Railroad Track photos, how do you decline, or do you?

[ddphotography]

I have a client whose daughter is set on having some of her Seniors taken on railroad tracks, it is my preference not to chance a high $$ fine or going to jail to do a couple shots on some metal tracks. I really don't want to lose the shoot, she has said she will either do them herself or find another photog who will, the though of either scares me.
So what would you do? Go ahead and do it, and HOPE you don't get caught or just say its against your policy and have them go on and get someone else to do it?
These are friends of ours, but I really don't want to compromise my integrity on this.. does that make sense?

[mom2aidan]

i didnt know it was against the law to do that on tracks...just find some that aren't in use anymore

[jdwme]

railroad museums come to mind for photos like that

[Hogleg 44]

Go to Grapevine!!! By all means. Shoot some at the RR Station there. It is highly unlikely that anyone will say anything to you. They love tourists in Grapevine. Just don't abuse the privilege.

[bondarnes]

Originally Posted by mom2aidan

i didnt know it was against the law to do that on tracks...just find some that aren't in use anymore

It doesn't matter if they are used or not, if they are still railroad property there are some special laws with very stiff penalties for trespassing on railroad property.

[bigjon0107]

I would go with your gut, if you are worried about a shoot, dont take it. Plus, you want to concentrate your attention to shooting, not worry about the "what if" of what you are doing

[carrbowl]

I would think it's a personal choice and more of a moral/ethical choice...like speeding...sometimes you do it..doesn't make it any less of a wrong...I'm sure she doesn't care, but do her parents knowyou might get fined for taking the photo??

[Bartman01]

What about going to the railroad and asking permission?

[CaptainTom]

Go to the stockyards in Ft. Worth. The tracks run right through the shopping area. Unless there is a train there, you would be welcome at any time of day or night. It is covered, so some sort of auxillary lighting will be needed.

[Teddington]

Wasn't there a thread a few weeks ago about some abandoned tracks east of 75 in the McKinney/Allen area? I'm not sure how to search or which forum but I remember reading it. I'll see if I can find it.

[ddphotography]

Originally Posted by carrbowl

I would think it's a personal choice and more of a moral/ethical choice...like speeding...sometimes you do it..doesn't make it any less of a wrong...I'm sure she doesn't care, but do her parents knowyou might get fined for taking the photo??

yes, it was the mother that was upset that I wouldn't do it...

[SCone]

Possible tracks for pics, check them out first to see if they fit your needs.

Fairpark Railroad Museum
Texas State Railroad
Ft Worth Stockyards
Local company with a railroad siding on it's property

Or just take the shots where the tracks cross the street

[brad]

Find a siding that's rarely used and find out who owns it. Often, you can ask permission and get it. The side benefit is they'll also tell you if there are any trains scheduled.

[carrbowl]

Originally Posted by ddphotography

yes, it was the mother that was upset that I wouldn't do it...

Well so much for getting the parents on your side to follow the rules!!! Guess whatever little suzie wwants.....???

[ddphotography]

Steve, thank you for the suggestions, however I am further north than Ft Worth... we do have a railroad museum here so I will call them tommorow and see what I can get permission to do...