APPARENT TRESPASSING FOR PHOTO SHOOTS
Based on website views of North Carolina professional photographers' online portfolios by North Carolina Operation Lifesaver's volunteers and other safety-conscious individuals across North Carolina, we have confirmed the existence of at least a dozen professional photographers who have, at some point in time, taken pictures of persons trespassing on railroad tracks and/or property. If you are a potential client of any photographer, please do not ask for or agree to railroad tracks, bridges or other railroad property as your photo shoot location. Your life could be at risk!
Message to Photographers:
Trespassing on railroad property is illegal and both you and your clients are subject to arrest by local, state or railroad police. The penalty is a Class 3 Misdemeanor as stated in NC General Statute 14-280.1
This anti-trespassing message is supported by Professional Photographers of North Carolina and Rangefinder magazine:
Quote by Jacqueline Tobin, Editor-in-chief, Rangefinder magazine, January 15, 2015
"We want to make clear that Rangefinder does not, in any way, condone the practice of photographing subjects on train tracks. It is dangerous and irresponsible and has proven to be fatal.....we simply want our readers and our staff to be more aware of why this type of shoot can’t happen again anywhere (or with anyone). "
Download full article "Why You Should Never, EVER Photograph Subjects on Railroad Tracks"
Trespassing on railroad property is illegal and both you and your clients are subject to arrest by local, state or railroad police. The penalty is a Class 3 Misdemeanor as stated in NC General Statute 14-280.1
This anti-trespassing message is supported by Professional Photographers of North Carolina and Rangefinder magazine:
Quote by Jacqueline Tobin, Editor-in-chief, Rangefinder magazine, January 15, 2015
"We want to make clear that Rangefinder does not, in any way, condone the practice of photographing subjects on train tracks. It is dangerous and irresponsible and has proven to be fatal.....we simply want our readers and our staff to be more aware of why this type of shoot can’t happen again anywhere (or with anyone). "
Download full article "Why You Should Never, EVER Photograph Subjects on Railroad Tracks"
Message to NCOL Volunteers: Please let NCOL know if you come across any railroad backdrop pictures that suggest either the photographer or the photographer and his/her clients were trespassing at the time the picture was taken, and provide a link to the photographer's website or Facebook page.
NCOL is serious about curtailing this unsafe and illegal practice.
NCOL is serious about curtailing this unsafe and illegal practice.