National Camera Day!
June 28, 2023
National Camera Day is Thursday, June 29 and we want to take this opportunity to remind you that tracks are for trains - not photo shoots.
SEPTA welcomes photographers and videographers who safely take photos or video of the Authority's vehicles and stations.
There's something about the rails that draws photographers and videographers - professional and amateur - looking for that beautiful backdrop. But when it comes to train tracks - there is no picture-perfect setting. In fact - if you take photos or shoot video on the tracks, that picture or film might be the last footage you take. According to a study by Priceonomics - railroad tracks are the world's third most deadly place to take selfies. We don't know about you - but we don't believe any photo is worth your life.
Entering the track area for any reason is not only dangerous but it's also illegal - it's trespassing. Engineers are not expecting trespassers to be in the train's right-of-way - a.k.a. the tracks. Even if an engineer sees a trespasser on the tracks - the train cannot come to an immediate stop. There's no slamming on the brakes or swerving out of the way.
No one should ever assume that there is a time when tracks are completely clear of train traffic. A train can come on any track at any time in any direction. The majority of train-related incidents are preventable - it's called staying off the tracks.
Taking photos and video on platforms can also be dangerous. Tripods can be tripping hazards to passengers entering and exiting trains. And lights on cameras and flashes can also be a distraction to or momentarily blind engineers.
For information on SEPTA's film and video policy and shooting photos and video - click here to learn more.
