Another contest... another difficult decision. Thanks to all that entered.
If you've seen my galleries, you know I love trains. Part of the problem with shooting trains is they look the same, standing still or at speed. Steam engines will give you all the extra clues you need to judge how fast and how hard are working. Diesel engines require something else, and being Canadian, access to snow is a blessing (and a curse!). Mix the two and, viola! Movement of a static subject.
Honorable Mentions
San Diego, California - Great colour contrasts
Duckling running on water - Nice conveyance of speed.
between strakes of cloud - Delicate ripples showing steady slow stalking
Firing a Volley - Timing is everything here. Great moment.
3rd place - Splashing Around - By drr1531
Really great capture using the water to provide the viewer with scale and the energy exerted by this fishing bear.
Added bonus of a clear face shot, not easily done in moments like this.
2nd Place - F-18 Hornet - By Juan Leon
I usually prefer a "Bam! in your face" environmental movement moment, but the subtlety of the vapor trail forming over the wing indicates the speed and force at which this jet is moving and keeps me staring at it in amazement.
The added bonus - shot with a background of water, unusual for a flight shot and the sailing ship in the background. Two very different uses of the wind!
1st Place - Battle of Britain - By Mark Schretlen
Dizzying! Without the trails, 3 planes in close proximity would be hair raising enough. With the smoke trails it shows you not only the intense congested airspace but the educates the viewer on the skill of these pilots and their ability to negotiate a 3D world!
The added bonus - the dissipating trails lets the viewer clearly see the flight patterns of each plane and allows them to insert the others not currently in the frame.
Over to you Mark.