RSS FeedPreparing for a Railfan Photography Trip
by Aaron Hockley
As I am currently preparing for a weekend photography trip, it occurred to me that it might be interesting to post some of my checklist and see what other folks do to prepare. Here are the things I consider and prepare when venturing out to take photos:
- Charge things. Camera, radio, cell phone, and any other electronic gadgets.
- If spending the night, pack those chargers into the duffel bag / suitcase.
- Find radio frequencies. Look up the radio frequencies for any rail lines in the area and be sure those frequencies are available on my radio. It’s nice to have a radio that can store all of the AAR channels so you don’t have to worry about reprogramming things when you go to a new area.
- Prepare your information. Maps, timetables, lineups, or other material that will help you spend more time shooting and less time wondering.
- Pack for the weather. Not really railfanning-specific, but smart nonetheless. You’ll want to have appropriate clothing.
- Bring along your paperwork for hotel confirmations, airline e-tickets, etc.
- Clean camera equipment. Any sensor dust that needs to be removed? How are your lenses looking? It’s a lot easier to clean things in a calm room at home than on the road.
- Pack food for lunches. There’s no sense in interrupting your photography to drive to town and eat some fast food. Pack some nonperishable items that can be eaten trackside throughout the day.
What do you think? Are there other things you do to prepare? Please leave a comment and share…
July 29th, 2007 at 1:51 am
I always make sure to prep all of my logistics. Since I generally never step foot in a car, even a rental when I go on a trip I always have to make sure I know if a transit system is reliable where I am going, where I will be going on the transit system, and who I will be meeting.
In addition since I often go to large cities, that have those fun places (re: crime ridden areas) I generally tend to find out what the statistics are, which and who are the troublemakers, and thus either avoid those ares, or know where and how to avoid certain areas. I then “pack” accordingly.
July 29th, 2007 at 4:10 pm
A few other things I take, especially for any place out in the country:
Water, pocket knife, matches, toilet paper. Be prepared, guys.
CVM
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August 4th, 2007 at 9:57 am
Water, water, water. I always seem to get quite parched on railfanning adventures. The excitement of the chase maybe? I would add the list appropriate shower kit including sunscreen and bug spray. On #5 I would also suggest actually remembering to place all of those objects into the bag you are taking :-).