Durango and Silverton Steam Locomotive Landscape Photo

Click on image for a larger view.

Photo of the Durango and Silverton Steam Locomotive steaming north rounding a bend from right to left along the blue flowing Animas River. The dark black engine sends gray and black smoke into the sky and pulls the orange train cars. Green, orange and yellow foliage surround the scene along with light gray rocks frame the river banks.

Navigate to previous or next portfolio item
(Alt-p or Control Alt-p on a Mac for previous | Alt-n or Control Alt-n on a Mac for next):

previous next

Goal of the Photo

One of those "must do" events in life is to ride on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Steam Locomotive from the town of Durango to Silverton, Colorado. Slowly winding it's way north near the Animas River experiencing this steam locomotive is like stepping back in time. Luckily I was seated near the back of the train in an open air car so as the engine rounded bends I could lean out and take photos like this one. If you get a chance, this adventure is highly recommended.

Project Specs

Camera and Lens Used

Camera: Pentax K110d DSLR
Lens: Pentax-DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL
Aperture: f8
Film Speed: ISO 400
Focal Length: 55mm
Shutter Speed: 1/125th second

Location and Date

Location: Durango and Silverton Steam Locomotive
north of Durango, Colorado

Date: October 1, 2008

Photo Analysis

This photo is evocative of an older time when mass transit was dominated by the train. The river and river bank along with the train lead the eye around from the lower portion of the image in a backward C shape. The blue of the water, greens and golden leaves and trees and the orange color of the train cars make for a vivid fall image. The gray smoke wafting up and out of frame gives a feeling of the power of the steam engine as it chugs it way north.

Corcoran Studio: Photography Portfolio - Durango and Silverton Steam Locomotive Landscape