SOUTHERN STEAM PHOTOS

This page covers operations on just two UK Museum LInes, and in 2007. From 2008 Museum Lines' steam action is included within the main section of photos Bluebell Railway 2007 Mid Hants Railway 2007 About my photography I've updated this page to provide some answers to the "photgraphic location police", (a very few other steam photographers), who have taken a close interest in where I stand to take my railway photographs as posted on this web site! I would say first of all that I've never encountered such "police" before as both in South Africa and Germany, (where the vast amount of my railway hobby time has been spent since BR steam ended), I understand the law regarding railways to be different to the UK. In as much it seems to be the responsibility of the public to keep away from dangerous parts of railways. Rather than in the UK where the railways have a prime responsibility to keep the public safely away. Despite the fact that I have enjoyed the facility overseas to choose many photographic locations based on common sense as well as safety to myself and to any others watching me, (ie young children etc), I have not brought those practices to my re-discovered UK railway photography. I stick by the rules set down in the UK. Staying the public side of the railway fences. That will change a little when I purchase a Bluebell Railway lineside permit; when of course I will comply with the conditions of those permits. So how do I get some of the photos I have posted that seem to show I am standing inside the railway fence? Quite simple really. My 7 megapix Fuji S5700, ( I haven't and indeed may not bother to upgrade to a full digital SLR), has a ten times optical zoom facility that can get me very close to the action. At that level of zoom I rely on a small folded towel to force the Fuji down onto to keep it stable. Almost always using a bridge parapet or a post on the railway fence. So to get those photos I have to be outside of the forbidden areas! Additionally I use Paint Shop Pro v8 to crop the resulting photos which I have taken on the finest settings specifically to allow that. I have confined the above words to my "preservedlines" page as that is where these self appointed "police" have directed their comments. But those words apply equally to when I am photographing main line steam. And how do I find the vast majority of other lineside steam photographers in the UK after my long time standing shoulder to shoulder with, (mainly), German photographers? Quite wonderful. Incredibly friendly and as helpful people with information on all aspects of the hobby as anyone could ever hope to encounter. I guess having posted the above an E Mail contact point would be a useful addition here! Bryan Benn, (webmaster), August 2007, (Updated November 2007) All photos are copyright Bryan Benn. If anyone wants to use one please contact me first. Except for any preserved railway who have an open invitation to use any of my modest offerings for any purpose that directly helps that railway without asking me, (but please do ask if you want a larger version of the photo).