Security, photography, and railfanning in Post 9/11 America

The major impact of Sept 11th on the American Railfan has been the increased security designed to prevent terror attacks in the future. This security has led to an increased awareness by law enforcement to persons spending time around transportation infrastructure, places such as railroads, airports, ports, etc...


Many a photographer has bemoaned the new security measures closing off past favorite railfanning locations, rules against photography at train stations, and even questioning by law enforcement. Many of these railfans are quick to blame authorities and shout LOUDLY at times about their rights and the coming police state.

However, railfans are not immune to breaking laws in pursuit of their hobby. Many (but not all) railfans have been known to tresspass in order to get "the shot" that they want. This might be crossing the tracks to get to the right angle for the sun, driving past "no tresspassing" signs into railyards, etc...

The railroads including Amtrak are taking 9/11 seriously!

So who is right in the post 9/11 world?

Do some law enforcement "professionals" or railroad employees overstep their bounds when dealing with photographers? Of course.

Do some photographers get "overworked" about their rights when Law Enforcement asks what they are doing? Yep.

BUT, If, or when, an attack occurs against America's railroads more people are going to say, "Why didn't we do more to protect the tracks and trains?" These were the same questions that were asked about airport security after 9/11 and led to the creation of the TSA and all the hassles we go through to fly now.

Just my thoughts. I'd love to hear your opinions.

Be sure to check out the rest of my photography at http://genebowker.com/

9/11 is a day for remembering not hate.

Bluefield Shops, originally uploaded by Gene Bowker.

Tomorrow marks the 9th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, DC.

It serves as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the attacks and also to the public servants who lost their lives trying to save victims.

Much like Pearl Harbor or the JFK murder every American remembers where they were when they first heard the news about September 11th .

The flag in this photo reminds me of the months following 9/11 when everywhere you went there were flags flying from homes, flag stickers on cars and a genuine attitude of patriotism.

That spirit of American oneness is not the same spirit that drives the ideas of burning Korans or other acts of stupidity which do nothing but stoke the flames of hatred.

Instead of protesting 9/11 should be a day to celebrate the American spirit of resilance against attack and remember those who have died in the cause of freedom.