I've read many of the recent posts on various threads on photo lines. There are some valid points on both sides. We all have been guilty over the years of fouling up someone else's picture, but I've also picked a photo spot, hiked up a hill, sat and waited, only to have a flurry of vehicles race in with a cloud of dust, grab their photo in front of me, and leave in another cloud of dust.
It used to be pretty expensive to shoot film (still or movie), but today's digital media does allow one to shoot an almost limitless amount of photos/video at minimum cost. I still find myself not shooting as many photos as I should. I've also gotten some of my best photos by accident, bad weather, chance, odd lighting or unusual conditions providing something much more than the 3/4 wedge shot or runby. DO realize that every shot will not be perfect, and even the most reserved shooter will only find maybe 1 in 50 that just happens to have lighting, composition and such all come together as they wish. I'm not sure about those who will shoot 50 shots of the same runby will necessarily get that magic shot.
There will always be those professional freeloaders (one who is as much a talented photographer as a jackass comes to mind) that you have to learn how to ignore. But, those who pay to ride a photo train should not expect 100% exclusivity, but they must be given some kind of unique opportunities since they are helping pay the bills. Public property is just that, open to the public. But public property can be closed for filming, so if it gets too far out of hand maybe a filming permit enforced by the local sheriff is a possible alternative (with associated costs). There are some instances where the railroad itself (public or private) can limit access. If a freeloader hikes down the railroad right of way to access a isolated photo location - aren't they trespassing?
There will always seem to be freeloaders, but also rabid foamers who are paying participants that expect everyone to stay out of their way because they need to post their photos to the web or get them published.
Rather than continue to flame, maybe a list of the photo line etiquette top 10 needs to be created. My start - edit and add as you wish:
1. Be courteous to others and hopefully it will be returned in kind. Realize that every shot will not be perfect.
2. If you are not a paying participant, then use some common courtesy and give priority to those paying when photographing the train from public property. If possible, buy a chaser's ticket, and if they are not available make a donation to the sponsoring organization. Realize that the person you think is just a freeloader may have spent days contributing to the train you are photographing.
3. Don't get ahead of the photo line. Realize that some may be also trying for a going away shot. After selecting your spot, look behind you to be sure you aren't inadvertently blocking someone else.
4. Don't expect to keep your preferred photo position, even if you claimed it first, if it prevents others from any chance of a decent shot. Give others a chance at the same shot.
5. Remember that some may be shooting video or recording sound. Position yourself far enough way so that your shutter or movements won't be picked up by them. Once the runby whistles off, it's all quiet until it's out of sight or stopped. (Watch for tablets or new DSLRs that can shoot video.)
6-7 - what else?
8. Charter operators - When possible, be sure that your paying supporters deserve to get some exclusivity. When possible, restrict public access to freeloaders and find photo locations in isolated areas or arrange for them on private property.
9. No drones unless the charter sponsor has allowed them and set the guidelines for their use. Those not following rule 9 may expect to have their drones brought down by a flurry of birdshot, rocks and insults.
10. Chill out - have fun. It's just a hobby.
Let's be part of the 95% that respect each other and have fun! The others, well, karma will get them some day ...
