Camera Craniums: The Photography Community for Enthusiasts

I planned to catch a quite rare event - the Tornado crossing a local bridge. Not knowing if the landowner would allow access  and how long a walk I'd have from the car to my preferred location I allowed time to try elsewhere. However I needn't have worried and was there with an hour to wait in pleasant evening sunshine, peace and quiet by the river - and I was lucky to see a beaver swimming slowly upstream. A couple of local trains passed, giving me panning practice and showed I had a couple of minutes warning after the railway signal went up. Spot on the expected time it rose, so I was all ready to shoot as the train approached - but it was a local Diesel! That told me Tornado was at least 20 minutes late and daylight was beginning to fade so I decided to wait no more than a half hour. I was reaching out to take down the tripod but I paused when I heard excited children's voices, and then several canoes came into view. A faint noise made me turn away from the river and there was Tornado, waiting at the stop signal. It was another ten minutes before it changed to go, the train started and I got my shot. I didn't expect much as by then the light had dropped badly, but I think it developed better than I hoped for.

(https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10222/normal_KS2_2296R_6x4_Tornado_Aberdonian_Steam_Train_BofE.jpg) (https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=23242&fullsize=1)

(https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10222/normal_KS2_2304R_6x4_Tornado_Aberdonian_Steam_Train_BofE.jpg) (https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=23243&fullsize=1)

Great shots Simon. It was worth the wait. Sometimes it's important to get the shot regardless of light and other conditions. It's the shot that counts. :tup:

Thanks Oldboy. My favoutite is actually the unplanned one of it stopped and letting off steam. Cropping closer (loosing the signal) helps the composition and makes it more exciting. Would spoil the story I've posted, but could be used elsewhere.

Cheers, Simon

Moments like the one you describe are very rare, aren't they?