I like the photo of the train with the empty carts, the rust colour complements the autumn colour from the trees. Looking very autumnal there, the trees are teasing us here with hints of colour.
Thanks for watching Russ! Yeah I actually really do like the photo with empty coal cars. It's actually a pretty good representation of the decline of the West Virginia coal industry. Years ago, when coal production was at an all time high, I'm sure those cars were packed full. Now, with alternative energy sources, the coal industry is really hurting here. Looking forward to seeing your autumn images over there! Loved the last video with the rocky, jagged peaks! Have a great weekend!
@paulcookphotography I was wondering why the autumn colours are late arriving here, but looking back at my photos since 2020-2022, taken when the colours were at their peak, was mid to late November. This seems to be the new normal. At least it gives me time to prepare!
Such anticipation for the shot, then the empty cars. It is a beautiful shot, though. I’d add in the coal from the earlier shot, but then again I cheat like that. 🤫🤣 Really well done video, Paul. Love the real emotions, and showing that it’s not always a 💯 success. Watching you explore your new home has been a complete joy. Take care.
Thanks for watching Jim! I think you hit the nail on the head. While it was disappointing not to get the shot, I think the video shows what it's really like to be a landscape photographer. Photographer. The highs, the lows, the disappointment sometimes. Not that kind of glossy crap you get from the big TH-cam photographers. And I'm definitely happy with the final train shot, but it also gives me a good goal to achieve next year! I'm glad you enjoyed it, thanks as always for your support! Hope you both are doing well out on the road!
Thanks so much Ben! Now if I could just have equal parts, persistence and patience.... That would be my superpower! Glad you enjoyed it my friend, thanks as always for your support! Hope you're doing well!
Thanks for watching Joy! Glad it was at least entertaining 😂 I will definitely get the shot, But I've burned myself out a little bit driving back and forth to this location. As you can see from the time lapse, it's not the easiest drive. Very curvy mountain roads, lines with deer early in the morning. I'm happy with the shot that I got for now, that gives me a good goal for next year! Glad you enjoyed it! Hope you're doing well, chat soon!
Getting closer to that image you want. Don’t give up it’s only a matter of time. Good on you for sticking it out and betting the train to get the bridge.
Thanks mate! Yep, definitely getting closer. I actually really like the image so I'm not bothered by it too much, plus gives me a great goal to achieve next year. Glad you enjoyed it mate. Hope you are doing well, have a great weekend!
Thanks for watching Dave! I've actually had a bit of local interest in the image from people that have worked on the CSX trains and in the mining industry. It might not be exactly what I wanted but apparently it is speaking to others which is always a huge compliment. Hope you are doing well, have a great week!
Mate that's dedication, waiting on that train. I think that it worked out well even though you didn't the coal in the carriages. Loved the fall colours at the river and the park bench looked awesome mate. Don't think this was a failure at all brother! you still got some keepers man.
Thanks for watching pal. I've had a few people message me here locally and say they absolutely loved the image because of their experience working in the coal mines here in West Virginia. I'm not one who usually puts a story behind every image I take z but that has helped me think quite a bit differently about this one. I've set it off to the printer and should be getting it back next week to put above my couch. Thanks again palz have a great week down there. Chat soon!
So sorry you didn’t get the shot you were after this time. However the image you did get is worthy of being printed and hung on your wall. Beautiful drive up to the park. Take care. Deryck.
Thanks for watching Deryck! It was a little disappointing, but I am very happy with the way the shot turned out and I'm going to do exactly as I said... Hang it on the wall. It gives me a great goal to achieve next year! I'm glad you enjoyed that. Drive up to the park. Absolutely gorgeous the entire way! Thanks for watching! Hope you are doing well, have a great week!
Very enjoyable Saturday afternoon watch with a cuppa, the train shot while not being completely what you wanted turned out great as did the rest of the photos you took. Great job 👍
Thanks so much Martin! I've had a couple of locals contact me and tell me that photo was special to them because of their experience with the coal industry around here. So, if my photo says something to someone, that's fantastic! For me, it's a reminder of a goal I've already set for myself next year. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and images! I really appreciate you watching! Have a great rest of the weekend!
I've been there so many times. No train, no steam engine, wrong engine. I'm glad everything is time tabled in the UK, mostly. Lovely autumn colours. You enjoy. Next time take a chair, blanket and a picnic. Try not to fall asleep 😂
Thanks for watching, Andrew! Someone suggested calling the private train company to see if they can give me approximate times that it runs, I'll try that. I definitely was happy with the shot after the fact, but they anticipation and then let them was a bit of a bummer at first 😂 Just a day in the life of a landscape photographer i guess, as you said! We're having a warm week this week, but next week the mornings are going to be around -3 Celsius... I'm going to need that blanket 😂 Thanks for watching! Hope you're doing well!
I used to know the Communications Manager for a rail friegh company and she used to let photographers know where the trains where. Sometimes organising special access for them.
Thanks so much John! I've had quite a few local people interested in that train shot. Either they used to work for the railroad or they or someone in their family used to work in the coal industry. Very cool to have so much local interest in one of my photos!!Glad you enjoyed it John!
Wonderful effort and the shot you got was really nice. Great detail inside the cars. I'd hang that one. The fall colors and the rivets, dings and dents in the car add great character.
Thanks for watching Philip! I've had so many mixed emotions about That photo, but now that it's about 10 days past the time I took it, I feel that it tells a bit of a story about the decline of the coal industry here in West Virginia. And I do like all those details that you mention: the rivets, the dings, and the dents. In the process of having a printed right now. I think it will look good. Hang on the wall, and if anything, it'll be a good reminder of a goal that I have set for myself for next year! Thanks for watching, I'm really glad you enjoyed it. Hope you're doing well, have a wonderful weekend!!
Really loved your shot with the bench in the foreground and the one you are going to print and frame is great. Having a big choice of photos to make is not a bad problem to have, but I feel your frustration.
Thanks for watching Jim! Like I said, I think I was frustrated at first, but I am very happy with both of those shots that you mentioned. I think I will print it and hang it on the wall. I really like the way it turned out and it's a reminder of a goal that I'm setting for myself next year. I'm glad you enjoyed it, thanks as always for your support!
🙈 OH NO! The colors though! Huge change in scenery. I think the photo looks great, even without the coal, but I understand when you have a certain idea of what you are hoping to photograph. I laughed out loud several times on this vlog, but then also, mourned with you.😢
Thanks for watching Michelle! I was telling Jim in the comment section, that while I was disappointed initially, I was actually happy with the way the image turned out. I was also happy with the way the video turned out. The highs, the lows, the excitement, the disappointment... I feel it captures what it's really like to be a landscape photographer. And it definitely leaves me a good goal for an image next year! I'm really glad you enjoyed it, and mourned along with me! That's a huge compliment!
Great video once again Paul. We all have our nemesis locations and this observation is even more appropriate when you consider that in the original story Nemesis lures Narcissus down to a pool where he becomes transfixed by a reflection (granted it's his own and not those absolutely beautiful russet coloured trees). I could feel your disappointment through the screen, however the empty train was a fabulous image. When you do get your coal laden shot, print both and put them up in different parts of the house. They paint a picture of dedication and persistence and will be lovely in their own right. Have a great weekend and take good care of you and yours 🙏🙏🙏
Thanks for watching mate! Yeah so many emotions went into the making of this image. But now that is all said and done, I'm quite happy with it. What I'm even happier about is that I've been contacted by several locals who said the image really spoke to them and their experience with the coal industry here in West Virginia. I never read that much into my own photos, but it's nice to hear that others connect with it. Glad you enjoyed it my friend. I see you just put out a new one, I'll be watching that in the morning. Have a great rest of the weekend down there!
Thank you very much! We bought that centerpieces at a local arts and crafts show, lots of wonderful artists. Glad you liked the images of autumn here in WV, I think possibly the best place east of the Mississippi for autumn color! Winter is moving in now... wind-chill of 5° in the morning 🥶❄️🥶❄️ Thanks for watching. Hope you are doing well!
Paul, As a nature and landscape photographer with years of experience, I have realized that planning photos is essential, and I do it regularly. However, sometimes when we venture out to capture a particular image, Mother Nature may surprise us with an entirely different scene that's worth capturing. I believe it's crucial to remain open-minded and flexible to embrace such opportunities. Overall, this video was fantastic! I watched the entire video and a few minutes have passed since then. The image that has stayed with me the most is the one of the river with the bench in it. I think that image has the potential to sell really well for you. Keep up the great work, my friend. Peter Hawkins
Thanks for watching and for the great comment. Peter! I agree completely with your first statement.,. Mother nature is definitely in control and we need to be open-minded and flexible to be able to photograph the other opportunities that she gives us. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for the compliment on the photo of the bench along the river. I think that was the hidden gem of the day. As you said, That might be an image that sells well, especially here locally, as this is a very popular location in these parts. Thanks again for watching, I really appreciate it. Have yourself a wonderful weekend!
Great job on the video Paul and I felt your disappointment through my phone. I know it wasn’t exactly what you were after but I actually liked that last shot. You certainly have more patience than me waiting in the cold. Hang in there mate, I’m sure those Fall colors will be yielding you great results in other photos to make up for it. Thanks for sharing buddy cheers 🍻 🙏
Thanks for watching Adrian! No it definitely wasn't exactly what I was after, but I am pretty happy with it. It also gives me a good goal to achieve next year. There are other shots that I want to get before autumn ends here. The leaves are starting to lose their vibrance, So I definitely need to get out there while I still can. The train can wait till next year! Glad you enjoyed the video and the images! Hope you're doing well, have a great weekend down there!
The train came between 4 and 5:00 the other day. I got a decent shot the other day. The sun was almost gone by 5:00 on the falls. Will have to go another day for the shot of the falls. That was on Monday. Cars were empty and coming from the same direction as this one. There’s also a train yard in Grafton, not the same with the leaves but might get some cool pictures of the trains.
Thanks for watching Barbara! Glad to hear you got a good shot of it! I've seen the train come early in the morning (oftentimes before 11:00), So that's why I've been trying to capture the shot at that time. Oh well, I like the shot that I got this time, but it also leaves me with a good goal for next year! Yeah I've seen the train yard and Grafton and I definitely would like to get a shot there as well. I've always been fascinated by trains! Thank you again for watching! Hope you have a wonderful week!!
‘I do believe she lied to me’ 😂😂😂 that really cracked me up that line 🤣 it might not have been your goal shot but it does look lovely with those fall colours kicking it off, it’ll make an ace print for your wall
Thanks for watching mate! I don't think my mom appreciated that comment as much as you did 😂 Yeah after the fact I am definitely happy with that train image. It actually is very representative of the downturn of the coal industry here in West Virginia. Years ago you probably could never find an empty coal car, But nowadays with alternative and green energy, the coal industry is in dire straits around here. So maybe a bit of a story with that image? Thanks again for watching pal, have a great weekend over there! ! Chat soon!
Man so many highs and lows in this video what a rollercoaster of emotions. Running around, missing it , being tempted by the waterfalls, scorched by the sun…no train at all, brutal! I really liked tge photo of the bench. And even the final shot you had good color and cloud cover. I thought it might have been better without the coal bc you can see the steel in the carts but you’re right. The coal would add a lot more story to the shot. All that waiting you need a wildlife lens to grab some bird shots! Excellent video my friend really enjoyed, have a great Halloween 🎃
Man, I think your comment hit it right on the head! After watching the video back, I think the point of this whole video is what it is. Really like to be a landscape photographer. The highs the lows, the anticipation, the disappointment... I think it showed it all in this video. Not that kind of glossy crap that you get from the big TH-cam photographers. So I'm definitely happy with the way the image turned out, and it definitely gives me a goal for next year to achieve! I'm glad you enjoyed the video and the images. Thanks so much for watching. Tim, really appreciate it!
I love it! And you're tenacity to keep going back - sure, the coal would add more to the story, but the rust and textures of the railcars are fantastic, too! I do not have your patience! It's been great to watch you build out this photo over a few videos; very enjoyable!
That was certainly a test of my patience, something I'm not known for! I've been pleasantly surprised by the amount of local interest in that photo! So many messages from locals who either worked on the trains or in the coal industry! I've sold several prints of it already! Glad you enjoyed it mate! Hope you are doing well!
@AdrianRankin took me by surprise... definitely wasn't expecting that but it does make sense. West Virginians are fiercely proud of their state and heritage!
Good things come to those who wait! Wise mum❤ I love your tenacity mate, it always pays off eventually! Empty cars FML😂😂😂 Loved the other shots too even if you didn’t get what you had envisioned! Great timelapse at the start too❤ Thanks for sharing your adventures!
Thanks for watching pal. The good news is that photo of the empty coal cars has really resonated with people here...I've just sold my 10th print of that image! I guess it reminds them of someone who worked on the railroad, or in the coal industry once upon a time. Hope all is well down there mate, have a great weekend!
@@paulcookphotography that is so awesome mate, hapoy for you. As I told you before imho your images/photography have evolved so much since you guys moved. Hope you and your whole family are doing ok! Big🤗
Oh, the intrigue! Will he or won't he ever get his dream image in one shot!! This video did make me laugh though even though I know it wasn't funny for you. I love the last shot anyway because of the colors. At least the train met its goal of delivering the coal so people will be warm as autumn turns to winter though, even if that isn't comforting to you!! Persistance/perseverance will pay off I'm sure, so she didn't lie! the other shots were lovely too!
Thanks for watching Juanita! I've had so many different emotions about this train shot. Where I am at now is that I feel like it is representative of the downturn of the coal industry here in West Virginia, Definitely not what it once was. So maybe the empty coal cars actually tell a story about the state of the coal industry. At the very least, I have a good goal to achieve next Autumn! I'm glad you enjoyed it! Hope you're doing well, have a wonderful weekend!!
I admire your persistents , but don't envy your luck ! However, some stunning autumnal colours on the second visit . The image at 15:28 with the reflections is stunning! The train, well , that had some coaches ! Even without the coal the image is still a great shot, testimont to your persistents and hard work. Sure that will look excellent hung on your wall. Really enjoyed this one 👌
Thanks for watching mate! So many emotions associated with taking that image, But here's my final thought on it. While it isn't exactly what I wanted, I feel like the photo of the empty cold cars kind of tells a story of the decline of the coal industry here in West Virginia. I'm having it printed now. I think it'll look great. Hanging on the wall and if anything, it'll just be a reminder of a goal that I have for myself next year! I'm glad you enjoyed this one mate. Hope you're doing well, have a wonderful weekend over there!
Thanks for watching Trevor! It was quite a shock to me as well. So many emotions with taking this photo, never experienced that before. Started out with excitement for the fall colors, anticipation for the train, frustration that the train didn't come, excitement to the train finally arrived, and then disappointment that it was empty... It was empty... And now I'm feeling that the photo tells a story of the decline of the coal industry here in West Virginia in favor of other energy sources. I'm glad I was able to take you out a little bit of the journey as well! Thanks as always for your support, hope you have a wonderful weekend over there!
Paul I have to admire your dedication to getting the shot, but I must admit I had a bit of a chuckle when the train was empty, sorry mate I couldnt help it, that's the type of thing that would usually happen to me, as it turned out the shot was pretty good and some nice fall shots too, I know you will get the shot you are looking for, great job mate.
Thanks for watching John! I'm glad I gave you a chuckle, I'm definitely laughing at it after the fact! The more I think about the image with no coal in the cars, the more I think it represents what has happened to the coal industry here in West Virginia. Years ago those cars would have been loaded with coal, but with new sources of energy, the cold industry has been hit really hard around here. So maybe a bit of a story with that image? Anyhow, glad you liked it and some of the other autumn images! Hope you are doing well up there, have a wonderful weekend!
Oh my, you've been so close yet again - but no prize! A nice shot none-the-less -- but not what you wanted. Keep at it - eventually you'll get it. Maybe you could contact the train operator and get a schedule. Explain it to them and promise them a personalized print for their office - if you could get the shot you're after. Maybe they'll cooperate with a schedule? Cheers Paul!
Thanks so much Alan! I'm going to spend some time at the railyard in Grafton, WV in hopes of just that, getting a schedule or at least a better understanding of when the train runs. In the meantime, I have had a big response from locals around here telling me what the photo meant to them because of their experience working either on trains or in the coal industry - which is a huge compliment that it told a story or evoked some emotions in them! Glad you enjoyed it! Hope you are doing well up there!
I'm so sorry I missed this comment, I try to answer all comments but this one was hidden for some reason! I'm glad you liked the train image, even without the coal! I have to admit, I've fallen in love with it myself, and have sold about 10 copies of it here locally! But autumn is only a few months away and I'm already plotting my return to this location 😂 Thanks so much for watching and leaving a comment, I really appreciate it!
Now I thought I had bad luck for not getting the shots I wanted...but fair play to you for keep going back. Hopefully next year will be a bumper year for WV coal production and they'll run full trains several times a day. The river/waterfall shots were great, stunning colours and great reflections. Have a great weekend Paul and Halloween too! 🎃
Thanks for watching Andrew! It's actually kind of representative of the West Virginia coal industry. I'm sure years ago it was cool cars would be loaded every single time, but coal production has had an all-time low now with alternative energy sources. I actually really do like the photo, even with the empty cars, but gives me a good goal to achieve next year. Year. Glad you like those river shots, I thought this turned out pretty good as well! We'll come back to this again next year! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Have a great weekend over there!
Indeed, I dropped my running gene somewhere on a trail a long time ago...so if you're ever in bear country, bring me along and you'll always be safe! lol Indeed, can relate...just the other day as a matter of fact...standing on a bridge heard the whistle in the distance...standing on the bridge and nothing...figured it must have stopped, so continued our walk...and you guessed it, along came the train while we are on the trail...you'll see it. lol Oh well, fun in the adventure...and it is a great photo!! Bruce and Otis
You sound like a great hiking buddy but I would never leave you behind for the bear to get you! But I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one that has trouble getting the train 😂 I'm glad you like the photograph! I do too, but it also gives me a good goal to achieve next year! Thanks for watching! Hope you both are doing well up there!
Thanks so much for watching! Definitely had some ups and downs with trying to get that shot, but overall I'm pretty happy with it, despite not having any coal! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks so much for watching! Definitely had some ups and downs with trying to get that shot, but overall I'm pretty happy with it, despite not having any coal! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
I feel bad for bursting into laughter at your expense, that’s a whole lot of time spent for something that didn’t go according to plan, but the colors on that last trip were awesome and you got some really beautiful shots by succumbing to the lure of the falls. So it’s a failure but not a waste! It would seem like there’s got to be someone who might know more about the trains and where they load up so you could know some rough times and directions… there’s a lot of train enthusiasts around the state. Perhaps try to contact one of them?
Thanks for watching and don't feel bad, I laughed at myself afterwards as well! However, I'm pretty happy with that shot of the empty coal cars. Now that I've had some time to think about it, I feel like it might tell a bit of a story... Like maybe it's representative of a bit of the decline of the coal industry here in WV. Either way, it was a roller coaster of emotions! I I think now that the autumn colors are almost done, I'm going to spend some time down near the rail yard and Grafton and see what I can find out. Thanks for watching, I'm glad you enjoyed some of the photos away from the tracks as well! Have a great weekend and Happy anniversary!!!!
Hahaha my wife said the same thing 😂 I've been listening to a lot of West Virginia bluegrass music (which is really derivative of traditional Irish music) since moving here...my wife is absolutely begging for me to go back to listening to death and black metal 🤘👿🤘
A true photography story! It's a shame it didn't work out how you'd hoped but I did enjoy the video and hearing your thought process. I've waited a few hours for birds before, but not sure I'd have waited 5 hours! I'd just be filling the coal in with Generative AI at that point! 😂
Thanks for watching Robert! As it turns out, after the fact I'm pretty happy with the shot of the train, despite not having any coal. What's been an even more of a surprise, is that there has been quite a bit of interest in the image by some of the locals around here. I've had quite a few messages from people telling me that the image resonated with them in some way. A few of the messages were from people who worked on the railroad and others were from people who worked in the coal industry. I didn't really expect that reaction but I must say it has made me feel great about the image! Glad you enjoyed watching the ups and downs of trying to get the shot! Hope you're doing well, have a great week over there!
Thanks for watching pal! I think here this winter I'm going to hang around with the train yards where it comes from and see if I can talk to someone, or just figure out how it works, So I might be a bit more prepared for next autumn! Glad you enjoyed it! Have a great rest of the weekend!
I like the photo of the train with the empty carts, the rust colour complements the autumn colour from the trees.
Looking very autumnal there, the trees are teasing us here with hints of colour.
Thanks for watching Russ! Yeah I actually really do like the photo with empty coal cars. It's actually a pretty good representation of the decline of the West Virginia coal industry. Years ago, when coal production was at an all time high, I'm sure those cars were packed full. Now, with alternative energy sources, the coal industry is really hurting here. Looking forward to seeing your autumn images over there! Loved the last video with the rocky, jagged peaks! Have a great weekend!
@paulcookphotography I was wondering why the autumn colours are late arriving here, but looking back at my photos since 2020-2022, taken when the colours were at their peak, was mid to late November. This seems to be the new normal. At least it gives me time to prepare!
Such anticipation for the shot, then the empty cars. It is a beautiful shot, though. I’d add in the coal from the earlier shot, but then again I cheat like that. 🤫🤣
Really well done video, Paul. Love the real emotions, and showing that it’s not always a 💯 success. Watching you explore your new home has been a complete joy. Take care.
Thanks for watching Jim! I think you hit the nail on the head. While it was disappointing not to get the shot, I think the video shows what it's really like to be a landscape photographer. Photographer. The highs, the lows, the disappointment sometimes. Not that kind of glossy crap you get from the big TH-cam photographers. And I'm definitely happy with the final train shot, but it also gives me a good goal to achieve next year! I'm glad you enjoyed it, thanks as always for your support! Hope you both are doing well out on the road!
Very enjoyable video Paul and persistence is a great trade off for patience I think!
Thanks so much Ben! Now if I could just have equal parts, persistence and patience.... That would be my superpower! Glad you enjoyed it my friend, thanks as always for your support! Hope you're doing well!
Great video Paul it certainly made me laugh 🤞🏻 you’ll get the shot at some point. Have a lovely week.
Thanks for watching Joy! Glad it was at least entertaining 😂 I will definitely get the shot, But I've burned myself out a little bit driving back and forth to this location. As you can see from the time lapse, it's not the easiest drive. Very curvy mountain roads, lines with deer early in the morning. I'm happy with the shot that I got for now, that gives me a good goal for next year! Glad you enjoyed it! Hope you're doing well, chat soon!
Getting closer to that image you want. Don’t give up it’s only a matter of time. Good on you for sticking it out and betting the train to get the bridge.
Thanks mate! Yep, definitely getting closer. I actually really like the image so I'm not bothered by it too much, plus gives me a great goal to achieve next year. Glad you enjoyed it mate. Hope you are doing well, have a great weekend!
May not be exactly what you envisioned, but you still got a great shot man.
Thanks for watching Dave! I've actually had a bit of local interest in the image from people that have worked on the CSX trains and in the mining industry. It might not be exactly what I wanted but apparently it is speaking to others which is always a huge compliment. Hope you are doing well, have a great week!
Mate that's dedication, waiting on that train. I think that it worked out well even though you didn't the coal in the carriages. Loved the fall colours at the river and the park bench looked awesome mate. Don't think this was a failure at all brother! you still got some keepers man.
Thanks for watching pal. I've had a few people message me here locally and say they absolutely loved the image because of their experience working in the coal mines here in West Virginia. I'm not one who usually puts a story behind every image I take z but that has helped me think quite a bit differently about this one. I've set it off to the printer and should be getting it back next week to put above my couch. Thanks again palz have a great week down there. Chat soon!
So sorry you didn’t get the shot you were after this time. However the image you did get is worthy of being printed and hung on your wall. Beautiful drive up to the park. Take care. Deryck.
Thanks for watching Deryck! It was a little disappointing, but I am very happy with the way the shot turned out and I'm going to do exactly as I said... Hang it on the wall. It gives me a great goal to achieve next year! I'm glad you enjoyed that. Drive up to the park. Absolutely gorgeous the entire way! Thanks for watching! Hope you are doing well, have a great week!
Very enjoyable Saturday afternoon watch with a cuppa, the train shot while not being completely what you wanted turned out great as did the rest of the photos you took. Great job 👍
Thanks so much Martin! I've had a couple of locals contact me and tell me that photo was special to them because of their experience with the coal industry around here. So, if my photo says something to someone, that's fantastic! For me, it's a reminder of a goal I've already set for myself next year. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and images! I really appreciate you watching! Have a great rest of the weekend!
I've been there so many times. No train, no steam engine, wrong engine. I'm glad everything is time tabled in the UK, mostly. Lovely autumn colours. You enjoy. Next time take a chair, blanket and a picnic. Try not to fall asleep 😂
Thanks for watching, Andrew! Someone suggested calling the private train company to see if they can give me approximate times that it runs, I'll try that. I definitely was happy with the shot after the fact, but they anticipation and then let them was a bit of a bummer at first 😂 Just a day in the life of a landscape photographer i guess, as you said! We're having a warm week this week, but next week the mornings are going to be around -3 Celsius... I'm going to need that blanket 😂 Thanks for watching! Hope you're doing well!
I used to know the Communications Manager for a rail friegh company and she used to let photographers know where the trains where. Sometimes organising special access for them.
Great shot, Paul, even without the coal. You still have the winter to look forward to. You will get your fall shot next.
Thanks so much John! I've had quite a few local people interested in that train shot. Either they used to work for the railroad or they or someone in their family used to work in the coal industry. Very cool to have so much local interest in one of my photos!!Glad you enjoyed it John!
Wonderful effort and the shot you got was really nice. Great detail inside the cars. I'd hang that one. The fall colors and the rivets, dings and dents in the car add great character.
Thanks for watching Philip! I've had so many mixed emotions about That photo, but now that it's about 10 days past the time I took it, I feel that it tells a bit of a story about the decline of the coal industry here in West Virginia. And I do like all those details that you mention: the rivets, the dings, and the dents. In the process of having a printed right now. I think it will look good. Hang on the wall, and if anything, it'll be a good reminder of a goal that I have set for myself for next year! Thanks for watching, I'm really glad you enjoyed it. Hope you're doing well, have a wonderful weekend!!
Really loved your shot with the bench in the foreground and the one you are going to print and frame is great. Having a big choice of photos to make is not a bad problem to have, but I feel your frustration.
Thanks for watching Jim! Like I said, I think I was frustrated at first, but I am very happy with both of those shots that you mentioned. I think I will print it and hang it on the wall. I really like the way it turned out and it's a reminder of a goal that I'm setting for myself next year. I'm glad you enjoyed it, thanks as always for your support!
🙈 OH NO! The colors though! Huge change in scenery. I think the photo looks great, even without the coal, but I understand when you have a certain idea of what you are hoping to photograph. I laughed out loud several times on this vlog, but then also, mourned with you.😢
Thanks for watching Michelle! I was telling Jim in the comment section, that while I was disappointed initially, I was actually happy with the way the image turned out. I was also happy with the way the video turned out. The highs, the lows, the excitement, the disappointment... I feel it captures what it's really like to be a landscape photographer. And it definitely leaves me a good goal for an image next year! I'm really glad you enjoyed it, and mourned along with me! That's a huge compliment!
Great video once again Paul. We all have our nemesis locations and this observation is even more appropriate when you consider that in the original story Nemesis lures Narcissus down to a pool where he becomes transfixed by a reflection (granted it's his own and not those absolutely beautiful russet coloured trees). I could feel your disappointment through the screen, however the empty train was a fabulous image. When you do get your coal laden shot, print both and put them up in different parts of the house. They paint a picture of dedication and persistence and will be lovely in their own right. Have a great weekend and take good care of you and yours 🙏🙏🙏
Thanks for watching mate! Yeah so many emotions went into the making of this image. But now that is all said and done, I'm quite happy with it. What I'm even happier about is that I've been contacted by several locals who said the image really spoke to them and their experience with the coal industry here in West Virginia. I never read that much into my own photos, but it's nice to hear that others connect with it. Glad you enjoyed it my friend. I see you just put out a new one, I'll be watching that in the morning. Have a great rest of the weekend down there!
Beautiful fall photos!! Love your center piece on the table!! Never thought of West VA for the fall!! Thanks for sharing!!
Thank you very much! We bought that centerpieces at a local arts and crafts show, lots of wonderful artists. Glad you liked the images of autumn here in WV, I think possibly the best place east of the Mississippi for autumn color! Winter is moving in now... wind-chill of 5° in the morning 🥶❄️🥶❄️ Thanks for watching. Hope you are doing well!
Paul,
As a nature and landscape photographer with years of experience, I have realized that planning photos is essential, and I do it regularly. However, sometimes when we venture out to capture a particular image, Mother Nature may surprise us with an entirely different scene that's worth capturing. I believe it's crucial to remain open-minded and flexible to embrace such opportunities. Overall, this video was fantastic!
I watched the entire video and a few minutes have passed since then. The image that has stayed with me the most is the one of the river with the bench in it. I think that image has the potential to sell really well for you. Keep up the great work, my friend. Peter Hawkins
Thanks for watching and for the great comment. Peter! I agree completely with your first statement.,. Mother nature is definitely in control and we need to be open-minded and flexible to be able to photograph the other opportunities that she gives us. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for the compliment on the photo of the bench along the river. I think that was the hidden gem of the day. As you said, That might be an image that sells well, especially here locally, as this is a very popular location in these parts. Thanks again for watching, I really appreciate it. Have yourself a wonderful weekend!
Great job on the video Paul and I felt your disappointment through my phone. I know it wasn’t exactly what you were after but I actually liked that last shot. You certainly have more patience than me waiting in the cold. Hang in there mate, I’m sure those Fall colors will be yielding you great results in other photos to make up for it. Thanks for sharing buddy cheers 🍻 🙏
Thanks for watching Adrian! No it definitely wasn't exactly what I was after, but I am pretty happy with it. It also gives me a good goal to achieve next year. There are other shots that I want to get before autumn ends here. The leaves are starting to lose their vibrance, So I definitely need to get out there while I still can. The train can wait till next year! Glad you enjoyed the video and the images! Hope you're doing well, have a great weekend down there!
The train came between 4 and 5:00 the other day. I got a decent shot the other day. The sun was almost gone by 5:00 on the falls. Will have to go another day for the shot of the falls. That was on Monday. Cars were empty and coming from the same direction as this one. There’s also a train yard in Grafton, not the same with the leaves but might get some cool pictures of the trains.
Thanks for watching Barbara! Glad to hear you got a good shot of it! I've seen the train come early in the morning (oftentimes before 11:00), So that's why I've been trying to capture the shot at that time. Oh well, I like the shot that I got this time, but it also leaves me with a good goal for next year! Yeah I've seen the train yard and Grafton and I definitely would like to get a shot there as well. I've always been fascinated by trains! Thank you again for watching! Hope you have a wonderful week!!
‘I do believe she lied to me’ 😂😂😂 that really cracked me up that line 🤣 it might not have been your goal shot but it does look lovely with those fall colours kicking it off, it’ll make an ace print for your wall
Thanks for watching mate! I don't think my mom appreciated that comment as much as you did 😂 Yeah after the fact I am definitely happy with that train image. It actually is very representative of the downturn of the coal industry here in West Virginia. Years ago you probably could never find an empty coal car, But nowadays with alternative and green energy, the coal industry is in dire straits around here. So maybe a bit of a story with that image? Thanks again for watching pal, have a great weekend over there! ! Chat soon!
Man so many highs and lows in this video what a rollercoaster of emotions. Running around, missing it , being tempted by the waterfalls, scorched by the sun…no train at all, brutal! I really liked tge photo of the bench. And even the final shot you had good color and cloud cover. I thought it might have been better without the coal bc you can see the steel in the carts but you’re right. The coal would add a lot more story to the shot. All that waiting you need a wildlife lens to grab some bird shots! Excellent video my friend really enjoyed, have a great Halloween 🎃
Man, I think your comment hit it right on the head! After watching the video back, I think the point of this whole video is what it is. Really like to be a landscape photographer. The highs the lows, the anticipation, the disappointment... I think it showed it all in this video. Not that kind of glossy crap that you get from the big TH-cam photographers. So I'm definitely happy with the way the image turned out, and it definitely gives me a goal for next year to achieve! I'm glad you enjoyed the video and the images. Thanks so much for watching. Tim, really appreciate it!
I love it! And you're tenacity to keep going back - sure, the coal would add more to the story, but the rust and textures of the railcars are fantastic, too! I do not have your patience! It's been great to watch you build out this photo over a few videos; very enjoyable!
That was certainly a test of my patience, something I'm not known for! I've been pleasantly surprised by the amount of local interest in that photo! So many messages from locals who either worked on the trains or in the coal industry! I've sold several prints of it already! Glad you enjoyed it mate! Hope you are doing well!
@@paulcookphotography oh wow that’s awesome!
@AdrianRankin took me by surprise... definitely wasn't expecting that but it does make sense. West Virginians are fiercely proud of their state and heritage!
@@paulcookphotography I reckon it would make a wonderful piece in a hallway as you entered a home and look straight ahead.
Good things come to those who wait! Wise mum❤ I love your tenacity mate, it always pays off eventually! Empty cars FML😂😂😂 Loved the other shots too even if you didn’t get what you had envisioned! Great timelapse at the start too❤ Thanks for sharing your adventures!
Thanks for watching pal. The good news is that photo of the empty coal cars has really resonated with people here...I've just sold my 10th print of that image! I guess it reminds them of someone who worked on the railroad, or in the coal industry once upon a time. Hope all is well down there mate, have a great weekend!
@@paulcookphotography that is so awesome mate, hapoy for you. As I told you before imho your images/photography have evolved so much since you guys moved. Hope you and your whole family are doing ok! Big🤗
Thanks for the kind words mate! I'm really enjoying myself here. Have a great weekend yourself!
Oh, the intrigue! Will he or won't he ever get his dream image in one shot!! This video did make me laugh though even though I know it wasn't funny for you. I love the last shot anyway because of the colors. At least the train met its goal of delivering the coal so people will be warm as autumn turns to winter though, even if that isn't comforting to you!! Persistance/perseverance will pay off I'm sure, so she didn't lie! the other shots were lovely too!
Thanks for watching Juanita! I've had so many different emotions about this train shot. Where I am at now is that I feel like it is representative of the downturn of the coal industry here in West Virginia, Definitely not what it once was. So maybe the empty coal cars actually tell a story about the state of the coal industry. At the very least, I have a good goal to achieve next Autumn! I'm glad you enjoyed it! Hope you're doing well, have a wonderful weekend!!
I admire your persistents , but don't envy your luck ! However, some stunning autumnal colours on the second visit . The image at 15:28 with the reflections is stunning! The train, well , that had some coaches ! Even without the coal the image is still a great shot, testimont to your persistents and hard work. Sure that will look excellent hung on your wall. Really enjoyed this one 👌
Thanks for watching mate! So many emotions associated with taking that image, But here's my final thought on it. While it isn't exactly what I wanted, I feel like the photo of the empty cold cars kind of tells a story of the decline of the coal industry here in West Virginia. I'm having it printed now. I think it'll look great. Hanging on the wall and if anything, it'll just be a reminder of a goal that I have for myself next year! I'm glad you enjoyed this one mate. Hope you're doing well, have a wonderful weekend over there!
Ohh my word Paul you had me on tender hooks there wishing and praying the train would turn up for you and then it was empty what a shocker 😢
Thanks for watching Trevor! It was quite a shock to me as well. So many emotions with taking this photo, never experienced that before. Started out with excitement for the fall colors, anticipation for the train, frustration that the train didn't come, excitement to the train finally arrived, and then disappointment that it was empty... It was empty... And now I'm feeling that the photo tells a story of the decline of the coal industry here in West Virginia in favor of other energy sources. I'm glad I was able to take you out a little bit of the journey as well! Thanks as always for your support, hope you have a wonderful weekend over there!
Paul I have to admire your dedication to getting the shot, but I must admit I had a bit of a chuckle when the train was empty, sorry mate I couldnt help it, that's the type of thing that would usually happen to me, as it turned out the shot was pretty good and some nice fall shots too, I know you will get the shot you are looking for, great job mate.
Thanks for watching John! I'm glad I gave you a chuckle, I'm definitely laughing at it after the fact! The more I think about the image with no coal in the cars, the more I think it represents what has happened to the coal industry here in West Virginia. Years ago those cars would have been loaded with coal, but with new sources of energy, the cold industry has been hit really hard around here. So maybe a bit of a story with that image? Anyhow, glad you liked it and some of the other autumn images! Hope you are doing well up there, have a wonderful weekend!
Oh my, you've been so close yet again - but no prize! A nice shot none-the-less -- but not what you wanted. Keep at it - eventually you'll get it. Maybe you could contact the train operator and get a schedule. Explain it to them and promise them a personalized print for their office - if you could get the shot you're after. Maybe they'll cooperate with a schedule? Cheers Paul!
Thanks so much Alan! I'm going to spend some time at the railyard in Grafton, WV in hopes of just that, getting a schedule or at least a better understanding of when the train runs. In the meantime, I have had a big response from locals around here telling me what the photo meant to them because of their experience working either on trains or in the coal industry - which is a huge compliment that it told a story or evoked some emotions in them! Glad you enjoyed it! Hope you are doing well up there!
Great shot. Even without the coal. The coal would have made it perfect. I've had this same frustration shooting trains. Try again my friend next fall
I'm so sorry I missed this comment, I try to answer all comments but this one was hidden for some reason! I'm glad you liked the train image, even without the coal! I have to admit, I've fallen in love with it myself, and have sold about 10 copies of it here locally! But autumn is only a few months away and I'm already plotting my return to this location 😂 Thanks so much for watching and leaving a comment, I really appreciate it!
Now I thought I had bad luck for not getting the shots I wanted...but fair play to you for keep going back. Hopefully next year will be a bumper year for WV coal production and they'll run full trains several times a day. The river/waterfall shots were great, stunning colours and great reflections. Have a great weekend Paul and Halloween too! 🎃
Thanks for watching Andrew! It's actually kind of representative of the West Virginia coal industry. I'm sure years ago it was cool cars would be loaded every single time, but coal production has had an all-time low now with alternative energy sources. I actually really do like the photo, even with the empty cars, but gives me a good goal to achieve next year. Year. Glad you like those river shots, I thought this turned out pretty good as well! We'll come back to this again next year! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Have a great weekend over there!
Indeed, I dropped my running gene somewhere on a trail a long time ago...so if you're ever in bear country, bring me along and you'll always be safe! lol Indeed, can relate...just the other day as a matter of fact...standing on a bridge heard the whistle in the distance...standing on the bridge and nothing...figured it must have stopped, so continued our walk...and you guessed it, along came the train while we are on the trail...you'll see it. lol Oh well, fun in the adventure...and it is a great photo!! Bruce and Otis
You sound like a great hiking buddy but I would never leave you behind for the bear to get you! But I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one that has trouble getting the train 😂 I'm glad you like the photograph! I do too, but it also gives me a good goal to achieve next year! Thanks for watching! Hope you both are doing well up there!
Awesome effort, I feel your pain but still some great photos. :)
Thanks so much for watching! Definitely had some ups and downs with trying to get that shot, but overall I'm pretty happy with it, despite not having any coal! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks so much for watching! Definitely had some ups and downs with trying to get that shot, but overall I'm pretty happy with it, despite not having any coal! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
I feel bad for bursting into laughter at your expense, that’s a whole lot of time spent for something that didn’t go according to plan, but the colors on that last trip were awesome and you got some really beautiful shots by succumbing to the lure of the falls. So it’s a failure but not a waste!
It would seem like there’s got to be someone who might know more about the trains and where they load up so you could know some rough times and directions… there’s a lot of train enthusiasts around the state. Perhaps try to contact one of them?
Thanks for watching and don't feel bad, I laughed at myself afterwards as well! However, I'm pretty happy with that shot of the empty coal cars. Now that I've had some time to think about it, I feel like it might tell a bit of a story... Like maybe it's representative of a bit of the decline of the coal industry here in WV. Either way, it was a roller coaster of emotions! I I think now that the autumn colors are almost done, I'm going to spend some time down near the rail yard and Grafton and see what I can find out. Thanks for watching, I'm glad you enjoyed some of the photos away from the tracks as well! Have a great weekend and Happy anniversary!!!!
You too, Paul! And thank you! We just got home from going out to dinner to celebrate and wandering around the new Boscovs. Exciting times. 😂
@@quirkemojo oh we did that too...and spent way too much money on winter clothing 😂 Have fun!
I think we need to have a chat about the heavy banjo music influence you have going on at the moment😂
Hahaha my wife said the same thing 😂 I've been listening to a lot of West Virginia bluegrass music (which is really derivative of traditional Irish music) since moving here...my wife is absolutely begging for me to go back to listening to death and black metal 🤘👿🤘
@@paulcookphotography haha Consider this your official intervention!
A true photography story! It's a shame it didn't work out how you'd hoped but I did enjoy the video and hearing your thought process. I've waited a few hours for birds before, but not sure I'd have waited 5 hours! I'd just be filling the coal in with Generative AI at that point! 😂
Thanks for watching Robert! As it turns out, after the fact I'm pretty happy with the shot of the train, despite not having any coal. What's been an even more of a surprise, is that there has been quite a bit of interest in the image by some of the locals around here. I've had quite a few messages from people telling me that the image resonated with them in some way. A few of the messages were from people who worked on the railroad and others were from people who worked in the coal industry. I didn't really expect that reaction but I must say it has made me feel great about the image! Glad you enjoyed watching the ups and downs of trying to get the shot! Hope you're doing well, have a great week over there!
No one can say you are not a patient man!
What you don't see on film is me pacing back and forth, cussing and swearing "load that f-ing coal faster"... 😂😂😂 Thanks for watching Jay!
Great effort mate, damn those trains lol. Maybe they’ll see this and contact you with a schedule 😂. Well done mate
Thanks for watching pal! I think here this winter I'm going to hang around with the train yards where it comes from and see if I can talk to someone, or just figure out how it works, So I might be a bit more prepared for next autumn! Glad you enjoyed it! Have a great rest of the weekend!