For the last four years here at NAU I have wanted one particular shot; a late Amtrak coming out of the sag at Darling in morning light. I have been here to photographed Amtrak number of times, but I have either gotten blocked by the clouds, another train met Amtrak causing shadows on the engines, or a BNSF unit was added to the point. Well, I got enough noticed that Amtrak was late and this would be my last opportunity to try again.
I made it to Darling with a minute to spare before Amtrak came into view. Heavy, dark clouds loomed over head and I figured that I would add this shot to the pile of cloudy Darling shots in the archives. I must have some sympathy from the rail gods, cause for a brief second (and I do mean a second), sunlight was able to peak through just for one frame to capture the moment. It's still not what I want in regards to the classic Darling shot, but it's a shot I'll never be able to recreate again.
Landscape photography is difficult due to the challenge of combining good light and good scenery. Good railroad photography enters another level of complexity since it requires the first two while there is a train in view.
The GE Genesis series are well known for being Amtrak's locomotive. With confirmation of retirement from Amtrak themselves, their time is limited. Now is your chance to catch them before the chargers arrive!
