Fall Photography Special 2024

Important Information for all Photo Special Passengers

Note: Passengers must have the ability to traverse possible rough terrain, board and de-board with photography equipment safely and expediently many times throughout the night. Although we don’t exclude children, these events are designed for adult photographer enthusiasts. It is a long night on the train, tiring but exhilarating, and is not recommended for children.

Requirements for riding the Photographer Special Trains:

• • A signed Release of Liability form is required for each passenger. Forms will be available to sign at the train station.
  • Name Badge- These will be distributed at the Durango Depot during orientation.
  • Ability to maintain silence during run-bys.
  • Wear sturdy shoes to safely climb on and off the train and in some locations, scramble over rocks and hills for the best shooting angle. No open-toed or open-heel shoes.  Wear neutral colored clothing in case you accidentally get in another photographer’s frame.
  • Passengers must be physically able to maneuver in rough, hilly terrain and be able to board and unload safely many times. Please do not ride on the platforms or hang out the windows.
  • Although the D&SNG strives to maintain the published schedules, consists and run-bys, the D&SNG assumes no liability for any changes to the above. Consists, schedules and equipment may change without notice.
  • If you have dietary restrictions or special needs, please be sure to bring your own food and beverages.
    
    

Suggestions for a successful Photo Train:

• Be rested and prepared for a full night on board the train. If you are coming from lower elevations, acclimate yourself to the altitude (Durango 6,512’; Silverton 9,305’) a day or two in advance and drink lots of water. Limit alcohol and caffeine intake.
• WEATHER: Come prepared for autumn weather in the San Juan Mountains! Dress in layers for cool evenings. INCLEMENT WEATHER: Unless there are EXTREME weather conditions that force us to cancel the train, we expect to run as planned. (Sometimes some of the best images are captured in less than favorable weather!) We may skip, add, or replace certain run-bys as conditions change. Wear waterproof footwear. Bring rain gear, umbrella, and protection for your camera gear. Often a gallon-size baggie can be great protection from rain. As we get into the mountains, inclement weather can turn cold. Pack a hat and gloves.
  Passengers always have the choice to stay on board during any run-by.
• Wear neutral-colored clothing in case you accidentally get in another photographer’s frame.
• Please maintain silence during the run-bys as there are many people recording the sound of the train from first whistle until out of sight.
• Be sure to have plenty of battery power, memory cards or film. . DURING THE NIGHT PHOTO SESSION, OUR PHOTO TRAIN WILL STOP AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS AND WILL BE LIT WITH LED LIGHTS SO THAT THE PHOTOGRAPHERS CAN TAKE BOTH STILL AND ACTION PHOTOS THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT. THE PHOTOGRAPHERS WILL NEED TO BRING AND BE FAMILIAR WITH THEIR OWN DSLR OR MIRRORLESS CAMERA, A STURDY TRIPOD, A CABLE RELEASE AND A HEADLAMP.
• Tripods help to get a great photo but are also burdensome climbing on and off trains and in the rugged terrain. Please use good judgment in what is right for you.
• You may choose to stay on board during any run-by.  Please do not wave or talk to the photographers on the ground during the photo run-bys.
• We will be on a very tight schedule. In order to do all the scheduled run-bys, photographers must listen to the directions from the staff. Accidents happen when people are rushed so we will NOT rush anyone. However, we may need to skip run-bys in order to keep on schedule.
• The D&SNG reserves the right to prevent any passenger from participating in photo run-bys for failure to comply with railroad rules and regulations or directions set by Conductor. If the Conductor has any safety concerns for any passenger at any run-by location, the D&S reserves the right to keep that passenger on board. Thank you for your cooperation in conducting a safe & enjoyable D&S Photo Train!