition has a lot to do with it . The tradition will have been forced in by the already stated fact that 3/4 front is easier to get . The point about speed , that could be shown with steam side on very effectively by getting the smoke into more of the picture .
There are , however , times when a good picture can be made by taking any view of the loco and fitting it into an interesting background , that is where the art of photography comes in,surely ? So , sideways on crossing a river bridge can be attractive .
Now that I have been using electronic cameras for a while , I have to say that I take shots from all angles , my repertoire was limited before by the limit of number of films to cart around , and the cost of processing them . So most of my clockwork camera stuff was 3/4 front–of locos , trucks , tanks , planes , but not wimmin . Why dat den ? 3/4 back is better , that’s why .
Mike
For health reasons, I try to avoid laying between the rails on 12" scale and I’m a little too wide at the beam to fit between the rails on 45mm…
That said, I think a lot of the reason for 3/4 views…or any view beyond straight on is done because it’s more pleasing to the eye. It’s like the 3-4-5 rule for pictures. Someone decided many years ago that to most people that aspect ratio is the most pleasing to the eye. As an exampleof the angle vs straight on views, look at the two pictures below. The Empire Builder, Plum Creek is taken as a straight on side view…and the Southern Pacific, Clackamas River is at a slight angle. I find that the Clackamas River picture is more pleasing. The other seems just too harsh.
Also the 3/4 angle allows the photographer to get much closer and thus give more detail. And often one just cannot get far enough away to get a full side view. As an example, the below picture would have been horrible had I backed up. There were a bunch of parked cars at my back…
Just don’t seem to be able to go anywhere without a bunch of railfanners around…
One of the things I was taught during my HO modeling days is that it’s more pleasing to the eye if the tracks do not run parallel to the edge of the layout. I think this same philosophy holds true in photography. Warren
Warren ,
I totally agree with you , the photo at an angle looks better , and by the way , I am pleased to see what I consider the most beautiful steam loco in the world well presented . Nice loco , nice picture----thanks .
My reason for posing the question about 3/4 view was to see if it is still considered “de rigeur” for want of a better description . It is always interesting to hear what others think of a subject we all take for granted—point and shoot .
As I said above , my foray into detail stuff is for reference when modelling . I have a nice library of photos of stuff , almost all European . I have about a mile of video tape on the White Pass and Yukon , I must transfer some stills from it and post them . I now know that 3/4 would be preferred , thanks .
Mike
I really do like the Daylight , Warren , that’s gorgeous .
It’s probably my second favorite locomotive…behind the N&W “J” series. Some day just maybe somebody will make a “J” in 1:29…
Warren
Warren Mumpower said:Man, I'd sure be tempted if they did. Spent a few summers as car host on the NS excursions behind that loco before they cancelled that operation.
It's probably my second favorite locomotive....behind the N&W "J" series. Some day just maybe somebody will make a "J" in 1:29.......
As for photos, it has everything to do with depth, and making a 2-dimensional image look three-dimensional. (Leastwise, that’s what they told us in class.) A vanishing point of perspective allows the eye to travel through the image to a destination, thus drawing the viewer into the scene. It’s much the same as framing a shot with another object in the foreground. Anything to make the eye think that it can look into the image, as opposed to just “at” the image.
Later,
K
Steam didn;t die on the N&W…its was MURDERED…TWICE!!!