What is the perfect angle to be at to take a picture of a Locomotive?

Answer 1

I don't usually photograph locomotives, but were I to do so I would chose an angle directly in front of it. I'd choose a wide angle lens and closely cropped, low shooting position to give a fairly heavy vertical distortion and feeling of being insignificant in front of a machine that has literally shaped our country. I would want a feeling of the grandness of industry. And I agree with the first answer, three quarter shots of something large is a great way to show scale.

Answer 2

Had I the opportunity, and, had only one chance to take the single, best print, I would seek a unique angle, rather than the cliche'd 3/4 or full frontal views.

Perhaps looking forward from inside the cab, or from the roof of the cab. How about with the moving wheels and pistons, blurred, taken from another vehicle, running alongside?

Sometimes, an image of an object's detail tells a better story, such as the main smokestack of a Victorian Era locomotive, or it's ornate head light.

But, if I only wanted a couple of good images for reference, I would take a full side view, a full frontal and a 3/4 ground level view. Not imaginative, but these would tell me what the engine consists of and how it is put together. If it was meant to be a "portrait" of a historical object, the ground level 3/4 view would be the most dramatic.

Answer 3

I'd say if the Locomotive is the old steam type or in any case, the front end has great stylish lines compared to the 'train' behind the engine, I'd like to see a shot of it: in an up-angle view to show off that big smoke stack, cowcatcher and headlight, and use the train cars and landscape all to support the engine as the main character in the picture.
Angle from the lower front looking up at the front of the engine approaching.

If the Locomotive is the modern, streamlined type of engine, with not a big difference in outline to the cars, I'd use that as the strength of the view, with the entire train showing off the power of the engine, and use the streamlined look to an advantage.
Angle from the side/rear of engine looking down along the cars to the main focus of the engine going away.

Answer 4

An angle I like for horses is a low view point angled to high, so about 1-2 feet off the ground on a tripod, from a 15-20 degree angle to the side. Makes things appear bigger and more "grand".

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Answer 5

If you're working on reproductions, a full frontal and a perfect side view are essential, but for anything else 3/4 view works best. You can crouch down low to make it look looming and coming at you, or be standing as normal. It always looks better to be off center from the front of the train.

Answer 6

you should lay down on the ground or shoot below the locomotive. That angle is always seen in commercial shots.

it give a big frame look

Answer 7

I like to just above, and to the side. Just outside of the tracks for a front shot, looking down past the cockpit and the trailing train behind.

Another from ground level, between the tracks, looking up, if it isnt moving.

Answer 8

3/4 from the front is the easiest of a moving train.Full frame from the front or side is more detailed.I really like the detail of Black and white prints.I used to shoot slides,but Kodak has stopped making projectors.I plan on going digital with a new SLR camera with my tax refund.My favorite railroads are all fallen flags;GTW,AA,Southern,DT&I,and D&TSL.

Answer 9

Preferably off-track.