What
is the RailroadForums Gallery?
What is RailroadPix.com?
Why submit here instead of the
forum?
How do I upload images to the
Gallery?
What category should I upload my
photo into?
What pictures can I submit?
What size image can I submit, and in
what formats?
What about file compression?
What about picture quality?
Can I upload images I've altered in Photoshop, or a
similar editing program?
What about borders?
What about caption info?
What about two similar shots?
What about material that isn't mine?
Anything else to keep in mind?
What is the RailroadForums
Gallery?
The RailroadForums.com Gallery is a repository of rail
related images submitted by the users of
RailroadForums.com. It's database is envisioned as a
long term, easily searchable resource for
photographers, railfans, researchers, and modelers.
Use of this service requires a free registration at
RailroadForums.com.
What is RailroadPix.com?
From time to time, staff members at RailroadForums.com
may review your photos and select those of superior
quality, composition and detail for addition to our
RailroadPix.com photo gallery website, featuring some of our
favorite images
Why submit here instead of on the
forum?
While discussions in the forum remain available for
quite some time, they scroll out of view as new
discussions are posted. Photos in the gallery remain
easy to view using the thumbnail system. We suggest
posting in both places, using the forum for
discussions and for showing a series of images, while
posting your best shots in the gallery.
How do I upload images to the
Gallery?
To upload images you must be a registered member of
RailroadForums.com, (Registration is
free, and only
takes a moment.) Once you've registered, log in to the
photo gallery. You may find that you have to do this
even though you've already logged into the forums. After
logging in, select the
"Upload Photos" link in the menu at the top
of any photo gallery page.
What category should I
upload my photo into?
At upload, you can choose what categroy the photo
should appear in. Simply choose the one that seems to
fit best. Staff will move the image for you if it is
submitted to the wrong area.
Please note that all images will be listed in the
"Photographer's Galleries" category under your
name no matter what category they're uploaded to. When
uploading, please pick a category other than
"Photographer's Gallery" to make it easier
to find your image.
What pictures can I submit?
Any photograph of a rail related subject is welcome
for submission. Images should be suited for viewing by
all age groups.
What size image can I submit,
and in what formats?
You can upload image files in formats JPG, GIF and PNG.
For pixel dimensions, we suggest using a size from 640
x 480 up to 1024 x 768. Images can be in portrait or
landscape format, and you do not need to use any
specific image size. The gallery will accept images up
to 1200 pixels wide/tall.
What about file compression?
Generally speaking the
ideal size range is normally between 75kb and 150kb.
To help conserve bandwidth and server space, the
maximum image size permitted is 200kb. Please try to
avoid uploading images with digital artifacts and
rasterization.
An
easy way to reduce file size without a lot of
artifacts is to reduce the overall dimensions, either
by cropping the image or by using an image editing
program to re-size it. For example, an 800 x 600 photo
has 480,000 pixels, while the same photo reduced to
640 x 480 has 307,000 pixels, over 1/3 less. Please
note that since there are many other factors that
influence file size along with dimensions, it's not a
direct ratio, however reducing the image dimensions
will reduce the image file size proportionally.
|
|
|
|
| An
example of digital artifacts. Note the
blurring and odd colors that aren't in the
original photo. Details are blurry and hard to
see. This photo is too highly compressed. |
Another
example of digital artifacts. Note the blur
near the wires. The blue sky shows blocky
colors rather than a smooth gradient. (The sky
is often the easiest place to spot it.) |
The
same photo saved with less compression. Notice
how the wires are clear and the sky isn't
blocky looking. Details are clear and crisp. This
is how your photos should appear. |
What about picture quality?
While we don't judge images uploaded to the Gallery,
remember, these pictures will be available for a much
longer time than on the forums. Your image is more
useful to fellow photographers if it is sharp, clear,
and well exposed, except when breaking one of these
"rules" is part of the artistic intent, for
example fog, motion blur or other special effects.
For tips on how to improve your photography, see the Photography
Workshop segment of RailroadForums.com
Can I upload images I've altered in Photoshop, or a
similar editing program?
Images which have been adjusted digitally may be
submitted to any gallery area. If you're using one of
the graphics programs as a "digital
darkroom" to fix under or over exposures,
sharpen, dodge and burn etc, that is acceptable for
any category.
Images which are
excessively altered, i.e. those that have had major objects removed or
added, etc. are welcome, but should be submitted to
the Creative & Scenic Photos category only. Photos
in that category can also use digital effects,
composites and other techniques.
What about borders?
A reasonably sized border for copyright, credit, or
caption info is acceptable. Photos with overly large
borders, "frames", large copyrights or where the scanner cover is showing
may be
deleted. If your photo is deleted for that reason, you
are encouraged to re-submit a properly cropped
version.
What about caption info?
When submitting a photo, please provide a caption regarding the picture's
subject. At a minimum, list the
operating railroad and location. Please include the date, if known.
Detailed info such as train symbols, locomotive type,
etc. and/or technical
information such as film, camera type, etc... is
welcome and encouraged, but optional.
What about two similar shots?
To keep the Gallery from being repetitious, please avoid
submitting images which are similar in content and
composition, e.g. two images shot seconds apart of the
same subject.
What about material that isn't mine?
RailroadForums.com will not accept submissions of
material which does not belong to the submitter. This
includes photographs taken by another individual and
material taken from publications, regardless of age.
Special arrangements can be made with the editors to
upload photos by other photographers if you can
prove that you have rights to reproduce the images,
however this must be done in advance of uploading any
photos. Please respect all copyrights!
Anything else to keep in mind?
Images should be properly cropped and adjusted prior
to submission; portions of the scanner lid should not
be showing. Images should be level, except when an
unusual point-of-view is part of the artistic
intention. If the copyright info or caption is the
first thing you see when you view the photo, it's
probably too large. Try to avoid duplication and submit your
best work.
Remember, these guidelines are just that -- a guide to
helping you select photos that most people will enjoy.
They aren't particularly rigid. If your photo is
clear, properly exposed, and you think that someone
else would be interested in seeing it, please submit
it! It will be a welcome addition to the
RailroadForums Gallery.
