Train tracks. We’ve all heard arguments for, and against, photographing on or near them. When I first started in photography, I thought photographing near train tracks was really cool. It provided a texture element that was otherwise unseen and created some opportunities for some cool portraits.
But I quickly learned that photographing on train tracks was a bad idea. And since then, I’ve flat out refused to photograph any of my clients — or my personal work, for that matter — on or near train tracks. Here’s why.
It’s illegal
Railroad tracks, trestles and yards are private property and they are protected by federal law. That means if you trespass on that property, you can be arrested and face federal charges. Simply put — it’s illegal.
If your heart is set on photographing on the tracks or other railroad property, you should contact the railroad company to get written permission, as well as to make sure that it’s safe to do so.
It’s dangerous
Operation Lifesaver posted an article a few years back about why it’s important to not photograph on or near the tracks. Here were their six reasons:
- Trains can’t stop quickly to avoid people or vehicles on the tracks.
- An optical illusion makes it hard to determine a train’s distance from you — and its speed. You can’t hear modern trains coming. Their sound is behind them.
- The average train overhangs the track by at least three feet.
- Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and rights of way are private property.
- No tracks should be assumed to be abandoned or inactive.
- People in your community mimic your behavior.
According to Operation Lifesaver, over 270 people were killed from train collisions in 2018, while 819 people were injured. Since 2011, more than 20 Americans have been killed or injured in photography-related incidents.
What about abandoned tracks?
I distinctly remember a few summers ago when I was finishing up a senior photoshoot, the client saw a set of abandoned train tracks with an abandoned train car around where we were standing. The mom asked for some shots around the train car, or with it in the background.
I said no.
The reason behind this was that — even though the tracks were abandoned — I didn’t want to set an example for other photographers to photograph on train tracks. And Operation Lifesaver agrees in their sixth point mentioned above. If those tracks were seen on social media or other websites, there’s a chance that other photographers would try something I had done in their own area. And maybe those tracks wouldn’t be abandoned, creating for a potentially dangerous situation.
Once I explained this viewpoint to the client, they were very understanding and we moved on, and ended up finding an abandoned silo that was even cooler!
Even if you love photographing on or near train tracks, I’d encourage you to rethink that. Even if the tracks are clearly abandoned, again, I’d rethink that too. You never know who’s watching your work and looking up to you as a photographer to take ideas from what you’re doing.
Very good article. I worked for the railroad for many years, and have preached the same message.
I understand you in some way but what about pictures on the roads, in the mountains, on the trees, baconny, terrace,…? Are we loosing common sence? Where is the freedom?
Daniel, it’s illegal to go on the train tracks, plain and simple. It’s not illegal to photograph on roads, balconies, terraces or mountains.
It is illegal to access private railroad property anywhere other than a designated pedestrian or roadway crossing.
paragraph 2: https://railroads.dot.gov/highway-rail-crossing-and-trespasser-programs/trespassing-prevention/trespass-prevention
If you wanted to do a photo shoot near a barn on a private farm, would you get the owners permission first or would you assume you were free to roam around on private property? Railroad tracks are private property and trespassing is illegal. Your freedom doesn’t factor into it.
Ladies and gentlemen, the world’s most boring man.
I’m going to go shoot on some tracks tomorrow now.
You might not agree with my logic here, but by ignoring it you put not only yourself, but your client, at risk.
Pretty sure there are more exciting things to capture than train tracks, too, that are safer and legal!
Most people dont know the modern trains are incredibly fast and silent. And off the main path to their home they might discover some train tracks you might assume are abandoned because when is the last time you heard a train pass by? Well now you’re dead because you thought you’d be able to walk away in case you heard one coming while you’re on it.
I shoot mostly on severed tracks, CLEARLY severed. Then it’s not so much of an issue. But I get that I’ve also posted shots where it wasn’t as clear. My bad.
I have shot on bridges with track on occasion and I never felt “worried” about it. I think this is the government and black helicopters flying over my house syndrome. Use caution and snap your photos. What about taking photos of say alligators in the everglades thats much more dangerous than train tracks. I could go on but I respect the authors views but its only one mans opinion. Again use caution take your photos and don’t setup a picnic on the tracks.
Very good article. I worked for the railroad for many years, and have preached the same message.
I understand you in some way but what about pictures on the roads, in the mountains, on the trees, baconny, terrace,…? Are we loosing common sence? Where is the freedom?
Daniel, it’s illegal to go on the train tracks, plain and simple. It’s not illegal to photograph on roads, balconies, terraces or mountains.
Ladies and gentlemen, the world’s most boring man.
I’m going to go shoot on some tracks tomorrow now.
You might not agree with my logic here, but by ignoring it you put not only yourself, but your client, at risk.
Pretty sure there are more exciting things to capture than train tracks, too, that are safer and legal!
Most people dont know the modern trains are incredibly fast and silent. And off the main path to their home they might discover some train tracks you might assume are abandoned because when is the last time you heard a train pass by? Well now you’re dead because you thought you’d be able to walk away in case you heard one coming while you’re on it.
I shoot mostly on severed tracks, CLEARLY severed. Then it’s not so much of an issue. But I get that I’ve also posted shots where it wasn’t as clear. My bad.
I have shot on bridges with track on occasion and I never felt “worried” about it. I think this is the government and black helicopters flying over my house syndrome. Use caution and snap your photos. What about taking photos of say alligators in the everglades thats much more dangerous than train tracks. I could go on but I respect the authors views but its only one mans opinion. Again use caution take your photos and don’t setup a picnic on the tracks.
This is not an opinion. It is LAW.
Very good article. I worked for the railroad for many years, and have preached the same message.
Ladies and gentlemen, the world’s most boring man.
I’m going to go shoot on some tracks tomorrow now.
I understand you in some way but what about pictures on the roads, in the mountains, on the trees, baconny, terrace,…? Are we loosing common sence? Where is the freedom?
I have shot on bridges with track on occasion and I never felt “worried” about it. I think this is the government and black helicopters flying over my house syndrome. Use caution and snap your photos. What about taking photos of say alligators in the everglades thats much more dangerous than train tracks. I could go on but I respect the authors views but its only one mans opinion. Again use caution take your photos and don’t setup a picnic on the tracks.
Most people dont know the modern trains are incredibly fast and silent. And off the main path to their home they might discover some train tracks you might assume are abandoned because when is the last time you heard a train pass by? Well now you’re dead because you thought you’d be able to walk away in case you heard one coming while you’re on it.
I shoot mostly on severed tracks, CLEARLY severed. Then it’s not so much of an issue. But I get that I’ve also posted shots where it wasn’t as clear. My bad.
I have witnessed photographers nearly get hit by trains. I even told them to get off the tracks, and they would refuse…
The numbers of people getting hit by trains is on the rise too,
I photograph trains all the time – from the side. I totally agree with this article. Trains are a lot quieter and faster than you think. Safety first.
Hi everyone. I am not a photographer. I’ve worked in the passenger rail industry for 18 years and I’ve seen and dealt with the tragic results of people who assumed they could get out of the way of a train. Train crews and first responders are the ones who have to live with these tragedies. An engineer will do everything they possibly can to bring the train to a stop to avoid a trespasser, but they’re helpless to avoid someone in their path. The conductor is the first on the scene and must deal with seeing severed limbs, mangled torsos,… Read more »
“… Even if you love photographing on or near train tracks, I’d encourage you to rethink that. Even if the tracks are clearly abandoned, again, I’d rethink that too. You never know who’s watching your work and looking up to you as a photographer to take ideas from what you’re doing …”.
You are that confident that other people will or won’t shoot train tracks all because of your example. I doubt it.