Spoon-fed locations

I've noticed that a large number of linesiders request location information on specific lines they intend to visit, either on the forum or via PM. While there is nothing wrong with this, as it makes the visit more likely to be productive, thereby justifying the travel expenses, I wonder if it is in the best interests of our hobby?

Presumably, if we all use 'location guides' and directions from other photters, then we'll all tend to end up in the same places. For me, one of the most enjoyable aspects of the hobby is seeking out locations - both trying to find new ones and trying to work out where a classic image you've seen was taken so you can recreate something similar. However, I've lost count of the number of times I've looked at a map, tried to work out where a location was, only to find it wasn't where I thought it was, but in doing the legwork I've found another decent location. Equally, sometimes I'll turn up and find there's no shot at all, so you can't win them all.

I'd be interested to know how many of us prioritise seeking out new locations vs. just heading to a 'safe' place we've seen on 'fotopic', or in the magazines? If visiting a new line, is your first thought to get out the map, have a look at google earth, work out where looks promising and go and do some legwork, or are you straight onto fotopic to see what other's have done? Do you ever visit lines when nothing is running just to scout for locations? I'd be interested to hear your thoughts / views.

 

And me. I use OS maps and google earth, and I still use the gradient profiles that were given away free in the RM about ten years ago. Another good idea on a first visit is to do a full round trip on the line, leaning out of the window. I have found some good spots that way.

 

While i don't entirely disagree with your premise, i know for myself only at least, the amount i spend to get to an event in the UK coming from Canada for an event means that i often ask around on forums or via email/PM about places i have seen great photos from or where good locations are, partially because i have never been to the lines before in some cases (ie SSS2 in Llangollen in April), and partially, because often when i have been to lines, i have not had an opportunity to have enough time there to get out and explore at the great risk of getting nothing looking for locations.

I know for myself personally, while i would much rather do what i do here at home when shooting rail traffic, and just go out and look for interesting locations, i can't always afford to do that at the risk of getting to a "known" location and getting a solid shot. There is nothing worse than going on a long and expensive trip and getting nothing photographically speaking!!

My personal approach to location hunting in the UK at least, is to look at Google Earth/Ordinance Survey Mapping of the line, look for places that might be good, as well as search through Flickr/Fotopic for others who regularly photograph the line and see where the "solid" locations are that there is a good chance of getting a decent shot at. Then i start plotting out routes to get to locations, looking for footpaths, walkways, roads, anywhere that might lead to an interesting shot that i feel i can get to given my stamina and level of physical fitness (don't have the desire to take big risks and get hurt/sick unnecessarily while travelling). Obviously, i never visit anywhere in the UK to scout when trains are not running, that wouldn't be particularly cost effective for me!!!

 

Both are good points. I remember travelling the West Highland Line a few years back, and quickly discovered that the southern section was a 'green tunnel' - saved a good deal of wasted legwork. However, they've recently started cutting back some of the trees, so another trip may be a good idea - I can think of worse journeys to make ;-) Also, I'm constantly amazed how many people (not so much on NatPres) head out to photograph mainline steam on a downhill section and then wonder why their pictures and experience of the event are lacking. The gradient profile book lives in my camera bag! Another suggestion I'd make is to do your scouting during the winter months. It's much easier to see potential shots when the leaves are off the trees, it's cooler for walking, and you don't have to trudge through all the stinging nettles, bracken, etc.

 

Also good points, and obviously cost / distance travelled makes a difference, but personally speaking, I probably enjoy the exploration as much as the photography, so I don't feel bad if I come away with very little in the way of good photographs on a first visit to a line - I'm just as happy if I come back with a long list of locations I'd like to go back to. I do use the web / magazines to get an idea of where is good, and I'd say I use it for two reasons: 1) to get an idea of the general topography of different lines/areas and how tree'd they are and 2) to see where the 'classic' shots are. In general, I try and go to a mix of 'classic' locations and places I've searched out. I definitely get more satisfaction from taking images I've not seen before, than I do from standing in a group of 100+ at Birkett or Ais Gill - the classics are almost a last resort. However, I don't mind doing them from time-to-time, as many are fantastic places to view trains. I suspect there are very few locations (at least in the UK) that have never been done before, but if I haven't seen an image there, then as far as I'm concerned it's new to me.

 

I've asked for info twice on this forum and been really pleased with the response. It's the way to go if I'm visiting somewhere for the first time on a limited clock! Otherwise, I use maps and Google earth and try to find something a little different to the gallery.

 

I use Multimap because it has OS maps. It also has Birds Eye view which allows you to view a location from NSE&W from a high angle. Google street view is good too as you can see what bridges and walls are like, and if you need a ladder or not. Also good for finding parking.
With all of this and despite preparations made before leaving, I have often ended up finding no good location with minutes to spare before the train is due. Other times I find locations suitable only to find a gang of photographers there already. There is nothing wrong with standing next to them, nor finding other locations where nobody is around. Personal preference. But I have to say baging a smashing photo with nobody else around is great... but there is nobody around to hi-five & celebrate with!.. except my dog. (wag wag)

 

I have mentioned this site I use on another thread and it seemed to be well recieved.It a split screen with satelite view one side and OS the other.

http://wtp2.appspot.com/wheresthepath.htm

This is a link to a bridge I was looking at for Tangmere tomorrow on the Cathedrals to Exeter,not sure if it will come out at exactly the spot I want but it will give you an idea.

Planning a day out is part of the fun for me,I love getting the gradient profiles out and finding a bridge out in the middle of nowhere.You cant always tell exactly what its like,ie trees etc but its a good start.