The ‘Proper’ Way To Do The Bayou Sale Shot

[Jimbaux knows his enemy.]

And, of course, the word “proper” in in quotes in the title because the so-called “rules” of photography are more subjective than most people seem to think; the “proper” way to do a shot is whatever way works for you, but, here, I explain my own personal standards.

A few weeks ago, I posted this article about a shot I did at Bayou Sale, Louisiana, that just did not work for me.  Let’s take a look at some versions of this view that I, through my own prejudices, think are properly done.

It’s A Great Spring-Summer Late Afternoon Shot

And that’s when this shot was taken.  This is the Union Pacific Railroad’s QNOAX at Bayou Sale one May afternoon in 2006.  Notice how both sides of the nose of the lead locomotive are well-lit.

Please don’t ask me what a train going from New Orleans to Alexandria was doing on the Lafayette Sub.  I can only presume that the Livonia Sub was clogged.  I suppose it’s possible that this train could have still made it to Alexandria with only two crew starts, but what do I know?

Summer Yuckiness

The above picture was taken on a relatively cool (not really) day in May, and I wanted to advantage of those because they’re rare.  I definitely don’t like getting out and taking pictures in the middle of the oppressively hot and humid Louisiana summers, or do I?

Well, whaddaya know?  I somehow got myself out to get this cloudy day shot of the MNOHO led by this clean old standard-cab C40-8.  My foamboy BEK recalled shooting this thing new.

Winter Possibilities

Despite the fact that the shot is very sidelit at that time of year, it is possible to get good shots at Bayou Sale in the beginning of winter, as evidenced by these two shots of the westbound Sunset Limited taken about two seconds apart.

I like the way that the bright blue and silver colorfulness of the locomotive and the train contrast with the dead vegetation here

Southern Louisiana is a beautiful place in the winter.

A Deuce And Some Windmill Parts

Here’s one last shot for you.  I was on my way back to NOLA from Lake Charles for a work conference when I spied this train coming across the Wax Lake Outlet Bridge.  I nearly wet myself when I saw that it was being led by a fairly clean SD40-2 still in Santa Fe colors!

I spun around and headed west to get this shot, getting on position just in the nick of time as I was huffing and puffing from sprinting to get to this position.  Hint: don’t try this without a truck or an SUV.

Check out those windmill nacelles near the front of the train!  They’re actually a regular occurrence here, and I’m pleased to see them, as we urgently need to move toward clean energy.  That’s a topic for another time, I suppose.  In the meantime, this might be worth reading.  I know for a fact that there are plenty of people who might be called “right wing ideologues” who visit this site; so, this should draw their ire, though that’s not at all my intention.

All The Little Birdies on Jaybird Street?

If all the little birdies on Jaybird Street love to hear the Robin go “tweet, tweet, tweet,” does that mean that the Robin was twittering?  I’m not sure, but after many have suggested to me that it’s a great way to promote the website, Jimbaux is now on Twitter as of a few days ago.  Find me at @JimbauxsJournal .  Notice that there’s no apostrophe there.

Irish Channel Parade

Hey, my whoadies, don’t forget that the Irish Channel Parade is this weekend in New Orleans; that was probably my favorite event when I lived there.  Please see my pictures from last year’s parade here.

Ask Jimbaux

Y’all don’t forget, if you have questions you’d like Jimbaux to publicly answer here on the site, please send them to this address and specify if you want your name and location published with your question.  (If you don’t specify such, I’ll play it safe and keep your question anonymous.)

A couple of ladies recently asked me for some advice on indoor photography and the use of flash.  I’ll post an article on that topic here in the near future.

That’s all, folks!

Jimbaux