Two men discuss trailroad business at Black Butte Siding, in northern California. I was there to photograph trains (what else?). They were there because their jobs demanded it.

The man on the right was the conductor of the train visible here. You might be able to see that he's wearing a safety vest. He had been performing drawbar-knuckle duty during some switching and came over to talk to the other guy.

On the left, and looking quite casual, is another railroad employee. He had arrived in his pick-up truck as I was taking pictures of the train action. While Ralph Tripod was supporting my camera during a long exposure, he walked over to me very casually and struck up a conversation. As he began to speak, he pulled out and opened his wallet, showing me the nice sheriff-like badge contained therein. He was a Union Pacific special agent (railroad policeman).

His first words, spoken half-jokingly, were something like "You're not a terrorist, are you?" We had a nice chat about photography and trains. A shared dislike of terrorists was a brief part of the conversation. Then he talked to the conductor when the latter showed up. As I was setting up Ralph for another shot, he drove away. I stayed for a few more shots, then returned to my motel room in Weed.

Camera support provided by Ralph Tripod. Looking north.
4 seconds at f8, ISO 100; 32mm.