Train tracks for school pics and portraits.

I have seen it time and again - to a point where I wouldn't like to guess how many times.

What is the affinity of photographers to use railroad tracks in a shot/shoot. Every time I see it I laugh. I have never known people to lay across tracks normally. Or find them a good contemplative place to sit. So why are they so often used as backdrops or locations? Does it some how represent that the person is "on track"? I know of old lines around here but can think of 1000 places I would rather do a portrait.

Certainly let me know what I am missing here

So do yours in those 1,000 other places...

It is an old trick, and I can see why you would laugh at it. Personally, I think they create a nice line in the background that fades in the bokeh.

Its a cool trick, but definitely played out a bit.

edited: bah, I reread your thread. Nevermind =)

but remember, being on RR tracks is considered trespassing and could face federal charges

haha...
I asked basically the same question in this thread https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=988846 a few months ago.

I appreciate the comments.

Phil - I'm a fellow Aussie so perhaps this plays a roll in questioning the scene too!!

I'd say you're not missing anything

Probably used by people to use the leading lines of the tracks to the subject to draw the viewer to the subject. I agree that I would not use this - unless someone works for the railroad.

But different strokes for different folks.

BLD_007 wrote in post #13447472
but remember, being on RR tracks is considered trespassing and could face federal charges

As well as being terminally stupid... Sitting down or laying on railroad tracks can be fatal. You'd be surprised how many people thought they'd be able to hear the train coming and didn't.

I've seen a locomotive run over and bend a half inch thick piece of steel as easily as you or I would fold a sheet of paper. Imagine what it will do to the human body...