Fall Railroad Photography: Tips For Capturing Trains and Foliage

This time of 12 months is particularly thrilling for us at The Station Inn. As the times shorten, the temperatures drop, and the leaves flip their vibrant hues, we lastly mix two of our greatest passions: fall railroad images and fall foliage images. 

Our lust for images even helped encourage our Artist-In-Residence Program, which was kick-started by the proficient Michael Froio. 

Of course, we additionally have fun the eye-catching photographs from professionals like Craig Hensley:

…and we all the time love sharing photographs from accounts like Norfolk Southern:

While gorgeous, these photographs belie a easy reality: Fall railroad images and fall foliage images are robust. There’s an artwork to this images that’s one half technical and one half understanding the place to go—and people are two crucial substances in relation to the easiest practice photographs. 

Use our desk of contents to be taught extra!

Table of Contents
Best Spots In PA for Fall Railroad Photography
Tips for Fall Foliage Photography
Stay At The Station Inn

Best Spots In PA for Fall Railroad Photography

There are numerous sizzling spots in PA for fall railroad images, and plenty of of them additionally seem on our roundup of high PA highway journey concepts. Here’s the place you take into account taking your digital camera subsequent: 

1. The Horseshoe Curve

To examine the historical past of the Horseshoe Curve is to check the historical past of America’s outstanding industrial previous—and the rise and fall of Pennsylvania’s wealthy railroad historical past. 

And to {photograph} the Horseshoe Curve? Well, that’s one other outstanding pleasure totally. By late October, the bushes surrounding the Curve are vibrant yellows, reds, and oranges. 

While you’re planning your journey, take a look at our Horseshoe Curve practice log so what to anticipate once you go to! 

Related Reading: The Horseshoe Curve FAQ: Everything You Should Know About This Beloved Destination

2. Jim Thorpe

Nestled within the Lehigh Gorge, Jim Thorpe combines historic railroad attraction with gorgeous fall backdrops. 

The city’s Victorian structure, winding valley traces, and scenic excursions on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway make it a high images vacation spot. In autumn, the daring colours of the Pocono Mountains body every passing practice completely.

3. Lancaster

Pennsylvania’s Amish Country is beautiful all 12 months lengthy, but it surely’s particularly scenic after the corn’s been harvested and the rolling hills reveal the altering leaves on each horizon. 

Of course, Lancaster can also be well-known for the borough of Strasburg, dwelling to the Strasburg Railroad and the adjoining Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania—two can’t-miss sights for any practice lover!

4. Cassandra Overlook

The well-known Cassandra Overlook was as soon as a part of the Pennsylvania Route 53, but it surely has since been repurposed into a well-liked vacation spot for each rail lovers and sightseers alike. 

This quiet spot affords a shocking view of Norfolk Southern’s busy Pittsburgh Line, making it a major location to seize the majesty of contemporary railroading. Here are a couple of examples of the varieties of photographs you may look ahead to from the security of the overlook (As you may think about, they appear even prettier through the fall months!):

The better part concerning the Cassandra Overlook? It’s just a few minutes from The Station Inn! 

5. The Station Inn

Our cozy rail-themed Bed & Breakfast sits subsequent to Norfolk Southern’s busy essential line, providing prime images alternatives from the consolation of our entrance porch. 

Situated within the coronary heart of PA’s Appalachia, we’re a fast drive from the sights (and picture ops) in cities like Altoona and Johnstown. 

Book a room today to get your subsequent railfan and images trip scheduled!

Tips for Fall Foliage Photography

Great fall foliage and railroad images is an artwork. Like any artwork, you may be taught the methods to change into nice. 

Here are a few of our favourite ideas: 

1. Plan for the Light

Lighting could make or break a fall foliage shot. Aim for early morning or late afternoon, when the “golden hour” provides heat and enhances reds and yellows. 

Don’t overlook the comfortable, blue tones of daybreak, both—it could actually create dramatic contrasts. Scout areas beforehand so that you’re positioned when the sunshine is at its greatest.

2. Use Layers In Your Photos

Depth is essential in railroad images. Place colourful leaves or branches within the foreground, let the practice occupy the center floor, and body distant mountains or valleys within the background. This layered method attracts the attention via the picture. 

Experiment with totally different angles—crouch low, shoot huge, or body via bushes—for extra dynamic outcomes.

3. Polarize It

A round polarizing filter might be your greatest buddy for fall photographs. It reduces reflections from moist leaves and metallic practice surfaces, whereas additionally deepening the blue of autumn skies. This makes colours extra saturated and vibrant. 

Just bear in mind, polarizers minimize mild—so stability your publicity settings to keep away from underexposing the practice itself.

4. Mind the Weather

Overcast skies could seem uninteresting, however they’re a secret weapon for photographers. Diffused mild eliminates harsh shadows and helps foliage colours stand out in wealthy element. Cloudy days additionally allow you to {photograph} longer with out worrying about blown-out highlights. 

If it rains, water on the leaves can improve distinction and create a shiny, dramatic look.

5. Be Patient

Railfanning usually means ready, generally for hours. Instead of getting pissed off, use the downtime correctly. Test new compositions, alter digital camera settings, or seize landscapes whereas ready for the subsequent practice. 

Bring a scanner or use a scanner audio app in your smartphone to anticipate arrivals. Patience rewards you with distinctive photographs—generally the sudden practice makes the most effective picture.

6. Dress Appropriately

Capturing that excellent practice picture can take hours, and once you’re wandering via the mountains of Pennsylvania, that would imply exposing your self to chilly climate, sudden rain, and robust winds. 

Wear layers to guard your self from the weather, particularly as we method the tip of the 12 months, and produce some water and snacks to maintain your self fueled.

Stay At The Station Inn

We’d like to change into your subsequent fall foliage and practice images vacation spot! Take a glance via every of our themed rooms or book your trip today to order your favourite spot.

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