Photo Policy

Get in, get a shot or 2, then move to another location.


thats the only way we can successfully railfan with out getting nailed. odds are that if you dont make a pattern. if MTAPD is called they will always be one stop behind you.

how ever ther is not law or provissions that i know of that states that its a crime to carry non conciled immage captureing divices on trains of any kind.

so that cndr in my above post, was clearly out of hand.

I don't believe in 'guerilla railfanning' like that. I haven't railfanned LIRR, but I've taken pictures on the MBTA commuter rail and Metro-North in recent years and haven't had any problems. I'll usually stay at one location long enough to get a few photos, then move on to the next location. And I keep my camera around my neck the whole time. I'd rather train crews and passengers know what I'm doing - sneaking your camera out only looks suspicious.

JD

I still say that those of you who are questioned by the cops or are called in are doing something stupid that requires the attention of the authorities.

Here's my question:

How come I can stand on the center platform in Ronkonkoma in the middle of the day with a scanner on my waist and a video camera around my neck standing no more than 50 feet from several MTA officers and not be hassled, but some here, not to mention names, always have cops shadowing them and tapping them on the shoulder every time they breath, and them arguing with them over what they are doing?

There is no photo policy yet that I am aware of, but it is the few out there that will ruin it for the rest of us.

I've taken pictures of LIRR trains and equipment for years, and I was only approached by the police once -- a MTA PD Sargeant came and asked me a few questions when I was photographing the "new" (at the time they only had 1 set in revenue service) M7 at FBA.

It was dark on the platform and from where he was at, I don't think he was able to figure out what I was doing. He came over, asked me what I was doing, I explained ("taking pictures of new equipment"), and he was on his merry way.

I don't think there is a policy, and I don't think you're going to be hassled unless you're somewhere you're not supposed to be or doing something that is dangerous (like climbing on the equipment). Be safe and be nice and the chances of being hassled by "the man" are slim.

Nester

I'm with Railbus63 on this one. Those here who have railfanned with me in the past know my style. I wear it all out there. My camera, camera bag, and other stuff. I make sure not to block the platform though or create any hazardous situation.

Running, taking a pic, then running off only looks more suspicious. Even I'd be concearned if I saw someone I didn't know doing that.


"I still say that those of you who are questioned by the cops or are called in are doing something stupid that requires the attention of the authorities. "

Do you really want to start shit now? That is really a pathetic assumption with no basis. I NEVER do anything so stupid as to warrent the attention of authorities when railfanning. I don't even think Long Island 7285 is that stupid(sorry for the semi-put down man!)


Why is it that it doesn't happen to you? I don't know. I've also taken photos right in front of cops and they did nothing, but other times they have done something. I guess it's just the luck, or lack thereof, of the draw.

And the only reason I challenge them is because I am trying to enjoy my LEGAL hobby that is not causing any problems for anyone. They are telling me something is illegal when I, just as well as anyone else here knows, that it is NOT illegal. I don't start shit with people who say they are concearned. I tell them I understand and appreciate their being conscious about what's going on in the world today. It's when people freak out or tell me something is illegal that I will challenge them.

im getting back to this too dam late, i was tried to post eariler today, but could not get loged in.

what i mean, is that i would go to one location spend some quality time there, watch several trains come by, then move to another location, not just run up get a shot n move on, that looks too suspisous and not worth pulling off, its not enjoyable. i can usally man one location for 5-10 trains depending on the time of day and the loose finger on the radio button thats manning a typical train.

i usally stay put till i here them call me in, then i make a move. casually so it dont attract attention. i have a good 10-15 mins in some places to get out, others i need to book-it because cops might be near by.

the objective it to go in get you pics at location A for as long as possible with out getting tagged for loitering or called in for photography. 1 call = me moving ASAP to my new spot. I found it to work out as long as your not dumb enough to make it a pattern.

I always carry this with me and never have any problems....

http://www.krages.com/phoright.htm (Scroll down to the bottom)

I understand the LIRR Public Affairs Department did answer one inquiry about photography last week sending a letter stating that it is okay to photograph public areas, trains, etc.

Perhaps a note addressed to them, stating you are a professional photographer or college student working on a politically correct photo shoot (moms working for socialist causes, illegal aliens helping others, etc.) may get you a similar response.

I'd avoid any mention of railfan, buff and that stuff.

Clem

Awww, I just wave at the engineer as he goes by.. and always monitor his frequency, but have never heard anything about myself on it.. but I have been harrassed a bit at JFK in the parking lot with a camera, and my son in laws' PBA card didn't help much.. They are uninformed and running scared..., at least in the NYC area. Recently in the news was an item about the NYC police comm saying sumpin about not arresting tourists and going back on his photo prohibition which, i believe, was the cause of the trouble in the beginning. .. BTW dont argue, protest, discuss
you pick up your marbles and leave.......wanna be a lawyer, find a courtroom....and take HIS photo? never, never ,never, it is an agressive act, and you had better know what a model release is before you do anything with it [I don't].... fools rush in applys here . k2lck

Do what you want. I'm still not going to back down.