Photographer
CityRepublic
Posts: 19
Los Angeles, California, US
Hello my name is Jains Lopez and I'm a Photographer in So Cal.
I just started Photographing Model, but i want to have a photo shoot on the Rail Roads.
I was reading many articles and came across doubt some said its illegal other say its a free country.
But theres a rebuttal i have seen some pictures done here in So Cal on the rail road....
My question is how do enter a rail road. Is it illegal or not?
Photographer
Voy
Posts: 1594
Phoenix, Arizona, US
Photographer
Farenell Photography
Posts: 18832
Albany, New York, US
me voy wrote:
It's cliche. Good job in not answering the question.
Its his choice as the photographer to or not to shoot that idea.
Photographer
Azimuth Arts
Posts: 1490
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
CityRepublic wrote:
Hello my name is Jains Lopez and I'm a Photographer in So Cal.
I just started Photographing Model, but i want to have a photo shoot on the Rail Roads.
I was reading many articles and came across doubt some said its illegal other say its a free country.
But theres a rebuttal i have seen some pictures done here in So Cal on the rail road....
My question is how do enter a rail road. Is it illegal or not? In most jurisdictions it is illegal to be on railways except at designated crossings where signals are present. Even when the tracks are on public land the railroad companies usually have exclusive use of the tracks.
Shooting on tracks can also be dangerous. Trains moving quickly can take a half mile or more to come to a stop. If the model's outfit gets caught in the tracks or someone trips trying to get clear there can be serious injury or death.
Just my $0.02
Model
Chloe Selene
Posts: 636
Albuquerque, New Mexico, US
I've never shot at a railroad personally, but when I used to live in WI, there were some abandoned old tracks . . . . is there anything in your area that's no longer being used? That would probably take the legal issue out of question, and also the safety factor.
Photographer
descending chain
Posts: 1368
San Diego, California, US
If you have to do it, maybe try to find an abandoned spur to shoot on. Then at least you won't be endangering your model.
Photographer
DELETED-ACCOUNT_
Posts: 10303
Los Angeles, California, US
me voy wrote:
It's cliche. Let's cut him some slack, we all started somewhere and he's obviously a newbie 
OP, the only info I found was on this rather long and tedious read on CA codes:
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displ … =369a-402c
got this from a link where a lady said she got a $6,000 ticket just for crossing tracks:
http://patch.com/california/livermore/r … AUrxWM0-9s
Probably worst case scenario, but here in CA they trump up charges whenever they can so as to increase fines...what with our being in dire financial straights and all.
IF you do it, be aware of the dangers and risks, and then be prepared to get in trouble if you get caught.
Photographer
Farenell Photography
Posts: 18832
Albany, New York, US
CityRepublic wrote:
Hello my name is Jains Lopez and I'm a Photographer in So Cal.
I just started Photographing Model, but i want to have a photo shoot on the Rail Roads.
I was reading many articles and came across doubt some said its illegal other say its a free country.
But theres a rebuttal i have seen some pictures done here in So Cal on the rail road....
My question is how do enter a rail road. Is it illegal or not? We have a ton or railroad tracks in my area, many of which are not in use anymore.
I'd start by scoping out which ones are used more than others & then go for the not-so used ones. I'd also start by checking out the condition of the rails & the bed, if it looks nice, I'd go somewhere else. If it looks like the rails are silvery or something versus a rusted or grey look, I'd go somewhere else because its a sign its in recent, often use. Regardless of whether the rails are in use or not, I'd be operating under the assumption that they are in use & have a pretty quick plan to get out of the way.
IF you are going to use them, I'd also stick to the rails that are in rural areas simply because there's just to many miles for the RR company to cordone it off.
Illegal or not illegal? It can be depending on whether it is. I'd check with your local community laws about that. It may be illegal but in many places, its kinda accepted. Still I'd be mentally prepared for legal trouble & to have a good story prepared if a trooper stops you.
Photographer
Wolfy4u
Posts: 1103
Grand Junction, Colorado, US
I'm not sure we have to worry about any exact laws here. It's very simply. Almost all (all?) rail ways are private property, so permission would be necessary to access the land legally. The suggestion of finding abandoned ways is an excellent idea. It's safer, legal and probably a more interesting background that might skirt the overused concept of the typical railroad track shots.
Photographer
L O C U T U S
Posts: 1746
Bangor, Maine, US
check with local police for the law.
Photographer
Azimuth Arts
Posts: 1490
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Wolfy4u wrote:
I'm not sure we have to worry about any exact laws here. It's very simply. Almost all (all?) rail ways are private property, so permission would be necessary to access the land legally. The suggestion of finding abandoned ways is an excellent idea. It's safer, legal and probably a more interesting background that might skirt the overused concept of the typical railroad track shots. Abandoned tracks would be safer, but not any guaranty that someone does not own the property. It could well still be trespassing on private property.
Photographer
Voy
Posts: 1594
Phoenix, Arizona, US
Farenell Photography wrote:
Good job in not answering the question.
Its his choice as the photographer to or not to shoot that idea. Oh please, it's cliche and you know it.
Photographer
Farenell Photography
Posts: 18832
Albany, New York, US
me voy wrote:
Oh please, it's cliche and you know it. It doesn't matter what you or I think, only what they think. & they have a better idea as to what it is they have in mind they're trying to do and, more importantly, if its worth doing. 
Photographer
DarkSlide
Posts: 2353
Alexandria, Virginia, US
me voy wrote:
It's cliche. Who are you to judge other's ideas?
Photographer
Vintagevista
Posts: 11804
Sun City, California, US
Railroad property - It's private property -
Do you have permission from the owner?
Question answered.
Photographer
SYCF
Posts: 276
Los Angeles, California, US
There's multiple sections of rails not in use in Cerritos. Some of the tracks are not even connected. It's in between houses, but there are high walls separating them. I'm sure you can find sections to shoot on, but it might be easy to be spotted.
Photographer
Vector One Photography
Posts: 3722
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US
me voy wrote:
Oh please, it's cliche and you know it. That's not the point. The OP asked about the legality and you gave your opinion on his concept. It's apples and oranges.....rotten oranges.
To answer his question... it depends. In some states the railroad owns the right-of-way and they can keep you off. In some states they only have an easement. I've shot on railroad cars parked next to an active track. A train came along and scared the pants off of me so be careful, if I was standing on or had my equipment set-up on the active it would have been ugly.
Photographer
Kevin Connery
Posts: 17824
El Segundo, California, US
 Moderator Note! me voy wrote:
It's cliche. me voy wrote:
Oh please, it's cliche and you know it. It's also not an airplane or an elephant, and I'm pretty sure he knows that as well. Reporting that it's cliche is roughly as useful as reporting that it's not an elephant--and equally off-topic.
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Moderator Note!
