Reflections of Gold Country Narrow Gauge. Sumpter Valley Mikado #19 throws a perfect reflection in the still waters of a lineside pond as she hauls an eastbound mixed toward Baker City. Heavy gold dredging along the Powder River in the last century has left the landscape along this line dotted with innumerable ponds. Reflection shots are everywhere here. Every time I visit, I discover newer and better ones. When you look at the landscape here on Google Earth, it doesn't look terribly photogenic, but the overhead view is quite deceiving. It actually features some rather spectacular scenery, and the variety of photo opportunities are seemingly endless.
Landscape photography is difficult due to the challenge of combining good light and good scenery. Good railroad photography enters another level of complexity since it requires the first two while there is a train in view.
