Photography from Puffing Billy’s Magical Train of Lights

There’s something truly special about photographing steam trains, but capturing one adorned with thousands of twinkling lights elevates it to a whole new level of magic.

Recently, I had the opportunity to photograph Puffing Billy’s Magical Train of Lights, and it felt like stepping straight into a Christmas movie set nestled in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges.  

The historic Puffing Billy Railway transforms into a moving light show during this annual event, with every carriage glowing in vibrant colours as it winds through the forest at night.  For photographers, it’s an absolute dream come true.

Check out the video below this article for the full series of photos and videos

Puffing Billy with Lights
Puffing Billy with Lights

What Makes the Magical Train of Lights So Photogenic?

The magic begins the moment the train arrives at the station. The warm steam dances into the cool night, creating reflections on the shiny metal. The glow lights up the faces of everyone on board, making it a truly special moment.

Here’s why photographing this event is so amazing:

  • Thousands of LED lights line each carriage, creating a stunning display.
  • Dark forest backdrops make the colours pop even more.
  • Atmospheric steam adds a cinematic touch.

It’s not just a train ride; it’s a moving light installation that’s truly captivating.

Puffing Billy Shines at Night
Puffing Billy Shines at Night

Photography Approach

Night photography can be a bit tricky, especially when you’re trying to get a moving subject in focus. Here’s how I went about capturing Puffing Billy’s Magical Train of Lights:

  • Embrace the Darkness. Instead of trying to fight the low light, I decided to embrace it. Shooting in manual mode gave me the freedom to tweak the shutter speed and ISO to make sure the glow shone through without losing any detail in the highlights.

  • Play with Motion. A slightly slower shutter speed really helped me capture those light trails and movement, adding a burst of energy to the photos.

  • Capture the Details: Getting close-ups of the glowing wheels, the steam swirling through the coloured lights, and some candid moments really made the story pop, more than just a wide shot ever could.

  • Use the Environment: The forest around Belgrave is just the perfect backdrop. Dark trees against a bright train create a pretty dramatic contrast.

Video

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