My Rail Videography Techniques

[@frankthomas855]

One year old, or ten years old the operator of the equipment is the biggest influence on the outcome of the video. Weve been watching one of the best. Thank you Mr. Harmon.

[@Cryptonymicus]

Best railfan vids on Earth. And it's the talk, as much as the image, that make it so. MC&HNY!

[@qwertyTRiG]

I now really want a video about how those defect detectors work (ideally, as a collaboration with Destin of Smarter Every Day).

[@CraftyFoxe]

It's quite interesting to learn about the inspection systems. I didn't realize that's what they looked like. Gave the video a like!

[@mrcrazywar12themadness41]

CRAFTYFOXE

[@frankpierce2008]

Danny, Merry Christmas to you and your wife

[@greatsmokymtnsrailfan]

Same here.

[@dapster]

This is what I love about Danny's videos. Informative, actually knows what he's talking about, doesn't yell or come off as a "foamer", and lets the trains speak for themselves when they go by. Some channels need to take note.

[@distantsignal]

You are too kind. Thank you.

[@dapster]

@@distantsignal You're welcome.

[@davidbarnett9312]

Thanks to you and other rail fans world wide who spend their time and money to post these for our enjoyment. Merry Christmas.

[@southernsignalfilms4157]

Danny Harmon: *uploads* Everyone Of Danny’s Subs: *NANI*

[@happyjack880]

Crisp winter morning, a hot cup of coffee and a new video from Danny. Perfect start to my day. Merry Christmas railfans!

[@CentralPennRailProductions]

Hello Danny, I really appreciate your experience and insights. I hope you make a detailed video on voice over tips. I've always been self-conscious about my voice, even before I got into video; however, I'm hoping to finally get into it. With your 40+ years of experience, I'd love nothing more than to see and understand your set up and workflow! We all have a lot to learn from you.

[@johnmeadows5645]

No one does this better than you Danny. That is why i watch your videos, more than once.

[@petergreenough630]

Danny your narration is absolutely spot on and a joy to listen to. I swear you could narrate a video of paint drying that would be a joy to watch. Love your vids, stay safe and well and keep it going. Thanks

[@EdmontonRails]

Great tips, I'll add a couple: *1.* Shoot darker than brighter, the outdoor brightness makes your video look deceptively dark on the back of the camera. It is also easier to boost shadows than bring down highlights in editiing. *2.* Shoot the lowest gain / ISO possible, increasing ISO makes the image brighter but also reduces overall detail in the highlights / shadows and reduces sharpness. *3.* If you don't have a good tripod it is better to choose a shot and leave the camera still than to make jerky movements.

[@vegacore101]

Danny You're AMAZING!!! Thank you so much for everything. I've learn a TON about railroading from you alone.

[@RichardFelstead1949]

Merry Christmas Danny & Family from Australia..For my videos , I just use a (currently) Samsung S9 cell (we call them mobile) phone.Any narrations are recorded using voice recorder.Narration editing using Audacity and video pad for the final video edit.All free downloads. S9 records in HD 1080.

[@wasatchrangerailway6921]

Hi Danny, I am starting to hear your voice a lot now on TV. If you ever get up this way, I'll take you out for some beautiful railroading. I'll take you out to Promontory so you can see where the Wedding of the Rails occurred. I'll take you up Weber and Spanish Fork Canyons for some serious mountain railroading. STAY SAFE, above all else!!! I like yer' stuff!!!

[@dalecomer5951]

What TV spots is Danny doing that you hear where you live? When I first started watching Danny's videos his voice seemed familiar but I couldn't remember anything specifically.

[@wasatchrangerailway6921]

@@dalecomer5951 Northern Utah. Brigham City to, be exact!!!

[@WBJ1942]

@@wasatchrangerailway6921 I live in Bountiful, and I think I hear his voice on some TV commercials.

[@wasatchrangerailway6921]

@@WBJ1942 Hey Warren, you are right, you can hear his voice a lot. He does a lot of different tv and radio spots. His voice is the perfect fit!!!

[@jerrysinclair3771]

Danny, thank you for the informative video. You never disappoint. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@distantsignal]

Thanks Jerry. Merry Christmas.

[@EricTheOld]

Danny your editing is top notch! Thats only part of the reason I'm stuck on your videos. You are informative, so I learn stuf and you are darned charming too with a great taste for my kind of chow in between shots. I and lots of others appreciate your efforts!

[@DanOCan]

Those power lines at 3:30 made my heart stop. Speaks to the importance of pre-planning your flight path and knowing your surroundings. Well done.

[@donhunking2286]

You sir , are a true pro when it comes to train video quality . You're getting pretty good with the drone too ! You through youtube give us all unending pleasure doing what we love most , WATCHING TRAINS ! 👍👍👍

[@MrChappy39]

I appreciate the audio quality you capture on your videos.

[@ratfink55]

A wonderful holiday greeting, valuable tips and my pals Travis Taylor and Shannon Sikora. The perfect gift for someone 3000 miles away. Thanks again Danny and Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[@distantsignal]

Thanks Ken! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!

[@mikeraineri4018]

My 6 year old son and I love your video's. Just wish you were in Cali back in the 90's with this tech :) Merry Christmas too you and your family!

[@sharpestjim]

As always, a great video. I/we greatly appreciate your sharing of your knowledge. I'm an old-school still photographer (after 40-some-odd years, I've never owned a camcorder). But, like you, I love polarizers. Every one of my still lenses has a polarizer on it all the time, as many photographers keep skylight filters on their lenses full-time. Since I shoot almost exclusively outdoors during the day, I find it easier to remove the polarizer on the rare occasion that I don't want to use it. I love a deep-blue sky. Thanks again for another amazing and enjoyable video!

[@Steve-xf4uv]

So much to learn - think I'll leave the videography to the experts and just enjoy them. And we do enjoy them all. Happy Holidays Danny to you and yours from Canada.

[@Spenceman0831]

Amazing! Thanks for allowing me the wonderful opportunity to always learn more about the wonderful world of railroading. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have the passion and desire to learn more about this wonderful trade. Thanks for all that you have shown us this year and I look forward to many more great videos in 2020! Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@Icg199424]

DS ought to be on scheduled broadcast tv! Well done, would not miss your work.....

[@CentralJerseyRailfan]

Danny, HUGE thank you for this. With only an iPhone 11 (video) and a Panasonic FZ1000 (photo) as my gear, I’ve found your trips to be beyond helpful for me and many other rail fans. I’m considering a camcorder for my videos but find the latest model iPhone sufficient for now. Happy Holidays to you! -CJR

[@SoonerStateSirens1]

John Stephenson reviewers are picky as fuckinn hell

[@davidkalbacker6033]

Really enjoy your interesting and informative videos . I grew up watching trains on Eastern Long Island New York. So very different than today’s railroading.

[@chriswalker9636]

Danny, I really appreciate all the information you so freely give. It's a pleasure just watching your videos

[@StashTreasure]

Danny it was very nice to meet you at Folkston. I hope you got to feeling better and thank you for taking time and letting me say hello-Trey

[@terryhaines8351]

The few rules I have for videoing trains are 1. begin with the train approaching, 2. do the pan for the receding train about 3-5 cars before the end (depending on the speed of the train), and 3. really long trains (11,000 feet? WHAT?) generally are not for me, unless, I suppose, the train is going by at 70 mph. Thanks for all your hard work in sharing these terrific videos. And I've learned a lot from them. Merry Christmas.

[@jovetj]

Good editing can make even the longest train not too tedious to watch!

[@dmkays]

I keep a second radio scanning between the two end of train device frequencies. I usually start hearing the EOT packet bursts when the train is 3-4 miles out. This gives me a few minutes to double check my equipment settings, position, etc. It also helps me to locate trains when I am traveling.

[@erikmcc804]

Wow Danny this , this was very informative, and thank you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours :-)

[@distantsignal]

Thank you, Erik!

[@Clavichordist]

Thank for the helpful camera tips. I still use my old trusty Canon HD-40 I got in 2009. It's beginning to show its age now, but still serves the purpose. Pan Am Railways has a similar tunnel issue with the Hoosac Tunnel. Stack trains are broken down at Mechanicsville, NY and sent east as single-stacks through to Ayer, MA and other points east. There has been discussions as well regarding lowering the bed or raising the ceiling on this 4.75 mile tunnel.

[@Novers]

I really appreciate your production valve don't undervalue your amazing narration

[@RailStalkerAdventures]

I had a feeling that you were going to catch me in action in this video you expertly created, Danny. Hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and I shall see you in April 2020 for Rail Watch, man. Much love from Selma, NC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -MG

[@mikehoncho658]

Rail Stalker I’m from Sanford NC, we have the historic railroad museum or something like that, CSX main line runs straight through this town and I know the schedule for all Amtrak trains through here and most freight trains, you should come down this way sometime

[@RailStalkerAdventures]

@@mikehoncho658 I'll keep that in mind, bud

[@GETOUTLTD]

North Bergen and a lot along the south river line in NJ is great railfanning this is my home turf

[@shorelinerailproductions]

Evan G the river line is very dead I prefer the Lehigh line

[@kelvinjohnson7470]

Danny thank you for the info! I look forward to your videos and be reviewing your past videos a thousand times and enjoy them! I am planning a trip to folkston soon and hope to catch glimpse of you just to shake your hand and to say thank-you!!!

[@Zagathon7]

Best railfan videos on the internet. Excellent videography, excellent narration, excellent historical information. VERY well done, Danny!

[@RochelleM491]

No doubt, You are most definitely the Master of railroad videography..!!!

[@johnfisherjr.5911]

Great video, love hearing the details of how you make your great videos. Really appreciate the time you put in, and the quality of the videography and the information you present. First Class!

[@TheRealDannAlexander]

Brilliant work. I saw the Trop cars and immediately drank a liter and a half of Bradenton’s best. Refreshing.

[@curtnicholson7771]

Your a great fan Danny I and a great guy in trying to help other fans out with your knowledge. Have a great and safe holiday season and keep those great videos of yours coming.

[@Jumpingoffthecliff]

I thought I commented earlier, but anyway, I love the cameras that have a viewfinder on them as well as the fold out screen. It makes it so much easier to get video of smaller things in motion, like birds etc. Your pans and zooms are so smooth, that mount explains a bit of that, but I'm guessing that's a skill that is acquired from lots of experience. Thanks for another great video.

[@bruceritchie3874]

Thanks for the hints and tips on videography Danny, very helpful next time I’m trackside.

[@jacoje]

Great video! Thank you. This is perfect timing as I’m going to start a train youtube channel in 2020. I always enjoy watching your content. Happy Holidays!

[@keithtreisch9234]

always love your videos i work for a contractor who does drainage and piping for a local railroad since seeing more of your videos through last year ive just about watched all of them . i use a scanner to listen to the railroad and i have recorded some trains too its more fun than people think . keep up your videos always cool to see where the southern rails take ya . i am in north east to mid ohio we travel on what used to be the nickel plate railroad . norfolk and western . and many more .

[@KingSNAFU]

An excellent and informative video as always. In reference to my comment on a previous video about Tropicana Juice cars, it appears that they're not hitching a ride of Q032 anymore as your Folkston clip illustrates. As of right now, I don't know how they reach NJ currently. Merry Christmas and happy holidays from a NJ railfan.

[@NOVARailandWeatherEnthusiast]

KingSNAFU I believe it is on Q301.

[@KingSNAFU]

@@NOVARailandWeatherEnthusiast That would explain why I haven't seen them. 301 enters New Jersey at night. Thank you.

[@CSX2665]

they head up on q442 then from 442 they head onto "q400" from waycross to rocky mount then after sitting in rocky mount for who knows how long they head out on q300 to oak island nj which makes absolutely no sense...

[@KingSNAFU]

@@CSX2665 It is odd.

[@CSX2665]

KingSNAFU it’s almost like they think it’s like playing with a toy train

[@GalaxyNebula10]

Hey Danny, Galaxy here. Just wanted to wish you and your family a very merry Christmas and hope to see plenty more train videos from you in the following year ^^ Keep up the fantastic and amazing work you put into these very informative videos for young aspiring railfans like myself!!!

[@distantsignal]

Thanks so much! You have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

[@TrainNut85]

Danny you are a pro, I've learned on my angles and shots thanks to your examples of how you shoot video, this would be a great teaching tool for those first getting into this!

[@timg6609]

8:45 the trains look amazing with the fresh paint

[@FishplateFilms]

Nice work Danny ! I see you also use a Miller..Nice ! You forgot to mention they are made down here in Australia and are regarded as one of the best in the world. They don't push the "Aussie" made theme too much , as the snobs in Hollywood wouldn't buy them if they knew we made them ..LOL. I love mine and have two pairs of legs and it travelled all over the US and Canada with me. Like me , always shoot manual exposure and have the sun behind you. I always do a manual white balance for each location and use 180 deg shutter. ie shutter speed twice that of your frame rate. This is a pro rule but makes for clean images. The old saying is ...in photography you have to know the rules before you can break the rules ! Another trick is to turn off the image stabilizer when using a tripod , this will give you a better image and it does make a difference!. As always I love your work and welcome to the "MIller" club "mate" Cheers Gregg .

[@WBJ1942]

Love your videos. I watch all of them. Railfanning in the Southeast is different than here in Utah. Keep the videos coming. Love it.

[@fredthompson4568]

I do binge watch. I wish i lived near some main lines. Great explanation today on videogrophy TY.

[@udithasenaratne]

Great advice and pointers. Thank you from Canada (a CP fan).

[@jimmyseaver3647]

One of the best railfanning channels someone can ask for. Keep up the good work!

[@johnbirmingham3457]

I want to let you know that I really enjoy your informative and authoritative videos. May you have a merry and blessed Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

[@schnauzahpowahz]

Cant be said enough, great stuff Danny - jargon, captures, info etc. Look forward to the next. Merry Xmas to you and yours

[@shariys1]

Nice to see another great shot from down at the end of the street. Merry Christmas from Belleview. 🎄

[@dansummers2965]

Thanks for your insights, Danny. Some of the best railroad videography I've seen is on this channel, and this video explains some of why that is.

[@evanelkins]

Danny your coverage of railways are the best very knowledgeable, keep up the Great work!

[@austinyingst5902]

The CSX has tunnels to raise the roof on in WVa just like Howard St and for the double stack but from the west. Keep on keeping on. Thoroughly enjoy your stuff.

[@paullindberg9230]

Dan. it's incredible. ,The. miriod of technology. when any. given. situation arises Thanks for. all of your productions

[@distantsignal]

Much appreciated, Paul.

[@MattChaffe]

I'm glad I watched this video. Currently in the process of finding some sort of video camera, and not sure if I go for the traditional cam-recorder or a DSLR. I used a really nice industry standard Sony in my Community College video class, and truly love how the zoom and manual focus feels, plus being able to adjust shutter speed, gain, and iris. However, even the basic ones seem super cheap and I feel the ones I want that are good are way out of my price range. At least people on KZbin and elsewhere are good at making reviews of products.

[@merrimacksacoproductions4497]

Great video! If you’re ever up New Hampshire way let me know, it’ll be heritage road action mostly but we have a great variety up here, plenty of older facilities still standing, long bridges, water level shots on one of lakes, plenty of mountain shots including the ex-Maine Central’s Mountain Division, which was one of the grandest examples of mountainous main lines. Would love to show you around!

[@gatortrainchaser2080]

Great KNOWLEDGE and something to learn for EVERYONE in this video! Thanks DANNY! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@HighRail62]

Thank You,Danny. As I've said before,I always come away with a renewed or just plain new understanding of the workings of a Railroad and in this case,something I know very little about and that is how to film the correct way. Merry Christmas,My friend!

[@popsi50]

As always, thanks for a great video. I worked on Sony cameras, as well as the old RCA cameras for many years. The Sony, solid state were a breeze. The thing I enjoy most about your stuff, is the fact that, you work as videographer, Producer, Editer and Talant: Wow!

[@undertheinfluencegarage4361]

That inspection device is wild. Never seen them before

[@stevecraig3004]

I just learned more about videography in 14 minutes than I would have picked up in ten years. It sure does help to have a REAL PRO behind the viewfinder! I have a few ideas for titles for this video: --"Danny's Railfan Video Master Class" --or how about: --"Everything you need to know to make excellent railfan videos-- or any videos, for that matter" As always, excellent videography! Keep up the good work, thanks! And Merry Christmas to you and Liz.

[@CalebsRailFilms]

Great video, Danny! Even though I’m a professional photographer I never ever say that I know absolutely everything. There’s always room for improvement and learning and improving on the skills you have already mastered over the years. But as always say, you learn everyday and there is no harm in seeing what other people do and their techniques and so you can build on your strengths/weaknesses and become better every day. I find these videos incredibly useful and I thank you for taking the time to show us your tips and tricks of how you do your filming. I was most interested about the drone information. Actually seeing it visually has helped this Autistic to understand it a bit better, so I thank you! Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you. Festive greetings from South Australia. Cheers, Caleb

[@replaycraig]

For the ultra beginning PANner: pan smoothly by using a rubber band as a shock absorber. Merry Christmas!

[@carldesouza632]

Great videos Danny love your videos I live in Massachusetts now I lived in PalmCoast FL from 2005 till 2018 and go to watch FEC Trains you have the best videos

[@ngauge22]

Love the way you get the double-stacks to look like they're an inch wide. Must be a long telephoto shot I guess. Merry Christmas and Happy and safe New Year to you. Keep up the good work. :-)

[@noahtomczakfilms183]

Danny, thank you so much for this incredibly informative video! Merry Christmas to you and your wife! And have a happy new year!

[@sa78247]

Merry Christmas to you Danny, I always look forward to new videos from you & I always learn something from your expertise! I live in UP country (with some BNSF) and your videos have me watching trains more and more.

[@ronf.6180]

Very interesting stuff. Thanx, Danny, for all you do! And I still think you have a great voice.

[@EHAH6267]

Love your stuff Danny. From a mate from Aus. Keep your good work going mate.

[@tracksidecraig]

I just got a Sony AX53 last summer and I love it. Now I need a good tripod like you have

[@vitissubrailfan2540]

How much does that series cost?

[@steveamurray59]

Thanks again Danny, I read somewhere in trains magazine that csx control recieve data back from locomotives on any faults that are occuring or a likely to need some examination. So maybe a quick snap of that wheelset. Have a Merry Christmas from Sydney, to you and Family and fantastic New Year. Look forward to more informative adventures in 2020.

[@glloyd1987]

Love watching your videos! I Grew up around the CSX yard in Pensacola, Fl where my step dad drove the engines and it has very interesting and entertaining learning what some of that jargon was all about. Q602 seems like something I remember hearing a lot. God bless you sir and thanks for your avid dedication to railfanning, I believe it’s gonna be super interesting what we learn in the future! Keep up the good work dude.

[@atomicpunk2690]

Merry Christmas Danny & Distant Signal community.

[@jovetj]

Back at you! Stay safe out there!

[@newwomyn]

Good camera work Danny. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy Railfan New Year. By the way, if you ever go into Arizona, check out the BNSF Southern Transcon. You are sure to see lots of BNSF power there. Best place is Flagstaff or Kingman.

[@NSNorfolk]

Another great video and thank you for sharing a few tips! We're up here in VA on the NS main Line out of Norfolk and are lucky enough to be only a short drive where that NS main line passes under the CSX/Seaboard "A" line at north Collier Yard, Petersburg, VA. We see a number of the freight and passenger trains in your videos and its kind of like re-visiting old friends.

[@DieselLoco]

Another great video Danny, so informative and well done. Keep up the great videos in the new year.

[@JaiahHazelnutBrown]

I have the same model Sony camera and I really enjoyed using it for several years. It had great color and did pretty well for night shots without adding noise. I’m using a Panasonic HC-X1 now but I am frustrated with the noise it puts out despite how well it performs in every other aspect. Thanks for another great video.

[@Airchex-ct5oh]

Great video, Danny. I was wondering if you worked in broadcast television. Your reports have all the hallmarks of TV journalism. From the great research you do to the recording, editing, and voiceover, your videos are ready for prime time. I spent nearly 25 years in broadcasting (radio) and I understand how it gets into your blood. Thank you for the great reporting you do. A very Merry Christmas to you and your entire family.

[@distantsignal]

Thank you so much! Yes, I'm a broadcaster for 40 years. Never done anything else. The new desktop technology allowed me to do what I love on my own terms as I'm not much for working with crews. Having more fun with this hobby than ever. Thank again.

[@larrysunday7715]

Well Done Danny. Would like to see more of these videos!!!!! A huge railfan.

[@distantsignal]

Thanks Larry!

[@thavvolf9157]

Merry Christmas and happy New Years, thanks for sharing!

[@bobparsons77]

Great video, Happy Holidays to you and your family. I have learnt so much from your videos. Bob Alberta.

[@wasawyerjr7377]

Merry Christmas Thank you for the videos - I am not a "railfan" yet, (more interested in the radio side) but always interested and your videos are great!

[@mattbaxter508]

Your video are some of the best rail-fan video's on KZbin. I have watched you for years now and hope to continue watching for years to come. Merry X-mas Danny and keep up the great work!

[@SaintLouisLines]

Danny, Your videos never disappoint. You are the best. Looking forward to another year of great Distant Signal videos! Happy New Year to you!

[@dmorgan28]

Thanks for all the tips and another great video. Really enjoyed it. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family. 👍👍👍❤️

[@mikesmith4644]

Another cool video... thanks! and a bunch of ditch lights and mid DPUs.... love it!! Happy Holidays Danny!

[@JTR_Bricks_Railfanning]

Nice Video! We saw the second engine on A764 (7206 @ 8:40 ) on the GE test Train not too long ago! Merry Christmas!

[@muddtrack6969]

Excellent video Danny, Informative, hard to beat ,many Thanks, love TRAINS !

[@glennmcqueen9475]

Thanks Danny. Merry Christmas to all. Greetings from New Zealand

[@prsearls]

Your videos are high quality, informative and pleasant to watch. You've mastered wonderful techniques and skills shooting and editing your content. Nothing beats experience, a good eye for composition and anticipation of the action. Photo equipment is important but less so than "whats going on between the ears." Ansel Adams could make a masterpiece with an Instamatic camera (I guess that really dates me).

[@distantsignal]

Haha! Thanks Paul!!! Much appreciated. I get lots of comments like "I love your videos! What kind of camera do you have?". I tell everyone it's not the model of the camera. It's the 35 years it took to learn to use it.