I recently read a story on the www about a tragedy in Utah. Three girls were taking each others’ photographs on the railroad tracks when they were unable to get out of the way of an oncoming train.
Here’s a link to the story. Go read it and then come back. I’ll wait.
Here’s the deal. Shooting on RR tracks is dangerous as hell.
Part of me is a little bit sick to my stomach at this story. Those girls were mimicking popular photography locations. Many many photographers use RR tracks. It’s time to stop. We set a REAL bad example by doing this.
Starting today, let’s promise to stay off live tracks. Let’s get a little creative and find something else to use. Declare RR Tracks “old style” and go in search of something new. Seriously, it’s about time for the RR tracks AND the junk yard senior photos to go away, anyway.
And yes, I shot on RR tracks until last year. I was wrong. That’s the cool thing about being an adult, you can say “I was wrong. I’m sorry” and move on.
To find out what RR Tracks are live or dead, please check:
You know what is really scary? I have seen images with newborns on tracks. It is one thing to put adults on tracks, eventhough I refuse to do it. I am looking for non-working tracks but havn't found any in my area. Just blows my mind poeple throw a fit about putting babies in stuff but are putting them on rail road tracks. You have my pinky swear also!
I do not shoot on live railroad tracks but we do have a train depot that's a museum in which I use. they used for the Ringling circus back in the day:) I could not agree more. You have my pinky promise.