The Golden Rules Of Being A Bus Enthusiast!
This is a very tongue in cheek guide for bus enthusiasts... I'm sure most of us can relate to at least one but probably most of these 'rules' and I'm sure we all know someone (not me Guv!) who's broken a few of these too!
- Never enter ANY vehicle unless you're invited by the owner/driver/operator. You wouldn't be too happy to find someone sitting in your car when you get back to it would you?
- Never touch, move, fiddle with anything on anyone's vehicle unless asked to. You could cause a serious injury to yourself and others by touching things that you shouldn't.
- Always be aware of things going on around you (vehicle movements etc.), it's no use having the best picture of 7681 when you're in an ambulance heading to hospital,
- Try not to get in the way of anyone taking pictures, if you do, smile and apologise.
- If someone gets in the way when you're taking a picture, be patient. Don't 'huff' loudly, scream at them to move or swear at them. Be patient. Maybe go somewhere where the vehicle will go which has unrestricted views (entrance or exit of site for example.)
- Be aware that a lot of bus shows and running days are aimed at families as well as enthusiasts. Families will happily wander in to your photographs, expect to ride on every bus and will want to sit in every cab....
- Only enter bus garages and operators yards and preservationist's storeage with their permission. You wouldn't be too impressed to find someone in your garden taking pictures would you?
- If allowed to visit the bus garage, wear a high viz and be aware of vehicle movements around you.
- Never get in the way of the travelling (and fare paying) public.
- When photographing service buses, be aware of your surroundings, the type of route the bus is on and the passengers it's going to carry. (For example: it's not a great idea stood outside a school at kicking out time taking pictures of the school bus loading up with kids...)
- With regard to number 6, remember young children and families might be within earshot so keep the salty language for later on down the pub!
Most of all BE POLITE AND HAVE FUN!