My first outing!

[FreightFan66]

Hi all,

new to this forum but I thought it would be nice to share my first outing with you all! got to see my favourite freight train so that was nice (Class 66 EWS livery).

In terms of the video itself, feedback would be much appreciated, im thinking of investing into a tripod and a better camera to stop the wobbly footage, but apart from that a fantastic first day!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfNUmHvIcOs

 

[PaxVobiscum]

Thanks for posting, I enjoyed watching that.

Was a bit worried initially where it looked a bit like you might have been on the wrong side of the boundary fence, but of course you weren't and that becomes clear later on. Silly me - but I'm sure we would all like you to be around for some time yet to post more videos!

A tripod is a good idea and it should help to keep the shots steadier. Sometimes they're not welcome on station platforms, but should be fine in the places you are filming from. If the camera is on a tripod you wouldn't need optical stabilisation from the camera.

Your camera seems to be doing a good job at the moment so perhaps you don't need to replace it straight away?

One tip you might like to try if you can - on the scenes like the first one where it is not so sunny, your camera will tend to expose for the sky as it is the brightest bit of the frame. If you can set the exposure manually or point it away from the sky and lock the exposure it could brighten up the trains a bit. Not knowing what camera you have, it is hard to know how easy that would be. I tried to show below below how it might look, but maybe your original looks better - just a suggestion!

Your last scene in the dusk is very atmospheric - I think that works very well.

I like your titles - very professional.

Tamworth is a great place to see trains - keep them coming!

 

[FreightFan66]

Thank you for your reply!

In terms of a tripod on the platform, is there a specific reason why they're frowned upon or is it just something that happens very rarely?

Thank you also, I will adjust my exposure levels on the camera.

 

[eastwestdivide]

For the wind noise, a "dead cat" or "wind muff" or similar may help. I've used stick-on ones from Rycote on my compact camera which has tiny little holes for microphones. Definite improvement.

 

[PaxVobiscum]

For the wind noise, a "dead cat" or "wind muff" or similar may help. I've used stick-on ones from Rycote on my compact camera which has tiny little holes for microphones. Definite improvement.

My cage having been rattled:
I glad you said that first. I was biting my tongue on that one - the last time I mentioned the subject here I got shot down.

Rycote Gust Buster
Rycote Micro Windjammer
Some people try to make their own, but the proper Rycote furries are designed and tested to be as efficient and as acoustically transparent as possible so the high frequencies of the wanted sounds are preserved while minimising wind noise.

--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Thank you for your reply!

In terms of a tripod on the platform, is there a specific reason why they're frowned upon or is it just something that happens very rarely?

I've been asked not to use a tripod, or even a monopod, in several large stations. Could be an irrational fear of encounters with OHLE.

 

[eastwestdivide]

Why would you be shot down for mentioning that kind of thing for the wind noise? Maybe there are some dodgy products out there, but the ones I mentioned worked for me.

 

[FreightFan66]

i've been asked not to use a tripod, or even a monopod, in several large stations. Could be an irrational fear of encounters with ohle.

You must have a big tripod then but that sucks, well ill inform whoever needs to be informed before using it

 

[PaxVobiscum]

The BTP advice for rail enthusiasts doesn't suggest that they won't be allowed, but SWT seems less tolerant:

On busy stations the use of a tripod may cause a dangerous obstruction to passengers and you may be asked not to use one. In addition, tripod legs must also be kept away from platform edges and behind the yellow lines.

Network Rail says much the same as SWT.

London Midland adds this:

For more complicated photography involving lighting, tripods or other equipment as well as filming, permission should be requested from London Midland in advance

Once when an over zealous ScotRail guard told me I wasn't allowed to film or take photographs on any trains or stations, I entered into correspondence with ScotRail and at one point I was somewhat grudgingly given permission with this rider:

I appreciate your concerns regarding completing the formal application form and I can advise the rules for filming relate to commercial filming only... I can confirm that if you are only using a standard handheld video camera the rules do not apply.

I later had another reply from their External Relations Manager (a known rail enthusiast) which basically said 'just go and enjoy yourself'.

I tend to use an unextended Maplin/Tesco monopod for video stabilisation when I'm on a rail trip and it rarely attracts attention, but as I said I have been asked to put it away occasionally (even before the 'selfie sticks' craze) for unspecified reasons.

 

[Tim R-T-C]

Given how many people I have seen who swing their extended tripods around when setting up photos, I'm glad of the ban to be honest. Those things are worse than umbrellas.

 

[FreightFan66]

Given how many people I have seen who swing their extended tripods around when setting up photos, I'm glad of the ban to be honest. Those things are worse than umbrellas.

But it add stability to a shot which in comparison to holding it free hand is easier to achieve.