Photo by David Bartus: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-standing-on-railroad-983197/

While compiling my list of best locations for senior photos in Austin, TX I rediscovered my distaste for photographers using train tracks for photoshoots.

Train tracks should NEVER be on the location list for a photoshoot.

Why?

Short answer: It is not only illegal, it is SO dangerous to take pictures on train tracks.

Long answer:

Railroad tracks are private property! In Texas, if you are caught on railroad tracks you could be convicted of “Interference with Railroad Property,” “punished as a Class C misdemeanor, with a maximum possible fine under Texas state law of up to $500.”
Trains are super heavy and can’t stop quickly. “A train traveling at 55 miles per hour can take more than a mile to stop.”
There is not a train schedule set schedule so you can’t just plan to avoid them.
You may not hear a train coming in time. “Despite their size, trains are relatively quiet and do not always sound warning horns when approaching a crossing.”
Trains hang over the tracks by at least three feet, sometimes even more. So even when you’re not standing directly on the tracks you are still in danger.

Photo by Ruslan Zzaebok: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-walking-on-road-1277110/

This information is still very relevant today. “Nationally, more than 500 trespass fatalities occur each year.” In May 2024, a model Cinthya Nayeli Higareda Bermejo, died in Mexico because she was posing too close to a passing train when her clothing caught on the train as it sped by.

If the short or long answer isn’t enough to convince you, I’ll leave you with one last reason to stay the heck away from train tracks. Train track photos are SO overdone and uninventive. During your session with me, I’ll take you to locations where the scenery doesn’t overpower you; it compliments you, and there’s no risk of a misdemeanor!

Train Track Photoshoot? - Heck NO!

Best Locations for Senior Pictures in Austin, TX.