Requirements For All Photo Shoots:
- Physically Capable: We ask that guests be prepared for strenuous physical activity. This includes but not limited to being able to maneuver in rough, hilly, snow-packed, and unstable terrain.
- Sturdy shoes: NO open toe/open back shoes. Hiking boots highly recommended.
- Signed “Release of Liability” form.
- Name badge: Name badge must be worn at all times. These are distributed at the Durango Depot during orientation.
- Guests must maintain silence during runbys.
- Clothing: Please wear neutral colored clothing in case you step in another person’s photo line.
Any participant not adhering to the direction of Railroad staff will be escorted off the property and no refund will be given.
Safety will not be compromised.
Thank you for your cooperation.
General Information:
Please be aware that due to steep terrain and the possibility of deep snow, moderate to extreme physical activity will likely be required to access most run-by locations. Those who wish to avoid this exertion will always have the option to remain on board in the comfort of the train.
Tips and Suggestions for Riding the Photography Specials:
- A sturdy tripod and a camera capable of long shutter speeds. Tripods help get a great photo but can be burdensome. Please use your best judgement.
- A remote release or cable release isn’t critical but will certainly improve your odds of getting sharp pictures.
- A small penlight or headlamp is helpful to see settings on your camera and help illuminate the ground around you.
- Be sure to have plenty of battery power, memory cards or film to capture the unique opportunities of night photography.
- Be rested and prepared for a full day on board the train.
- If you are coming from lower elevations, acclimate yourself to the altitude (6,512) a day in advance and be sure to drink plenty of water.
Run-bys
You will have opportunities to get photographs and videos of scenes few people will ever have a chance to get as the train stops in the remote wilderness for you to disembark at specially selected stops. The train will back out of view and once instructed by the conductor, with two long whistles it will proceed toward the photo line with smoke and steam hissing and billowing in the cold mountain air!
Photo Lens Recommendations
If you have multiple lenses, please bring a selection. Most run-bys will be best captured with 55-200mm but for some you may want a wider lens especially if your shot is closer to the track. Since the train starts the run-by from some distance away, you’ll want a longer lens. Many photographers use an 18-200 or 28-300 zoom lens since that works well at all the stops. Generally an extreme wide angle lens will get more than just train & scenery, you’ll probably get the photo line as well! If you’ll be joining us on the night shoot, depending on the shots you want, moderate wide angle to moderate telephoto lenses and anything from 70 to 200 should work well. Hopefully this helps!
Clothing Suggestions
A February night may get very cold in Durango and in the mountains. We recommend that you dress in layers, bring a coat, some gloves and ear warmers too!
Disclaimer
Although the D&SNG strives to maintain the published schedules, consists and runbys, the D&SNG assumes no liability for any changes to the above. Consists, schedules and equipment may change without notice. In order to do all the scheduled runbys, photographers must listen to the directions of the staff. Accidents happen when people are rushed so we will not rush anyone. However, we may need to skip runbys in order to keep on schedule.
The D&SNG reserves the right to prevent any passenger from participating in photo runbys for failure to comply with railroad rules and regulations or directions set by the Conductor. If the Conductor has any safety concerns for for any passenger at any runby location, the D&S reserves the right to keep that passenger on board
The D&S reserves the right to change or cancel the Night Shoot if unforeseen circumstances arise. This includes but is not limited to severely inclement weather, equipment problems and schedule changes. Safety is our number one priority.
Once passed out of sight, the train then returns to pick up the passengers to take them to the next photo run-by. We will plan on having at least 6 run-bys between Durango and our furthest destination of Cascade Canyon!
