Subway/MTA reaction to photography these days?

[train2]

I am a bit more of a heavy haul railroad fan. However an up coming trip will have me on the subway. This is a subject I have not followed so forgive the question if you guys discussed this in the past.

What is the subway/MTA reaction to photography these days? I have about 3 areas of interest and would like to know what to expect.

I would like to shoot the new Coney Island Stillwell station, the above ground line past Sunnyside into Queens (sorry don't know the line designation, but his line has views of the city) and the B&O CPL signals on the Staten Island RT.

I can be discrete but I have pro-gear cameras -- so large cameras and lenses.

Thanks for any help,

T2

[diffusedmind]

I don't shoot much in the subway anymore but i've never had a problem in the past. If you are stopped by a transit cop, stay calm, stay cool, stay respectful and you won't have an issue. Attitude is everything.

[Allan]

I am a bit more of a heavy haul railroad fan. However an up coming trip will have me on the subway. This is a subject I have not followed so forgive the question if you guys discussed this in the past.

What is the subway/MTA reaction to photography these days? I have about 3 areas of interest and would like to know what to expect.

I would like to shoot the new Coney Island Stillwell station, the above ground line past Sunnyside into Queens (sorry don't know the line designation, but his line has views of the city) and the B&O CPL signals on the Staten Island RT.

I can be discrete but I have pro-gear cameras -- so large cameras and lenses.

Thanks for any help,

T2

The above ground line past the Sunnyside yard is on the #7 Flushing line just after the Queensboro Plaza station. Also the Smith-9th St station on the F & G lines have some very good views of lower Manhattan.

Photography in the Subway is quite legal. just be aware of the rules of 1050.9 (3):

"3. Photography, filming or video recording in any facility or conveyance is permitted except that ancillary equipment such as lights, reflectors or tripods may not be used. Members of the press holding valid identification issued by the New York City Police Department are hereby authorized to use necessary ancillary equipment. All photographic activity must be conducted in accordance with the provisions of this Part."

Suggestion: go to the MTA website and then highlight and print section 1050.9 parts 1 - 8 and carry it with you. Don't just copy and paste it into a blank page as you want to have the URL and date that would normally print when you print from a webpage. That will help if some wiseguy says that you typed it yourself and that the rules have changed.

http://www.mta.info/nyct/rules/rules.htm#restricted


Also review and print out NYPD operations order 14 as described in this thread:
http://railroad.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=68&t=61757

Above all, have identification with you and show it when asked by a police officer. Be courteous and don't get into an arguement with a transit employee who insists that photography is illegal (it isn't worth it). It is easier to walk away and them come back.

[frank754]

Here are a few shots I took of the sites you mentioned, NYC is a great photo opportunity, I never had trouble (but be careful on PATH, it's illegal there)'

http://viewoftheblue.com/photography/nyc2009_4.html

More at:
http://viewoftheblue.com/photography/
under transit, but there are probably close to 100,000 on the web, best site:
http://www.nycsubway.org/