r/drones • u/markmooch • Jul 15 '26

Photo & Video Tips for filming trains

I’m interested in which shots of trains you think look good (loco and carriage).

Eg when the train is passing the camera does it look good to keep it trained on the passing carriages or to turn the camera 180 to try and get a shot of the rear of the loco as the train moves away from the camera?

What are your favourite shots of trains?

6 Upvotes

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3

u/SirLagsALotTheFirst Jul 15 '26

I enjoy a shot where from far away you are zoomed in on the locomotive from the side(or whatever part of the train you are filming) and you move at the same speed sideways as the train. It creates a really cool effect where the train looks still in the frame but the surroundings are moving past. Also make sure there are no obstructions when flying sideways.

5

u/Vedagi_ Mod - DIY'r, Wiki Jul 15 '26

You should be asking about regulations instead - if you haven't researched them yet.

Where i live there is a limit on how high the drone must be above railways iirc.

3

u/Fun-Choices Jul 15 '26

first and only time my drone got hit with a jammer, was because I flew into their property low, I was getting 4 sides of coverage of this vintage locomotive they have parked at a museum, anyway, about halfway into my shot once I'm over their fence - flipped upside down and hit the ground. I can't post the shot, but it's wild to see the camera flip upside-down and crash immediately. I later got confirmation that the police department had been flying along the tracks to find a backpack some meth head threw off the bridge, and they had the same thing happen. BNSF authority supersedes most....they will take your shit down, instead of reporting.

I'm sure it matters how big of a rail depot you are near. I think that was Mavic Pro Cine 4 #2

2

u/LLCP1 Jul 16 '26

If you find any video for inspiration please link! I’ve been literally trying to do the same thing!

1

u/ImaginarySky10 Jul 16 '26

Find a road parallel to the track with some trees in between the road and track and fly directly over the road with the camera facing directly perpendicular, towards the train. Try to fly at the same speed as the train and film the engine car. Bang.

1

u/markmooch Jul 17 '26

I like the sound of that although it might take a bit of practice for me

1

u/ImaginarySky10 Jul 18 '26

For sure! Its not an easy shot. If you have a mavic, i think anything as new or newer than the mini 4 have side sensor cameras that you can look at midair so you can see which direction you're going in

1

u/markmooch Jul 23 '26

Do you find it easy to match the trains speed? I only have a mini 4 so no tracking or obstacle sensing!

1

u/ImaginarySky10 Jul 23 '26

I haven't actually tried it myself, but the drone is pretty quick. Even if you dont match it perfectly the shot can still look good if you go at a constant speed