Your Opinion Please

[Anonymous]

This could turn out to be a controversial topic. If so, please be considerate of other opinions that might differ from your own. Yes, we do live in a land of free speech, but MIND YOUR MANNERS.

Now the story so you can understand the question.

Today as I was leaving to go to the grocery store I heard a train horn. It wasn't the normal bland horn commonly used today -- something like a three chime. It sounded more like a 5 or 7 chime horn so I wanted to see what loco this horn was mounted on. I could hear the horn and knew if I didn't get somewhere that I could see it that I would miss it. The normal places I might go would make me miss the engine. I live close enough to the tracks to hear the horn, engines, and rumble of the cars but not close enought (because of hills, trees, houses) to see the tracks or trains. There is a dead end road that I thought I might drive down and see the train. The road dead ends just before the tracks but because of houses and trees on this road and by it I could only see a small part of the loco, not really enought to get a good look. (Now we start getting to the meat of the question.) There is a cemetery next to the road and next to the tracks. At this time all I was thinking about was getting a look at the loco. I couldn't see it from the road so I drove into the cemetary to try to find a spot where I could see it. Real close to the tracks was an area about 40 yards long
where you could see the tracks and a train if one were there. It was a nice quiet spot (no jokes here) and you could see the trains very well from here. It was a higher spot (just a little) with a gentle slope down to the tracks. All in all a pretty place. I thought to myself that it would make a nice spot to see and photograph trains. I did however notice that many shots might include the grave markers that were not flush with the ground. Now I bet some of you are getting the same thoughts I suddenly had. "Would this really be an appropriate spot from which to take pics of trains?" "If the shots didn't show the grave markers would it be appropriate?" (If they didn't most people would never know the photographer was standing in a cemetery.) "WOULD ANY PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN FROM THIS SPOT BE APPROPRIATE?"

Now I didn't have my camera and wasn't taking pics anyway. My first thoughts were "a nice place to take shots from" then all of a sudden I felt uneasy about the idea. I have much respect for the dead and still pull over for a funeral procession (where and when appropriate).

After just a little thought I decided I wouldn't use that spot. But I woundered how many might or would?

I really don't feel it is an appropriate spot to use for photography of trains. Does anyone have a different opinion on this subject? WOULD YOU USE IT?

Let's hear your comments.

Changing the tone of this new thread.
A story you should like.

I read in one of the monthly newsletters I used to receive (from train organizations I belonged to) that one of the MO PAC workers had passed on and his funeral was at this same cemetery. (This was many, many years ago.)
During the gravesite service a lone MOPAC engine ran light on the trackage next to the cemetery. It reverently stopped near the service and remained quiet and patiently waited for the end of the service. As the service ended (just like the engine knew) it sounded the horn and called in the flagman. (Man typing this story has touched this 'ole softie and I had to stop and get a Kleenex--I REALLY DID.) As the mourners left the engine reverently and slowly left also, returning the same way it had come.

Now if the photo part of this posting has offended you I hope the second part has made up for it.

Sincerely yours,

Jim

[Anonymous]

This could turn out to be a controversial topic. If so, please be considerate of other opinions that might differ from your own. Yes, we do live in a land of free speech, but MIND YOUR MANNERS.

Now the story so you can understand the question.

Today as I was leaving to go to the grocery store I heard a train horn. It wasn't the normal bland horn commonly used today -- something like a three chime. It sounded more like a 5 or 7 chime horn so I wanted to see what loco this horn was mounted on. I could hear the horn and knew if I didn't get somewhere that I could see it that I would miss it. The normal places I might go would make me miss the engine. I live close enough to the tracks to hear the horn, engines, and rumble of the cars but not close enought (because of hills, trees, houses) to see the tracks or trains. There is a dead end road that I thought I might drive down and see the train. The road dead ends just before the tracks but because of houses and trees on this road and by it I could only see a small part of the loco, not really enought to get a good look. (Now we start getting to the meat of the question.) There is a cemetery next to the road and next to the tracks. At this time all I was thinking about was getting a look at the loco. I couldn't see it from the road so I drove into the cemetary to try to find a spot where I could see it. Real close to the tracks was an area about 40 yards long
where you could see the tracks and a train if one were there. It was a nice quiet spot (no jokes here) and you could see the trains very well from here. It was a higher spot (just a little) with a gentle slope down to the tracks. All in all a pretty place. I thought to myself that it would make a nice spot to see and photograph trains. I did however notice that many shots might include the grave markers that were not flush with the ground. Now I bet some of you are getting the same thoughts I suddenly had. "Would this really be an appropriate spot from which to take pics of trains?" "If the shots didn't show the grave markers would it be appropriate?" (If they didn't most people would never know the photographer was standing in a cemetery.) "WOULD ANY PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN FROM THIS SPOT BE APPROPRIATE?"

Now I didn't have my camera and wasn't taking pics anyway. My first thoughts were "a nice place to take shots from" then all of a sudden I felt uneasy about the idea. I have much respect for the dead and still pull over for a funeral procession (where and when appropriate).

After just a little thought I decided I wouldn't use that spot. But I woundered how many might or would?

I really don't feel it is an appropriate spot to use for photography of trains. Does anyone have a different opinion on this subject? WOULD YOU USE IT?

Let's hear your comments.

Changing the tone of this new thread.
A story you should like.

I read in one of the monthly newsletters I used to receive (from train organizations I belonged to) that one of the MO PAC workers had passed on and his funeral was at this same cemetery. (This was many, many years ago.)
During the gravesite service a lone MOPAC engine ran light on the trackage next to the cemetery. It reverently stopped near the service and remained quiet and patiently waited for the end of the service. As the service ended (just like the engine knew) it sounded the horn and called in the flagman. (Man typing this story has touched this 'ole softie and I had to stop and get a Kleenex--I REALLY DID.) As the mourners left the engine reverently and slowly left also, returning the same way it had come.

Now if the photo part of this posting has offended you I hope the second part has made up for it.

Sincerely yours,

Jim

[Trainnut484]

Jim,

I haven't seen any published or nonpublished train photos taken from cemetaries, but you might want to try taking night shots there. Halloween is coming up soon[:D].

You might catch something "interesting"[:0].

Seriously, if the names on the headstones don't show up in the picture, in respect for the deceased, I guess it would be okay.

Take care[:)]

Russell

[Trainnut484]

Jim,

I haven't seen any published or nonpublished train photos taken from cemetaries, but you might want to try taking night shots there. Halloween is coming up soon[:D].

You might catch something "interesting"[:0].

Seriously, if the names on the headstones don't show up in the picture, in respect for the deceased, I guess it would be okay.

Take care[:)]

Russell

[Nora]

I don't think it would be inappropriate to take a picture from that location in most instances. Of course, if there were a burial going on or someone visiting a grave in the immediate area, I would probably think twice. And I think I'd go there only if I knew a train was likely to be there soon; I wouldn't set up camp in the cemetery and wait for hours.

If I recall correctly, the graveyard where my brother (and dozens of my more distant relatives) is buried is very near the tracks. If I saw someone there taking a picture of a train (or whatever) it wouldn't bother me in the least, unless he/she were interfering with access to the graves, or littering, or something along those lines.

[Nora]

I don't think it would be inappropriate to take a picture from that location in most instances. Of course, if there were a burial going on or someone visiting a grave in the immediate area, I would probably think twice. And I think I'd go there only if I knew a train was likely to be there soon; I wouldn't set up camp in the cemetery and wait for hours.

If I recall correctly, the graveyard where my brother (and dozens of my more distant relatives) is buried is very near the tracks. If I saw someone there taking a picture of a train (or whatever) it wouldn't bother me in the least, unless he/she were interfering with access to the graves, or littering, or something along those lines.

[Anonymous]

I am kinda surprised so far by the comments. I figured people would be more against taking pictures there. Maybe I am just too old fashioned.

[Anonymous]

I am kinda surprised so far by the comments. I figured people would be more against taking pictures there. Maybe I am just too old fashioned.

[Anonymous]

Here's what i think Jim:
It's okay to take pictures there, as long as you try and keep the headstones out of the picture. As Nora said, i wouldn't take phtos if someone else is there. It just wouldn't look right.
BTW, we were on the same thread same time again 3rd time today.

[Anonymous]

Here's what i think Jim:
It's okay to take pictures there, as long as you try and keep the headstones out of the picture. As Nora said, i wouldn't take phtos if someone else is there. It just wouldn't look right.
BTW, we were on the same thread same time again 3rd time today.

[Anonymous]

I can see your point. I tend to agree with what the others have said though. I'm a Christian and do have great respect for the dead. However, I don't think that there is anything particularily disrespectful about taking pictures at this sight. In the book "Caboose" by Mike Schafer there is a photo which shows a very old cemetary (one of the markers has a death date of 1880) and in the background you see the end of a frieght train with a caboose on Vermont's Lamoille Valley Railroad. It's at the beginning of the chapter "The Caboose Falls From Grace", which covers the final years of cabooses. This is a very symbolic photo and stirs up a lot of emotions and I don't consider it offensive. I would try to not include any of the gravesites in your photos, though. As long as you don't disturb anything, I don't see a problem with it.

[Anonymous]

I can see your point. I tend to agree with what the others have said though. I'm a Christian and do have great respect for the dead. However, I don't think that there is anything particularily disrespectful about taking pictures at this sight. In the book "Caboose" by Mike Schafer there is a photo which shows a very old cemetary (one of the markers has a death date of 1880) and in the background you see the end of a frieght train with a caboose on Vermont's Lamoille Valley Railroad. It's at the beginning of the chapter "The Caboose Falls From Grace", which covers the final years of cabooses. This is a very symbolic photo and stirs up a lot of emotions and I don't consider it offensive. I would try to not include any of the gravesites in your photos, though. As long as you don't disturb anything, I don't see a problem with it.

[AltonFan]

I would have no problem with taking train pictures from a cemetery, or even showing headstones if it made a nice picture.

However, you might want to check at the cemetery office to see what they might say. The cemetery's owners might not feel the same way.

If one does take pictures in a cemetery, whether of trains, or tombstones, or nature, common sense and common decency are absolutely necessary. Do not disturb mourners or burial parties, do not interfere with groundskeepers, do not take recognizable photographs of people without their permission, no littering, no loud talking, no booze. Obey regulations if you know them. If asked to leave, or explain yourself, do so politely. If there are religious presecriptions (say, wearing a hat in a Jewish cemetery, and not going into a Jewish cemetery on Saturday or on Holy Days), observe them.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago posts signs in its cemeteries informing the visitor that the cemetery is an extension of the church, and that one should conduct oneself accordingly. Good policy for any human burial ground.

Oh, and one last thing - if your religious beliefs and conscience permit, say a prayer for those buried in the cemetery you visit.

[AltonFan]

I would have no problem with taking train pictures from a cemetery, or even showing headstones if it made a nice picture.

However, you might want to check at the cemetery office to see what they might say. The cemetery's owners might not feel the same way.

If one does take pictures in a cemetery, whether of trains, or tombstones, or nature, common sense and common decency are absolutely necessary. Do not disturb mourners or burial parties, do not interfere with groundskeepers, do not take recognizable photographs of people without their permission, no littering, no loud talking, no booze. Obey regulations if you know them. If asked to leave, or explain yourself, do so politely. If there are religious presecriptions (say, wearing a hat in a Jewish cemetery, and not going into a Jewish cemetery on Saturday or on Holy Days), observe them.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago posts signs in its cemeteries informing the visitor that the cemetery is an extension of the church, and that one should conduct oneself accordingly. Good policy for any human burial ground.

Oh, and one last thing - if your religious beliefs and conscience permit, say a prayer for those buried in the cemetery you visit.

[Anonymous]

Two more posts and both are still in a positive tone. I can't believe not one person has felt it was inappropriate. Maybe in the next few days some will post a "not appropriate" comment. I am not trying to be disrespectful but am awed that all of the post are basically "it's ok" postings. Every poster so far knows me through the forums and private emails and knows my character and general disposition and know I am not trying to be disrespectful of them. I still am awed over it all. Maybe some of the older forum members will post "don't take pics there" but we shall see.