Let It Rain

This photograph, more than many, shows the power of a steam engine at work. Almost a black-and-white image, the hint of color in the troubled sky lends depth and drama to the shot. in addition, the brightness of the light on the tops of the steam billows keeps the shot from being too gloomy. I especially like the way the steam merges with the clouds to make the two indistinguishable, as if the engine is creating the weather. The engine's light glinting off the rail also brings the viewer's eye to the tracks, the pathway to far-flung destinations, making the viewer wonder where it's taking its burden of cars. Where this shot further succeeds is that it looks almost like a painting. Power, drama, mystery, romance -- they're all here in this masterful shot. Kudos.