Photocharters

Ah, Mr. "20 run pasts in the same location" perchance?

 

I don't know he fits 20 runpasts in, what with the compulsory breakfast and 2 hour lunch break

 

Anyone done an educational photo charter ?

Never done a photo charter, but am interested, however I would love to capitalise on that with a bit of "education" on improving the camera results from those who know how.

 

Yes you are correct about "mates (participants) not saying anything" as it was standard practice but I suspect the reason was in it regards to the info for the actual charter rather than who to contact (organiser) to get on future charters. Certainly I added new names on my list as & when they provided a SAE in which my list considerably grew over a number of years. I must admit when I packed in organising charters (& photographing preserved steam in general), I've never missed it strange it may seem although like you and others, I was heavily involved in the scene in numerous ways for over 15+ years. I have only attended a handful of charters since then and to be honest, not really enjoyed them, yes got the images etc but something was sadly missing from them which I think has something to do with numerous photographers take the whole thing too seriously now a days - what ever happened to the laughter, enjoyment and free spirit of those charters? Yes times have changed and things move on too. Regardless, I am pleased that you and others (including new organisers) have carried on the tradition and have had a considerable bearing on the history of numerous railways around the country including just as importantly, the additional income that has been raised for the movement too.

 

Not sure about organising an "instructional" charter buy many participants would give tips etc. freely throughout a regular photo charter. In between the banter that is.

 

Anyone able to help with this? http://railways.national-preservation.com/photography/39004-mike-tyack-photocharters.html

 

On a slightly different tangent, has anyone considered/tried running a charter with a stronger emphasis on human interest shots? I'm not talking about a calendar shoot with models on locos (although that could also work ;-) ), nor a day of portrait shots in front of trains, but I've always thought it a bit of an anomaly to see images from charters where organisers and participants have gone to great lengths to include authentic locos, stock and locations, renumbering them to suit, etc, but are happy to have hundreds of photos of completely empty passenger workings. We see charters in which period road vehicles are included, yet (it appears) very few people? Given that charters should logically have a far higher ratio of photographers to trainspotters with cameras* than a gala day, I wonder if there'd be a market for this? Maybe a Summer Saturday holiday special on the Mid Hants, or a gathering of commuters at Bolton Street, or colliery workers at Foxfield? Personally I'd be more inclined to book on a charter involving something along these lines; imo there's only so many times you can do 'train in field' shots before it starts to get samey, regardless of the authenticity of the combination.

To illustrate my point, an image such as http://owenedwards.zenfolio.com/p883852343/h32af3d12#h32af3d12 . Surely I can't be alone in thinking an image such as this is far more interesting to take, and to view, than a full day of 'train in field' shots? Needn't be at the expense of the latter, but is it too hard to justify sacrificing another couple of Kinchley runpasts for something a bit different?


* - Not a disparaging term, just making the point - you don't run your charter and spend all day on a platform, after all!

 

Some organisers do feature some "re-creation players" but unless they are prepared to do it for nothing or very little, the cost of hiring sufficient numbers to be convincing for a summer special for example would add considerable cost to what are quite expensive events to stage in the first place. It can work well in cameos though as just a couple of strategically placed individuals can make all the difference.

 

Both good points. On a more low key note, though, something like a 60s-looking enthusiast with a head out of the window behind a black 5, or a spotter taking down numbers on the end of a platform, must add to a scene? IIRC a small cameo was arranged with SKP at Arley recently, and seemed to be one of the definite highlights of the charter from the images I've seen - which, for a station shot of a resident loco, is saying something!

 

Some of my favourite shots that I take at charters are first thing in the morning when the crew board the loco with tea can in hand as it can create a timeless scene. I'm a great fan of the 1940's events as the re-enactors are more than happy to oblige and if you can get the 21st century people out of the way you can get some great shots.

Cheers,

Paul

 

The SKP cameo wasn't prearranged. The carpenter came out to chat to the crew while we were waiting for the travelling signalman to set the road and all we did was to ask him to remove his face mask and carry on chatting. A splendid piece of luck in this instance.

 

Couldn't agree more so when you can get a pose that looks really natural, that's worth its weight in gold. Also in my experience there seems to be an abundance of 1940s re-enactors but a relative shortage rom different eras, certainly as far as people just doing it for fun is concerned. One problem is that most charters are weeks days and that would mean re-enactors taking a day off to attend the event.

 

Quite agree but finding someone suitable is easier said than done and in this strange age we live in, a group of grown men asking a young lad in short trousers to pose for a photograph is a dodgy area to be in sadly.

 

Haha, me? I would need paying...

 

Hi,
As a fund raiser for 34081 I'm running a photo charter on the SVR with 1450 and the auto trailer. Date is 25th March. PM me if you would like details.

 

I'm very interested in attending a photo charter sometime. I wonder if anyone could provide details of any charters on railways such as Great Central, East Lancs, Churnet Valley or the KWVR for the second half of the year; for railways within fairly easy reach of Huddersfield. Any info would be greatly appreciated.