Photo Analysis: Chicago Golden Hour

What works well:

The train tracks cut diagonally through the frame, which is a great way to guide the viewer’s eye straight into the shot.
The train itself is placed just off-center, which makes it the clear focal point but still lets the background breathe. That balance makes the shot feel very natural.
The silhouetted city skyline in the background is a great touch. It adds depth and a sense of scale. Also the buildings are just visible enough to establish location —> Chicago.

What could be better:

The train, one could say, feels slightly cropped at the front (well the tracks). A little more space ahead of it might enhance the sense of movement.

What works well:

That golden sunlight reflecting off the train? Absolutely stunning. It makes the metal surfaces shine in a way that adds so much texture and depth. The train almost looks like it’s glowing, which makes it stand out beautifully.
The contrast between warm highlights and deep shadows gives the shot a dramatice quality. It literally feels like a scene out of a movie.
The way the light traces the train and tracks, outlining their shape, is just perfect. It’s subtle, but it makes all the difference in making the scene feel alive and dynamic. (this might be my favourite detail of this shot)

What could be better:

The sky is much brighter than the foreground, which makes it a little unbalanced. A slight exposure tweak could help even things out while keeping the glow intact.
The lower part of the image is a bit dark, almost too much so. While the shadows help with the dramatic feel, lightening it just a little could bring out more detail in the tracks and street below, adding even more depth.

What works well:

The elevated train tracks naturally frame the train, leading your eye exactly where it needs to go.
The sense of depth is fantastic. The way the train tracks fade into the distance, with layered silhouettes of buildings and streetlights, makes the shot feel very three-dimensional.

What could be better:

The left side of the image feels a little empty compared to the right. The balance isn’t totally off, but a slight repositioning or crop might help bring more weight to that side.
The train’s headlights could stand out a little more. If they were brighter or more defined, they’d add a stronger sense of movement and direction.

What works well:

The image captures that classic city vibe—either early morning before the rush or late afternoon winding down.
There’s a nice contrast between the industrial train and the sleek city skyline that feels symbolic. It’s like a visual representation of connection—trains linking different parts of the city.

What could be better:

‘‘Adding’’ a human element—maybe a silhouette in one of the train windows or a person standing somewhere or crossing the street down below—could give the image even more emotional depth. (not that obviously is not up to the photographer, you just have to get lucky)