What a fabulous fall-like weekend it was to return home to Alabama. I was able to spend one glorious night in my own bed before I was off again for the 3rd of three consecutive weekends doing a workshop. Luckily for me it was was not a major drive or flight to some distant location.

Two weeks ago we were in Vegas, last weekend in Phoenix and this weekend the thriving metropolitan of Helena, AL. Given the fact that we had been in two major cities, it was quite the breath of fresh air (literally and figuratively) to be spending time in the quaint community. I must admit with all my years here in Alabama, I had not passed through the city once.

The first thing you notice is how artsy and eclectic Helena is with all the little shops and how tranquil the town is with the Cahaba River boarding the city.

 

That is until that silence is broken by the horns sounding from the CSX railroad as it approaches the city. The railroad passes right at the edge of the city with one rail line and a few 100 feet away with a second track. With the train approaching at lightning speed, there is little time to gage the distance until it literally is right on top of you.

During the course of the workshop, a group of us chose to walk down the track to check out a potential shoot location when, to our surprise, we heard the horn of a train in the distance. From the sound of it, we rationalized that it was on the distant rail and not the rail we were standing directly next to. With the feeling that we were in no immediate danger, we decided to set up and photograph the train as it crossed over the bridge. Just as the train became visible through the trees, a second locomotive literally came out of nowhere at full speed, crossing under the bridge and heading directly for us. It was a complete surprise and in that precise moment, the sight took our breath away; two trains at full speed heading in opposite directions and one unexpectedly, oh so close!

We survived that encounter, got the shot and moved on to the more important tasks at hand; back to photographing the beautiful ladies that were attending the workshop. As they say, “All in a Days Work!” Many thanks to our hosts, Juan Rodriquez and Amy Carson for providing such a great photographic venue for this event.

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Best regards ………. dK