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Union Pacific clarifies photo policy
Three cheers for UP for graciously nipping rumors of a “crackdown” in the bud!
This post editorial clarification is timely inasmuch as concurrently they are encouraging photography of the road with prizes involved to celebrate their anniversary. To those who do not pursue this issue this seems like a contradictory stance that could create a potential perfect storm situation, which could also attract non rail fans who are unfamiliar with either common sense or safety considerations or both. It still is somewhat worrisome as to how well conveyed this message is outside of this article.
I wondered why recently when I was questioned by a CSX detective that after asking my name the only question he had was do I have any pictures on the internet or videos posted anywhere. I guess I know now.
I am a professional railroad photographer, a member of BNSF’s citizen’s rail watch program, and an Operation Lifesaver presenter. I abhor the actions of photographers who willfully trespass on railroad property and who put others and themselves at risk by standing on railroad tracks to get pictures. Their actions are plainly and simply stupid.
Then they turn around and drop the hammer on railfans again in a contest no less where they looking for submissions. The rules for UP 150 state that it’s illegal to be within 70’ of the tracks and only UP employees can take video/images on UP property, and then only with the permission of a director. Any video/images taken on OR NEAR UP property by the public will automatically be disqualified.
I have seen professional photographers take pictures like what they describe here at the old NC & StL depot in my home town. They are on and around cars and main line tracks.
Thanks for the clarification, Don, nicely done. The information was there for those taking the time to read carefully, but many of us did not take that necessary time and I appreciate you doing so for us…Happy New Year from Akron.
It’s sad that it is the1% that cause the headaches. During my career we found the professional photographers with students on bridges, railfans climbing signal poles, etc. Unless you are in a major terminal area there isn’t any rr with enough police that will be able to do a crack down anywhere.
This is indeed good news. I am very glad someone with the right mindset as corrected the attitude at UP.
Regarding the high school fad, recently a friend and I were safely photographing ACELA’s in Connecticut. I saw two teenage girls pass me. Soon my buddy was gesticulating, I turned around and saw the two girls posing and photographing IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GAUGE OF THE NEC. I started yelling and got them to move. 3 minutes later, running slow, maybe 40 MPH because of curve speed restrictions and limited sight distance, the next ACELA came through.
I cannot thank Don Phillips enough for being my representative on questions such as this. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
This is good that UP are making the effort to acknowledge railfans and clarify their intent. As a foreign railfan tour operator/escort, there is always the lingering doubt about where one can or cannot take photos, and what sort of problems will be encountered by over zealous law enforcement officers. Common sense appears to be winning over the knee jerk reactions of days gone by. “Two thumbs up” UP.
“Thank you” to Union Pacific and good news for responsible photographers.
Just a few years ago, “the old, hostile UP” was for real. But it seems that some rational adults took back the reins in Omaha about six years ago. And now, though we live in an era of litigiousness, much-heightened security concerns, and just a wee bit of paranoia, things are reasonably good for railfans who behave themselves.
If only this attitude would spread to some of the transit agencies. Speaking of passenger carriers, has Amtrak figured out how to balance its campaign for calendar photos with its fear of the people who take them?
I am with UP,we cannot second guess safety. Safety and property rights must be our first consideration.
UP now turning nice? Whats next? Flying monkeys?
Common sense on both sides of the issue always seems to work. But the bit about Professional Photogs taking grad photos on live action tracks, as described, really causes some headshaking: what were they thinking?
Vietnamchoochoo
Read the rules carefully. Only English-speaking American citizens need enter. All others please FO. Oh, the UP was built by non-citizen Chinese coolies??? TFB…their descendants can’t enter. Have it as an employee morale booster, fine…but the do this and do that push-around attitude I get from reading their site is certainly not PR friendly. The CPR will remain my fave RR, thank you.
UP’s position seems reasonable and I appreciate that they made a point in clarifying this for the railfan community.
Steve Mitchell
Yard Goat Images
The UP is being more than reasonable here, and the clarification is appreciated.
I think UP’s corporate attitude is great. I just hope it filters down to all their employees in the field, both in operations and in their police department.
On New Year’s Day, I was told by a BNSF trainman that I could not take pictures out the window of a Metra train. I complained about him and have gotten assurances from both Metra and BNSF that I can indeed do that.