Ernest H. Robl: Safety issues in railroad photography

Safety is my utmost concern in all types of railroad photography:

• Though creating distinctive and effective photos is important to me, if a particular image cannot be produced safely, I would rather not make that photo.
• Other than illustrating safety hazards for training and similar documentation, I will not intentionally photograph unsafe acts. I will do my best to ensure that those photographed by me are performing their work in a safe way and are using all appropriate safety gear.

I arrive at railroad sites with basic safety equipment, including

Safety glasses Steel-toed boots

Hearing protectors Hard hat

If a particular situation presents special hazards or requires additional safety gear, be sure to discuss these with me ahead of time.

Whether producing photography for a railroad or a third party, I am always aware that I am a guest on the railroad’s property and make every effort to behave in such a way that I will be welcomed back again at a later date.

I have spent many years around railroads and am familiar with both operations and terminology. This is important to establishing a clear understanding with both clients and the host railroad in the following areas:

• What is to be photographed and how.
• What can be done safely and what cannot.

In addition, this lets met talk to all levels of railroad employees, from management to front line workers.

Please note: I have cameras capable of being operated by remote control—either radio control or via a long cable. However, I do not always bring such equipment with me. If you anticipate situations where it may be necessary to trigger cameras remotely, please discuss this situation with me ahead of time. (Radio remote control is not always effective in all situations and some situations may require special cabling and preparation.)

While triggering a camera remotely may reduce hazards to me, a situation may still subject my expensive photo equipment to hazards. While normal risks for equipment used on location are a given, some photography will only be done if the client assumes special risks for my equipment, such as the client reimbursing me for special insurance.

In all situations where a third party is requesting photography on a railroad site, the third party must arrange with the host railroad for both

• Permission to make photos on the site
• Permission to use photos from the location for the third party’s intended purpose, such as advertising (including use on Web sites!).

(I will provide appropriate forms for individual model releases from the subjects depicted. However, these will need to be approached about permission prior to any photography.)

Where a third party arranges for me to photograph on a railroad property, I recommend that the third party arrange with the host railroad for that railroad to provide a supervisory employee equipped with a two-way radio, capable of communicating with trains and employees in the area. While I will make every effort to have minimal impact on the host railroad’s operations, it is always useful to have updated information on activities in the area.

(I do have scanning receivers capable of listening on railroad frequencies, however, these are no substitute for a railroad employee being able to establish positively what equipment moves will take place in the near future.)

Thank you for your consideration. Let me know if you have questions or comments about the above items. And, please visit my Web site for a look at sample images and additional policy and descriptive pages.

[rev. 2000/11]

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