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Photographing on bridges and train tracks


4 years 5 months ago #665287 by KENT MELTON
There is a little argument or disagreement going on with a couple of people and myself.  Can you help me  out: can you photograph on bridges or train  tracks?  Public bridges.  
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4 years 5 months ago #665288 by Nikon Shooter
The only issue I know with your project is that no one
should stop a car on a bridge or be on the driving lanes.
If a bridge has a protected sidewalk. no problem.

Railroads are something special as the land belongs to
the RR Co. I know that one can stand close to a crossing
but not 5m on each sides of tracks without trespassing.
Light is free… capturing it is not!
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4 years 5 months ago #665295 by Shadowfixer1
Being on the tracks is technically trespassing. I have attended a session where a railroad representative spoke to a group of photographers. They can if they wish to, have you arrested but that is not very likely. They strongly urge you to not shoot on train tracks unless they are abandoned. I am always puzzled when I see stories about people getting run over by a train when doing a photoshoot. Trains are far from silent and there is usually a long sight distance due to the nature of the track. I have NEVER had a train sneak up on me. Best advice is don't do it.
www.betterphoto.com/?ramshots
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4 years 5 months ago #665307 by effron

Shadowfixer1 wrote: Trains are far from silent and there is usually a long sight distance due to the nature of the track. I have NEVER had a train sneak up on me.


Or if you must, avoid earbuds, loud with heavy bass......;)
Why so serious?
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4 years 5 months ago #665313 by Moe
Just be safe and stay off them
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4 years 5 months ago #665315 by garyrhook
+1 on trespassing. Railroad tracks are private property, and are not supposed to be encroached upon.

Besides... they're dull. It's been done. And mostly by getting the leading lines completely wrong.

As for bridges, your question remains unclear. Actual public bridges, with a sidewalk and everything? Should be okay, as long as you stay out of the way of vehicles. I've shot in the middle of city streets, and all it takes is some sense and care. (Yes, I realize that's expecting a lot...)
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4 years 5 months ago #665332 by KENT MELTON
Golden answers!  Thank you and exactly what I needed!
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4 years 5 months ago #665338 by Foggy
Didn't a high school teen just die from being on a set of railroad tracks?  Far to many of these each each.  
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4 years 5 months ago #665342 by Nikon Shooter

garyrhook wrote: Besides... they're dull.

By who's criteria?

garyrhook wrote: It's been done.

So what?

garyrhook wrote: And mostly by getting the leading lines completely wrong.

Everything should be explored, experienced, freely by anyone who
has the impulse too.

The only restrictions I see are on the safety side of any attempt. I 
would never dare limit members or my students with such talk.

… /
Light is free… capturing it is not!
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4 years 5 months ago #665344 by Nikon Shooter
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Light is free… capturing it is not!
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4 years 5 months ago #665346 by effron
On tracks and near tracks are actually different. I agree with Hook, stay OFF them.
Why so serious?
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4 years 5 months ago #665367 by icepics
I agree, even if it's not posted No Trespassing or not known if it's illegal, still - it's unsafe!! The sound can be somewhat misleading as to how close they are if there's a curve where distance in view is limited.

Are there people with cameras that don't realize how fast a train can be moving or how much weight it would be on impact??! I live in a rural area not far from a town and heading into town they're slowing down but heading out they pick up speed and do they zip thru crossings fast!

There are a couple of trains in tourist areas that go only a short distance in and out of a vintage depot. Those usually are OK to photograph since they do rides with kids/families and aren't going far enough to pick up speed. But still, walking on the tracks most likely is prohibited.
Sharon
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4 years 5 months ago - 4 years 5 months ago #665368 by icepics
Bridges? it depends. Again an unused historic bridge may be in a park district, etc. and people can walk across and take pictures (there's one not far from me).

Any in use are on roadways over a creek/stream/river and may or may not have sidewalks to allow people to walk there. It wouldn't be allowed to block the sidewalk so pedestrians don't have to get in the street to get around someone set up with a tripod or taking pictures.

Many in my area are in use by the railroads only and there's no walking on the trestles.

Highway overpasses?? not likely to be allowed for someone to stop and stand there or set up a tripod because of incidents of large rocks etc. having been hurled onto the road below and people in cars being injured or killed. Many in my area now have fencing to prevent that.
Sharon
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