We have all seen photos on train tracks, but did you know its illegal and even deadly?
Last week was National Rail Safety Week.
Early in my career I photographed on rails. Many photographers have and lived to tell the tale. Now I absolutely do not, will not photograph anywhere near train tracks.
Regularly I get requests to photograph someone (or their child) on train tracks. My answer is always the same, “No”. I then explain my reasons.
Why?
- IT IS DANGEROUS!
- I love my clients and do not want to put them at risk. Each year, hundreds of people are injured or killed while trespassing on railroad property in the U.S.
- Trains are always closer than they appear. The elongated nature of a train makes it appear further away than it really is.
- It takes more distance than a football field for a train to come to a stop.
- Trains overhang from the tracks by more than 3 feet on either side.
IT IS ILLEGAL!
- Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and rights-of-way are private property. Anywhere I photograph I make sure to have permission of the property owner to photograph there.
- It is illegal. The possible fine of $10,000 is too high for me to risk and I do not want to go to jail (it can happen).
THE RISK OF IMITATION IS HIGH
The last thing I want is someone to get hurt trying to recreate an image I created. Recently a photographer was under a lot of criticism because they used a backdrop that was of train tracks. The photos were taken in a studio environment but it communicated to the general public that photographing on tracks was ok. In the end the photography studio and photographer discontinued use of the backdrop.
It is so much a problem that Professional Photography Groups are introducing campaigns to educate photographers.
- Professional Photographers of America put together a slideshow (click here to view)
- PetaPixel blogged a Today Show Episode Demonstrating Why Train Track Photography is So Dangerous
- ABC News offers The Dangers of Taking Photos on Train Tracks
IT IS OVERDONE.
I prefer to get creative with my clients and provide unique images for each session.
Each time I come across a photographer who is photographing on tracks I try to take them aside and educate them of the risk they are putting themselves and their clients in. I never want to see a senior picture taken on a railroad.
This blog is being published with permission from Operation Life Saver. All Graphics are being used with Operation Lifesaver’s Written Permission.
Please follow this link for Operation Lifesaver’s Safety Tips for Photographers
