Too close for comfort
This first photo is the Seaboard Airline 2-10-0 (ten drive wheels) steam Locomotive #544, mentioned in a previous post, built in 1918 for the Russian railroads. It’s parked in one of the 37-stalls of the Roundhouse (see photo below) located behind/around the operational 100-foot railroad turntable.
Space was tight for photographing any of the stored locomotives. Just off the left frame of this photo are separation/support beams obstructing the view and I was nearly against the back wall when I made it–photo at 34mm with a full-frame camera.
I tried to think of creative approaches for photos in this “close” situation but I can’t say I was very successful. A limited factor on this particular day was I didn’t have a flash unit along and the natural lighting was poor inside the stalls. I’d also would have liked to have done some HDR shots but I’d left my tripod in the car–my bad!
I’d certainly welcome input or suggestions on creative ways to cope with a “close” situation. What would you do or have you done to try and get those special close-up photos? 
Photos – Spencer, NC: North Carolina Transportation Museum
Tom Devlin
Earl – We were there at the beginning of July and I experienced the same issues. No tripod was the big deal for me. Instead of the overall shots, I decided to go close in (go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tfdhtd101/3744020153/) on many of them. Good shot.
Tom Devlin
Earl Moore
@Tom Devlin: I did settle for some close up shots but like you I wish I’d had my tripod–next time for sure. Thanks for the comment and the link.
Ove
I would as Tom writes move closer. Trying to get a front shot, a good shot on the engine man’s cabin. A close-up along the driving wheels from the front, with a very narrow dof and focus on the first wheel. If it was possible to get in the cabin, I would try to get the engine man’s view, with equally short dof, and only the front of the locomotive in focus. I like steam locomotives, I think I mentioned it already.
You’re lucky having such a museum.
Ove
Btw, the problem with creative angles and close-ups like I mention is that the tripod gets difficult to use….
Earl
@Ove: I did a few close up studies while I was there, but nothing I was very satisfied with. I’ll keep returning until I get something better. Thanks!
Anita Jesse
I am glad to know that this is close by and you will bringing us still more photos. What is it that is so appealing about those old locomotives? Fascinating.
Earl
@Anita: I agree there’s something very appealing about these old locomotives. Of course one of your favorite photographic subjects is the horse so it would stand to reason you might like the “Iron” variety as well.
Anita Jesse
I had never thought about that link. Duh. Where was I? Thanks for pointing it out. You have opened my eyes to something.