Here's the thing.... I'm not going to go into crazy detail over this. There are about a million and one sites that give you all the information that you could need on this subject. But I am going to divulge a bit because quite frankly it breaks my heart every time I see it.

So here are my reason why not to shoot on train tracks.....

It's dangerous....Like crazy dangerous. Trains cannot stop quickly. And they cannot see you from far away. And even though you think you can hear the train a lot of times the train is already upon you by the time you hear it so jumping out of the way won't work so well considering most trains hangover about 3 feet from the tracks.

It's illegal....Like seriously illegal...like in the sense that you and your clients could be fined a ton of money. It's considered trespassing. I read once about it being compared to me just walking onto some random person's property with my clients to take my clients pictures because well I liked the property. Sure that is extreme but that is exactly what you are doing. I'm pretty sure I would be considered trespassing for this just as I would be shooting on tracks. This goes for abandoned tracks as well....my understanding is even if the tracks fall on property that you own it is still trespassing. Oh and did I mention it is dangerous? ( Here is the website where I read about the comparison.)

And it sets a bad example....Like ridiculously bad.  I saw this weekend a beautiful family...on the railroad tracks at my favorite park. They hopped on up there after a train past by (so they knew it was active) and continued to have their beautiful children photographed. I don't know about the rest of the parents out there but I know my 5 year old imitates everything that I do...Good and bad. I for sure do not want her to think railroad tracks are a cool place to hang out because mommy and daddy did it once. Or because they see that "cool" picture hanging in our house of the whole family playing on the tracks....which leads to my next point....It's unnecessary....There are plenty of ways to get cool leading lines in your images without using tracks...think trails...bridges, alleys etc. There are so many amazingly cool, amazingly safe and amazingly legal places that you can go.

I'll bring it full circle and repeat myself that it is illegal, it is dangerous and it is setting a poor example. I teach my kids that they cannot even step into someones "garden" never mind onto someones railroad tracks. It's unnecessary and can cause undue harm to someone.

So this is why it breaks my heart. We are teaching our kids (and our fellow new photographers) that doing this illegal thing is cool and awesome and will get you totally amazing images. In my opinion it's just not worth it and I will continue to stand that ground. So please....help me spread the word about this very important topic...and please do not shoot on tracks or allow your family to be captured on tracks. Stand with me to set a good example. Lets be great role models for our community!!!

Here is a site that is working hard to spread the word and improve rail safety.... Operation Lifesaver

And because I can't leave you without a beautiful image...Here is my beautiful girl...Right by those same tracks I saw a beautiful family being captured on...The only difference...My girl was safe...

I absolutely adore watching families grow. I'll never be able to explain it but the new love that a baby brings is incredible. It amazes me how this new little person, that no one has met yet... is so incredible loved. Never ceases to amaze me and it brings me back each time to my own babies.

This beautiful family and I were totally running from the rain. We had to cancel the day before due to all this yucky Florida rain we've been having and they were kind enough to agree to meet me just before sunset the next day...Where we still we're running from the rain... It was actually raining in the very last image :)

Watching these sweet babies grow is such a treat. There really aren't too many jobs out there where you get to do this. Seeing their personalities blossom....seeing the family blossom and grow more in love each time I see them....Truly amazing. I can hardly believe this sweet little lady is already 6 months. Gahhhh is she gorgeous. Thank you mom and dad for trusting me with your sweet girls first year!

I've been slacking a bit in the blogging department. I just kind of gets put on the back burner and then well I play catch up (and let me tell you I have a lot of catching up to do ;)). I had to share this beautiful session though. I'm getting ready to meet this precious boy but his mama's maternity session was just so much fun. I can't wait to see these two as mom and dad. I've said it before and I'll say it again...There is absolutely nothing like watching a man and woman become parents for the first time. So much awe and wonder. It's the coolest thing. Congratulations D Family! Can't wait to meet the little man!

Meet Patrick. It was such a treat to snuggle this sweet boy. And the hair?!? Seriously the hair...I die. He is pure perfection. You first met Patrick from his mommy and daddy's maternity shoot here. I seriously adored working with this beautiful family. It is so much fun watching parents become parents for the first time. There really is nothing like it. And the way a new mom or dad looks at their new addition (whether it's their first or their 15th baby) is amazing. AMAZING. Thank you so much for allowing me to be part of this time in your lives :). I wish you many continued blessings.


PS: Be sure to check out his mommy's awesome blog here
She has been the wonderful blogger over at 40 Weeks with Me which is sponsored by  Winter Park Memorial Hospital a Florida Hospital . So cool :)  

Meet Jaxson. He was pure perfection. His sweet little features and calm personality really stole my heart. He was an absolute gem for his session and even let me steal a few snuggles (aren't those the best!?!). Mom and dad have a beautiful home on a beautiful piece of property...Fingers crossed they'll bring me back for some sunset shotss on their land (Hint hint! :)) Thank you for allowing me to meet your sweet new addition. Wish you many more blessings!!

 (PS...there's a lot of images because quite frankly he's so ridiculously cute I just can't help but share!)